Downieville Classic SBTS Youth Ride with the Pros

On‐Mountain Prep with the Pros

Hot news! – Student signups are open now for the SBTS Prep with the Pros day at the Downieville Classic. On Thursday, July 8th (9am) and Friday, July 9th (9am) pro riders will team up with students on the trails of the race course. This is a fabulous opportunity for young riders to learn about mountain biking skills, the racing scene, and stewardship of the trails we all love to ride. Professional riders are taking a break in their valuable race preparations to “give back” to the community, sharing good times and great ideas with area youth.

 Here’s how it goes: Youth riders meet in Downieville at the Yuba Expeditions bike shop at 9am. Students and pros will be shuttled to Packer Saddle for a mountain‐top orientation at 10:30. We ride the Sunrise Trail to a spot where the pros will introduce themselves and show some winning techniques in bike handling. Then we break in to groups and ride the upper sections of the Downieville Downhill course. All riders will assemble mid‐mountain at an SBTS trails demonstration area where our Trails Crew chiefs will explain how mountain bike / hiking trails come to be, and how we take care of them. The pro riders will talk about trail riding vs. racing, and provide their real‐world insights on blending environmental stewardship, smarts and fun in mountain riding. After a snack break, the students and pros will finish the course back to Downieville. The ride is a chance for youth to pick up technique pointers from the pros – perhaps learning a thing or two for those entered in the weekend’s races! The event ends in the 2pm range, back in town at the Yuba Expeditions shop, conveniently located next to the river for a cool post‐ride dip. SBTS wants young riders to have great skills and an even greater understanding and respect for the land we ride. The On Mountain Pro/Youth Day is our way of bringing the “why we ride, and why we love the land” goodness to the next generation of mountain bikers. The pros are pumped up. Pros from last year included: 

• Jason Moeschler
• Brian Lopes
• Ariel Lindsley
• Abby Hippely
• Thomas Frischknecht
• Adam Craig
• Eric Carter
• and Kenny Burt

 Pro/Youth Day is open to students who are comfortable with challenging off‐road riding. The Downieville Downhill trail is not for beginners, but SBTS is willing to speak with parents about an individual’s skill level. We are not providing a child‐care service here – the day is for self‐ sufficient students who will be supported and continuously accompanied by experienced pros and SBTS board members. Your student’s trail bike must be in good condition and equipped with spare tube and tire change tools. Must have a helmet and water carried in a pack or secure bottles.Everyone MUST pre‐register before Tuesday, July 6th via email to cartersboat@gmail.com. Parents/guardians must complete our event Liability Release form in advance or in person by 9am at the event. There is no fee – donations to SBTS are heartily encouraged. Sign up now – space is limited to the first 12!