Downieville Classic Special Youth Event: On-Mountain Prep with the Pros

Hot news! - SBTS is introducing a HUGE new feature to the Downieville Classic festival. On Wednesday and Thursday, July 8th & 9th, pro riders will be partnered with students (ages 12 to 21) in the On Mountain Pro/Youth Days. 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 10am. Students and pros will be shuttled to Packer Saddle for a mountain-top orientation at 11. We break in to small groups and ride the upper sections of the Downieville Downhill (Sunrise/Butcher Ranch) 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. And while we’re at it, expect a little hands-on digging in the dirt for everyone! 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.

With our minds expanded and fuel in our bellies, 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 2-3pm 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 about this, and we say a big Thank You to those already confirmed:

• Mark Weir
• Jason Moeschler
• Brian Lopes
• Tom Ritchy
• Thomas Frischknecht
• Adam Craig
• Eric Carter
• Kenny Burt

More top riders are being confirmed soon...

The event 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 any child-care service – the day is for self-sufficient students who will be supported and continuously accompanied by experienced pros and SBTS board members.

Pick your day, either Wednesday or Thursday, and everyone MUST pre-register before Tuesday, July 7th via email to cartersboat@gmail.com. There is no fee – donations to SBTS are heartily encouraged.

Sign up now – this one’s filling up fast!