Youth Program

Posted March 23, 2008 8:35 PM

Youth Blog

2008 – The Big Picture

Incredible single track...
Tips from the pros...
Fun camp outs...
Protecting the mountains...
It’s all part of the SBTS 2008 Youth Program!

We are inviting high school and college students to participate in group trail rides, pro skills clinics, and trail building. We think fun and challenging mountain biking events will grow your skills, introduce you to other bikers, and get you fired up to spend more time in one of the world’s best mountain biking destinations. Our goal is to get students and parents together at these events, doing something fun and positive together.

This year’s April & August Trail Daze, and May & September Epics will have Student sections with Pro level racers donating time to work with students on expert bike handling skills and riding techniques. Our goal is to teach the difference between racing skills and trail riding techniques. Back country riding is a very different style and experience from racing, and learning to do it right opens up a world of bike exploration possibilities.

The second aspect of these events is the trail building and maintenance techniques taught on these weekends. You will learn from the SBTS experts how these trails that were cut by the gold miners 130 years ago are kept in shape for all user groups as we emphasize the techniques that reduce damage to the trail and improve the back country experience for all users. Putting some sweat in to the trails makes the rides so much sweeter. You’ll do this alongside the pros – this is the best classroom most of us have ever seen. We encourage students who are looking to fulfill their schools’ community service hours requirements to bring those volunteer hour logs and ask our Board members to validate them at the work-day events.

Industry / SBTS sponsor representatives will also be attending the events. These are the people that work in the industry. Bike builders, parts manufacturers, cycling journalists, shop owners - all professionals ready to share their industry knowledge with interested students. They are on hand to talk about what they do in their jobs and how that relates to education, and the importance of the industries’ connection with groups like SBTS. These are the people who’ve figured out how to make a living in mountain biking, and we’re fortunate that they want to share their thoughts and tips with area students.

Get on our email list and we’ll notify you of upcoming event details. This web page will be updated regularly with more information.

For years school groups have partnered with SBTS on trail work events; if you would like to create an event for your school group, please contact Greg Carter at cartersboat@gmail.com.

Some groundrules:

The SBTS Youth Program teaches Responsibility. Our programs are designed to expand each student’s perspective on healthy and sustainable living on the mountain bike trails of California. Events are organized by dedicated volunteers who teach students a range of safe bike handling, environmental stewardship and outdoors skills. We work as a team, with no one allowed to leave the group alone. For students under 18 who spend the night at our campouts, you must provide arrangements for an adult chaperone. We are not set up for keeping tabs on your students overnight.

Students whose parents can’t join an event may attend with a responsible adult and a signed parental consent form (click here)
The Trail Daze events have one adult for each 2-3 students. We provide a medical first aid trained volunteer. Our rides and trail work are in remote areas, but they are led by guides who know the fastest access to medical services.
We keep the students busy (that’s the key to a successful event) with structured agendas.
We camp at US Forest Service group campsites, and follow all posted rules of the campground managers.
Students are expected to participate in preparing meals and maintaining a responsible campsite.
We welcome parents to all SBTS Youth events. We started this program to spend quality time with our kids on the trails, and hope you are inspired to do the same. Bike riding is not required—there are plenty of hiking, trail work and relaxation opportunities for everyone. Let us know how you’d like to participate!
Transportation to SBTS events in and around Downieville is encouraged by carpooling with SBTS members. Part of our mission is to minimize the number of cars needed, so networking via emails and our event web pages will appear in the month prior to each event.