MTB FAQs - Parks Recreation & Heritage

Do you have questions about our MTB Program or wondering which level to register your rider? Check out our FAQ!

Are you a Grom? A Shredder? A Sender? Here are the category outlines for each!

Groms is our beginner level program which focuses on the fundamentals of mountain biking. Riders will learn how to be more confident on their bike by learning how to keep their pedals flat, proper brake modulation, improve body positioning, pumping and gear changing. Riders will develop their skills by learning how to go over and around obstacles on a variety of uneven terrain and turn on flat corners and berms.

Shredders is our intermediate level program which focuses on further developing the rider to feel confident tackling a variety of trails. Riders will learn how to jump, pump, turn on flat corners and berms, line choice through technical sections, proper brake modulation, body positioning and hill climbs. Shredders will ride on green and blue level trails and work through a number of drills and exercises that will help take their riding to the next level.

Senders is our expert level program designed to provide advanced riders an opportunity to further develop their skills and push their riding further! Riders will use their advanced skills to go faster, higher, further and BIGGER on technical trails. Senders will ride blue and black diamond trails and will be challenged to continue to grow as a rider. This program will also have some race specific drills and exercises which will allow riders to train and progress within the growing racing scene on Vancouver Island. This program is for EXPERT RIDERS only.

How old should the riders be for each category?

Groms are 6 to 12 years old.

Shredders are 7 to 15 years old.

Senders are 9 to 17 years old.

What are the required riding abilities?

Groms

Has some road and trail riding experience

Ability to stand while pedaling

Able to use brakes

Able to ride down small hills and some uneven ground

Shredders

Has trail riding experience

Can ride on beginner and intermediate trails

Able to use front and back brakes

Able to ride over roots, rocks, and small jumps

Can ride up hills without support

Able to turn on flat corners and berms at medium speeds

Can ride through a variety of different trails with some confidence

Senders

Is an experienced mountain biker

Can ride expert level trails

Is able to ride jumps, rolls, drops and technical features

Can pedal uphill medium to long distances without support

Able to ride technical trails with confidence

Has enrolled in our programs previously

What should riders know for each level?

Groms

Basic braking knowledge

Basic gear chnaging knowledge

Basic understanding of how to balance on a bike

Wants to learn the basics of the sport

Understands basic parts of the bike

Able to pedal without assistance

Shredders

Has a decent understanding of front and back brake usage

Knows how to change gears effectively

Has an understanding of jumping, cornring, pumping and climbing

Wants to learn new and exciting skills and elevate riding abilities

Has an understanding of components and their use on the bike

Understands body position

Senders

Has a strong understanding of mountain biking

Strong understanding of body position

Strong understanding of brake control and modulation

Is driven to develop and progress as a mountain biker

Has a strong understanding of components and their use on the bike

Has a strong understanding of riding technical features and obstacles

Understands line choices

Is there any equipment that is required?

Groms	Shredders	Senders
**ALL LEVELS - Please dress for the weather and have riders arrive in clothes that can get wet and muddy, and keep riders warm in cold weather*
Required Helmet - Helmet loaning options available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals! Gloves Closed toe shoes Backpack Water bottle with your name on it Snack Spare tube (must fit the rider's tire)	Required Helmet - Full-faced helmet borrowing available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals! Knee pads *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Gloves Closed toe shoes Backpack Water bottle with your name on it Snack Spare tube (must fit the rider's tire)	Required Full-faced helmet MANDATORY - Full-faced helmet borrowing available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals! Knee pads HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Gloves Closed toe shoes Backpack Water bottle with your name on it Snack Spare tube (must fit the rider's tire)

I heard we can borrow helmets! How does that work?

Full face helmets are available to Alberni Trail Riding Program participants to borrow for the duration of the participants trail riding program or camp. Full-face helmets borrowed for Alberni Trail Riding Programs, are to be picked up and dropped off by the rider’s parent/guardian at Echo Centre (4255 Wallace Street, Monday to Friday 9:00am-4:00pm). Borrowed helmets must be returned to Echo Centre within 3-days of the last day of the participant’s program or camp or a $175 Administration Fee will be deducted from the rider’s parent/guardian’s credit card on account.

There is no rental fee for the use of the helmets as our goal is to provide a safer riding experience for all riders in the Alberni Trail Riding Programs. Please ensure that care and safe keeping of this helmet while it is in your possession. This includes ensuring that mud and dirt are wiped off and it is stored in a location that will allow it to fully dry.

If you have any questions regarding this helmet policy or how to properly use a full-face helmet, please contact Dave Osborne, Recreation Programmer at 250-720-2525 or [email protected].