The Genesee Valley Cycling Club is excited to announce that Gregg Griffo and Tony Sylor are pulling together a new juniors skills clinic!
First clinic is Sunday, May 19th @ Whiting Rd in Webster. They will also hit Dryer Rd and Ontario County Park.
These clinics are limited to kids ages 6-9 and registration is capped at 15.
Registration is here.
Any questions please contact Gregg at griffog123@gmail.com.
All the details:
Ride Format and Details
The goal of these group rides is to teach young riders, who have basic riding skills, to ride single track mtb trails. Kids will build confidence, strength, and technical ability while having fun and riding with other kids their age.
Rides will focus on a variety of techniques including descending and climbing as well as riding pump tracks roots, rocks, logs, and skinnies.
Before attending, kids should have mastered basic riding skills such as shifting, braking, and standing while pedaling. Some off-road experience is a plus. Kids should be able to ride for 1-2 hours (with occasional breaks for snacks and water).
Parents are welcome to ride with the kids but it is not required.
Ride Dates and Locations (5 Total)
Locations are subject to change based on weather and trail conditions. Registered participants will be notified through email.)
May 19 Whiting Road Nature Preserve 403 Whiting Rd, Webster, NY 14580
May 26 Dryer Road Park, 7405 Dryer Rd Victor, NY 14564
June 2 Dryer Road Park, 7405 Dryer Rd Victor, NY 14564
June 9 Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill 6475 Gannett Hill Park Dr Naples, NY 14512
June 16 Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill 6475 Gannett Hill Park Dr Naples, NY 14512
Bikes/Helmets/Hydration
Most kids bikes are designed for riding around the neighborhood and will not hold up to the demands of single track trails. With a wide variety of costs and set-ups available, light bikes specifically designed for kids to ride xc mtb trails will get them the best experience. No matter what bike you choose for your child, please make sure that you have working hand brakes (ideally disc brakes) with a front shock, functioning gears, and good tires.
Please do not attend with fully rigid bikes, single speed or three speed bikes, coaster brakes, or slick/bald tires. These options will be dangerous for your child on the trails.
Helmets are mandatory. There are lots of options out there, but please make sure your child’s helmet fits properly. Full face helmets are not necessary for this type of riding but there are models available if you are concerned about protecting your child’s face. Make sure it complies with the U.S. CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets. We recommend a helmet with a MIPS design, which can be found in many different brands and will give your child the best protection.
Hydration backpacks are very important on the trail. Kids will need water and the coaches will not be able to carry enough water for all riders. Bottles and cages can work but might be hard to fit on a kid's bike frame, and bottles often shoot-out of cages on MTB trails.
Other Equipment
Sneakers with a stiff sole and velcro straps will give your child the best grip on the pedal, especially when riding trails. They do not have to be bike specific, but here is an example of mtb kids shoes if you’re interested.
Shinpads/knee pads are highly recommended. Riding with flat pedals on trails often results in pedals hitting the shins/knees, causing painful bruises and cuts. Pads also provide protection in a crash. Please note that many pads on the market are designed for skate parks while others are designed for downhill mtb riding. In both cases, those pads can be bulky, making it difficult to pedal on xc trails. Below are two examples of high quality pads that work well for xc riding.
Elbow pads are less important than shin and knee pads for this style of riding but can be helpful in adding protection in a crash. Just like shin and knee pads, many elbow pads are designed for skate parks or downhill riding. The pads below are a good example of a xc pad that won’t be too bulky but will provide protection in a crash.
Gloves and bike shorts are great for added comfort. Bike shorts (baggy or tight) will provide your child a little added protection from the saddle and gloves will provide grip and protection in a crash. There are tons of options available in various styles and prices. These are not mandatory but recommended for the best experience possible.
About the Coaches
Gregg Griffo has a 6-year-old son who will be ridging in the group, and a 3-year old daughter who is just getting into riding but will be watching from a far. He is Safe Sport certified. He has taught several cycling clinics for cyclocross for kids 4-6 as well as teens to adults.
Tony Sylor has a 7-year-old daughter who will be riding in the group, and a 2-year-old daughter who will be looking to join soon. He is First Aid, CRP, and Safe Sport certified. He is a high school teacher who also coaches a middle/high school mtb club, JV baseball, and youth downhill skiing.
