Seasoned mountain bikers that live/ride in urban San Francisco are clearly enjoying the recent trail revitalization to the McLaren and Mount Sutro trail networks that SFUR members have generously contributed to. As awesome as all the trail improvements are, there is an even more amazing MTB development happening in the heart of our urban playground: Youth Mountain Bike Instruction and Programming continues to grow in popularity and participation. What speaks better to the future of San Francisco cycling recreation than kids getting out and enjoying their open space in a healthy and contemporary fashion!
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2009 in McLaren Park.
SF Urban Riders is proud of the seeds we have planted at the youth level, and the amazing youth opportunities that continue to blossom from those efforts. Now there are several ways that youth in our urban confines can practice and participate in organized Mountain Biking activities. Whether it is starting out with instruction at a summer camp, or challenging themselves taking laps at a high school race series.
Introduction to Mountain Biking Programs: SFUR has developed a complete introductory mountain bike curriculum geared toward youth with current basic bike skills. The program aims to improve every participants braking, cornering, and balance skills by emphasizes the best techniques. The program also focuses on improving endurance, exploring nature, understanding trail etiquette, and the importance of proper nutrition. This program is available at the Presidio YMCA all Summer (2011), and through SFRPD at Crocker Amazon Park in July, 2011. To Register for the Youth Mountain Bike programs follow the appropriate links:
More Info on the Presidio YMCA program can be found here:
More Info on the SFRPD Crocker Amazon program can be found here:
(SFRPD Youth Mountain Biking classes can be found on Page 25 of the 2011 Summer Activities Guide)
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Event (TKMBD): Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is a national event, organized locally by SFUR since 2009. The spirit of the event is to provide a FREE opportunity for kids and families to have a safe and rewarding mountain biking experience locally in McLaren Park. SFUR and its partners Presidio YMCA, SF Recreation & Parks Department, Specialized Bicycles, IMBA, Clif Bar and others provide certified instructors, a pre-designed course, a fleet of demo bicycles, and even nutritional snacks so every kid could concentrate on just having fun and learning better bike skills! The final details for this years TKMBD event are still be worked out. In the meantime, mark your calendars for Saturday September 24th, 2011 to participate in this awesome event!
SF Composite High School Team: The top rung of the youth cycling pyramid is the San Francisco Composite High School team that formed this year to compete in the Norcal High School Cycling League. The team came together in true grassroots fashion, with a single bike shop (Big Swingin’ Cycles) connecting a few like-minded kids together from different schools, and then inspiring support from their families. Our riders put together an impressive first season with little resources, and only a few weeks to prepare. Big salute to Brendan, Calvin, and Neil for chasing their dreams even under difficult circumstances. If you know a young rider looking for more information on the SF High School Mountain Biking team contact SF Urban Riders!
Brendan breaking from the pack at the start of a Norcal race.
SF High School Composite team members Neil, Calvin, and Brendan
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