One of the trickiest variables we face as we lead the way in Youth Cycling Education is not only structuring our programs to account for the riding variation in age & ability level, but also accurately communicating the dynamics & variations of riding to our parents.
Similar to other sports, we’re accounting for things like age, size (height, arm/leg reach, etc.), endurance & strength, appropriate equipment, etc.. What’s unique is that we’re applying these measures to youth cycling and it’s plethora of milestones and fine-tuned skills one can learn.
That’s where our Development Model, a model based half/half on both age & ability, comes in!
Navigating your child’s biking journey will be much easier once you understand their ability level as it relates to both their age and the kind of riding they should be doing, on what kind of bike.
Here’s a quick rundown of our Program Groups (bolded) to help you gauge where they are and where they’re headed next.
Buddy Pegs is all about the foundation. Starting at Level 1, kids work on balance biking, learning to glide and steer confidently. As they progress to Level 2, they’re ready to pedal independently, setting the stage for longer rides. Level 3 introduces longer rides on surface and light offroad trails, where they start to develop climbing and shifting skills, laying the groundwork for more challenging adventures.
When they’re ready for the next level of fun, Pedal Champs takes over. This group also spans Levels 1-3, offering a more dynamic structure and challenge for those eager to refine their skills and take on a bit more distance.
Level 1 is always learning to pedal/balance bikes, and Level 2 is always greenway/paved riding – but the biggest difference between Buddy Pegs (ages 0-5) and Pedal Champs (ages 5-12) is age.
MTB Kids is where the real trail riding begins. At Level 3, kids should have decent climbing and shifting capabilities, perfect for greenway rides and some green trails. By the time they reach Level 4, they’ll be solid climbers and shifters, ready to tackle green and blue trails with confidence.
For those who’ve caught the biking bug, Air Force is the ultimate challenge, covering Levels 4-5. These riders are not just solid climbers and shifters; they’ve also ventured onto more technical blue trails and might even be dabbling in some black diamond territory. It’s advanced mountain biking at its finest, designed for those ready to push their limits.
By understanding these levels, you can better support your child’s progress and celebrate their achievements, whether they’re just starting to balance on two wheels or conquering advanced trails.
As we roll into Fall, it’s a great time to think about how their skills can continue to grow in one of our age-specific bike clubs (check them out below!), but no rush—they’ll get there at their own pace!
NWA: Air Force | Bike Club (Elementary age) | Bike Club (Middle-School age) | Pre-K Bike Club