MTB Kids

Kids Mountain Biking Programs

Ages 6-12

Pedal Kids bike coach mountain biking with student

PROGRAM Group:

MTB Kids

WHAT TO EXPECT

SEASONAL BIKE CLUBS

MULTI-DAY CAMPS

PRIVATE LESSONS

Kids Mountain Biking Skills

Whether your child is a beginner seeking MTB-confidence or a more experienced rider eager to master new skills, MTB Kids is the perfect opportunity to learn the fundamentals and ride all levels of single track safely. Kids will learn a range of essential bike skills, including:

  • Modulating speeds on downhills using 2 hand brakes.
  • Safely climbing and descending, including bermed turns.
  • Taking off and landing safely on small table top jumps.
  • Quickly anticipating changes in terrain by shifting gears.
  • Moving their body independently from their bicycle to stay in control in varied terrain.
  • Navigating sustained singletrack climbs.
  • Using proper trail etiquette with others.
  • Understanding fundamental trail stewardship principles.

Mountain Bike Skill Levels

MTB Kids Level 3

  • Displays interest in riding mountain bike trails
  • Rides a 20″ wheel or bigger with multiple gears
  • Able to shift gears on command (if using a multi-speed bike)
  • Able to pedal in a straight line for 100 feet or more
  • Able to turn bike without putting feet on the ground
  • Able to slow down without putting feet on the ground
  • Consistently stopping safely using only handbrakes
  • Able to Coast downhill smoothly while standing with level pedals
  • Always able to Climb a greenway hill w/ little struggle
  • Able to modulate speed on both hills and corners
  • Able to look in multiple directions while riding
  • Consistently displays good greenway etiquette

Endurance: Can ride 3-5 miles in 1.5 hours

  • Displays interest in riding mountain bike trails
  • Rides a 20″ wheel or bigger with multiple gears
  • Able to shift gears on command (if using a multi-speed bike)
  • Able to pedal in a straight line for 100 feet or more
  • Able to turn bike without putting feet on the ground
  • Able to slow down without putting feet on the ground
  • Consistently stopping safely using only handbrakes
  • Able to Coast downhill smoothly while standing with level pedals
  • Always able to Climb a greenway hill w/ little struggle
  • Able to modulate speed on both hills and corners
  • Able to look in multiple directions while riding
  • Consistently displays good greenway etiquette

Endurance: Can ride 3-5 miles in 1.5 hours

  • Able to maintain sustained climbs of 200’ vertical on smooth singletrack without stopping
  • Consistently anticipates gear shifts before climbs
  • Very comfortable using bike-body separation
  • Very comfortable using Ready Position
  • Able to ratchet pedals when needed
  • Can start pedaling on a hill
  • Always able to climb green rated singletrack trails comfortably, including switchbacks
  • Usually able to climb blue rated singletrack trails comfortably, including switchbacks
  • Able to safely modulate downhill speed on all green trails and most blue trails, including switchbacks
  • Comfortable approaching and rolling over table top jumps with trail speed

MTB Kids Level 4

  • All Level 3 skills
  • Signed off as a Level 4 rider by a Pedal Kids Coach

Endurance: Can ride 6-8 miles of rolling mountain bike terrain in 1.5 hours

  • All Level 3 skills
  • Signed off as a Level 4 rider by a Pedal Kids Coach

Endurance: Can ride 6-8 miles of rolling mountain bike terrain in 1.5 hours

  • Comfortably riding for 10+ miles at a time on rolling singletrack
  • Able to ride most blue trails with confidence
  • Able to quickly anticipate changes in terrain by shifting gears and modulating speed with brakes
  • Sustained climbs are not a problem
  • Riding some black trails with confidence
  • Consistently uses of two hand brakes while descending on all blue trails at trail speed
  • Comfortable catching air on small to medium size table tops
  • Comfortable landing drops up to 3’ tall with clear run outs
  • Able to change body position while climbing to maintain traction on technical singletrack without stopping
  • Easily able to use a front wheel lift while riding technical singletrack
  •  

MTB Kids Level 5

  • All Level 4 skills
  • Signed off as a Level 5 rider by a Pedal Kids Coach

Endurance: Can ride 10+ miles of rolling mountain bike terrain in one ride

  • All Level 4 skills
  • Signed off as a Level 5 rider by a Pedal Kids Coach

Endurance: Can ride 10+ miles of rolling mountain bike terrain in one ride

Needed For Advancement to Air Force

  • Recommended for advancement by a Pedal Kids Coach
Group of kids in mountain bike class in Bentonville Arkansas

Life Skills

Beyond the bike skills learned, our MTB Kids program emphasizes the development of character and vital social and emotional skills that last a lifetime.

Performance Character Development

  • Resilience
  • Perseverance
  • Patience
  • Focus

 

Through the challenges and triumphs of mountain biking, children gain resilience and perseverance as they navigate varied terrains and tackle new obstacles. Kids learn the importance of patience and focus during sustained climbs and technical descents, enhancing their ability to handle real-life situations with calm and determination.

Moral Character Development

  • Stewardship
  • Teamwork
  • Ownership
  • Kindness
  • Empathy

 

Through our S.T.O.K.E. values (Stewardship, Teamwork, Ownership, Kindness, Empathy), and group rides, we create learning environments that foster teamwork, healthy communication, trail etiquette, environmental stewardship, responsibility, a sense of community and respect for others.

These life lessons go beyond the trail, helping to mold confident, compassionate individuals equipped to meet life’s challenges head-on.

MTB Kids - Bike Club

Where young riders in Elementary and Middle School can explore, learn, and grow on their bikes – for life!

More than just another seasonal youth sports program; MTB Kids Bike Club promises to infuse your child’s after-school evenings with real outdoor adventure, connection to community, team camaraderie, robust sense of self-confidence, and FUN.

Whether your child is already an avid mountain biker or just starting to explore off-road riding, our club provides the perfect setting to accelerate their bike journey alongside professional Coaches and other kids their age.

Let us help your kids learn to safely enjoy our incredible mountain bike trails and become bikers for life through our structured youth sports program that goes beyond conventional ball sports. 

two kids riding mountain bikes in Bentonville Arkansas

Weekend MTB School

2 hour weekend classes that allow local kids to extend their weekday Bike Club rides, or fit in a Pedal Kids MTB program alongside other commitments.

Visiting Bentonville?

Weekend MTB School is the “ski school for bikes” your looking for!

Sign up for one day at a time and rest assured our Pedal Kids coaches will place your child in a group that  takes their riding to the next level!

Group of kids in mountain bike class in Bentonville Arkansas

MTB Kids - Camps

Where young riders learn fundamental skills and become mountain bikers for life! 

Each day camp begin with fun mountain bike skills games that help kids foster decision-making, relationship building, and vital mtb skills.

Campers then set off on exciting on-the-bike adventures, tackling diverse trail challenges and honing mtb abilities with groups organized by skill level.

Off-the-bike activities like bike cleaning, maintenance, safety checks, and bike-themed games round out the camp experience.

Pedal Kids mountain bike coach teaching a young rider on the trail

MTB Kids - Private Lessons

Hire a Pedal Kids coach just for kid(s) or family.

Our Mountain Bike Lessons are for kids 6 and up, tailored to beginners through advanced riders, guiding them to the next level.

Up to 3 riders to 1 Coach.

Pedal Kids coach with young girl in a private bike lesson

MTB COACHING FOR NEVER-EVERS TO SHREDDERS

Looking for a positive youth sports program that gives your child the positive learning environment, guided by core values, that promotes healthy mental as well as physical development?

Pedal Kids has your back! As soon as your kiddo begins their biking journey we have more classes and fun experiences for your kid to enjoy riding!

Follow the navigation above to find what programs are the best fit for your kiddo or reach out to us for guidance:

programs@pedalkids.com

Our Goal

As coaches, our primary goal is not to simply advance technical skills, but to help young riders fall in love with the sport of mountain biking… for life.

Our Purpose

We believe in helping kids develop life-long happiness through the sport we deeply love.

A sport that delivers happiness through community, outdoor exploration, physical accomplishment, and character development.

We Believe In...

Improving Athletes Competence, Confidence, Connection, and Character

The consistent application of integrated professional, interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge to improve athletes’ competence, confidence, connection and character in specific coaching contexts.

Building Lifelong Happiness Through Cycling

Athletics is a platform and a means to a greater end. There is a higher purpose than winning.

Athlete-centered Coaching

Athlete-centered coaching requires letting go of your ego and accepting that sticky learning is not always quick learning. It requires recognizing that today's result is not a great indicator of learning and development if the outcome is a result of coaching influence, not athlete discovery.

Pedal Like A Champ | Ride Like A Team

GET THE BIKING GEAR YOU NEED

Buddy Pegs Family Bike Shop sells Bikes, Helmets, Gloves, Pads, Tools, and everything you need to begin your kiddo’s biking career! We carry the top kid’s oriented biking brands across the United States to help your kiddo get from never ever to shredder in no time! Begin shopping more than 100’s of products below!