Tiny Ones Summer 2022

This camp is designed for our youngest riders and is focused on PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS and RIDING SKILLS.

PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS

Plenty of time for free play is offered while we move through the trails. Children can play on boulders and logs, play with sticks to build forts,… We encourage pretend play to help our younger public build their social skills. 

RIDING SKILLS

Our sessions bring emphasis on the following skills:

• Stance and balance, learning to stand up, going downhill with pedals leveled…
• Brakes and gears: when and how to use them.

AGE AND SKILLS

For PK-K riders (as of September 2022), from beginners to intermediate riders.

Riders are grouped depending on the rider’s experience and skills. 

Kids ride with their coach in little pods of three or up to six kids for two coaches.

Note that we try our best to accommodate your requests but our coaches have the best perspective and expertise to offer the optimal experience for your child and the other riders. 

INSTRUCTOR RATIO

Instructor to rider ratio is 1:3 to allow for safety, confidence building, and maximum individualized attention to each rider’s physical and emotional needs.

Each camp is limited to 12 riders maximum.

GEAR

For ages 4 to 6, we recommend 12” wheels or larger with at least one handbrake. No coaster brakes or training wheels please. 

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

• • 8:30 AM-11:30 PM

• Two-day camps

• We meet directly at Phil’s TH (at the bottom of the road past the parking lot) or at the Welcome Center off Cascade Lakes Highway.

Two camps only: 

• July 6-7

• July 27-28

COST 

Two-Day camp $240

Little Ones Summer 2022

We offer two-day camps or four-day camps.

These camps are focused on PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS and RIDING SKILLS.

PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS

Plenty of time for free play is offered while we move through the trails. Children can play on boulders and logs, play with sticks to build forts,… We encourage pretend play to help our younger public build their social skills. 

RIDING SKILLS

Our sessions bring emphasis on the following skills:

• Stance and balance, learning to stand up, going downhill with pedals leveled…
• Brakes and gears: when and how to use them.
• Vision: anticipating and line choices. 
• Cornering skills for more advanced riders.

AGE AND SKILLS

This program is designed for our younger riders, for 1st to 3rd graders (September 2022), from beginners to intermediate riders.

Riders are grouped by age for better focus, age-appropriate activities, and terrain choices. Within the age groups, depending on the rider’s experience and skills, kids ride with their coach in little pods of four or up to eight kids for two coaches.

Note that we try our best to accommodate your requests but our coaches have the best perspective and expertise to offer the optimal experience for your child and the other riders. 

INSTRUCTOR RATIO

Instructor to rider ratio is 1:4 to allow for safety, confidence building, and maximum individualized attention to each rider’s physical and emotional needs.

Each session is limited to 20 riders maximum.

GEAR

• For ages 6 and 7 we recommend 20” wheels or larger with at least one handbrake. 

No coaster brakes or training wheels please.

• For ages 8 and 9 we recommend 24″ wheels or larger, two hand brakes. Gears are recommended but not mandatory. No slick tires.

These recommendations are approximative and always depend on your child’s size.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

• 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

• We meet directly at Phil’s TH (at the bottom of the road past the parking lot) 

Two-Day camps: 

• June 20-21

• July 11-12

• August 1-2

• August 17-18
• August 22-23

Four-Day camps:

• June 27-30

• July 25-28

• August 8-11

COST 

Two-Day camp $175

Four-Day camp $350

Youth Mountain Bike Camps Summer 2022

Our Summer camps have one main objective: having fun on the bike!

It’s a time to discover the trails or know them better, and some skills are reviewed in order to keep the riders safe (braking, body position,…).

In order to participate in Youth camps, riders need to have a minimum  24” mountain bike (hardtail or full suspension) with two hand-brakes, gears and mountain bike tires (no slick tires). The bike must be in perfect riding condition. 

Check How to Choose a program and Kids Bike set up guidelines for more details.

The riders are also responsible to bring their own gear (helmet, knee pads, backpack, etc…). Although not mandatory, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves and glasses are highly recommended.

INSTRUCTOR RATIO

1:5 to allow for safety, confidence building, and maximum individualized attention to each rider’s physical and emotional needs.

Each session is limited to 20 riders maximum.

AGE AND SKILLS

Youth Mountain Biking Camps are designed for 4th and 5th graders only (as of September 2022).

From true beginners to advanced riders.

Depending on the rider’s experience and skills, kids ride with their coach in little pods of five or up to ten kids for two coaches.

Note that we try our best to accommodate your requests but our coaches have the best perspective and expertise to offer the optimal experience for your child and the other riders. 

SCHEDULE,  LOCATION and COST

• • 8:30 AM-1:30 PM

• Riders and their caregivers meet their coaches directly at Trailheads. 

Two-Day camp  $180

• June 22-23

• July 20-21

Three-Day camp  $270

• August 3,4,5

Four-Day camp  $360

• August 29- September 1st

Junior Weekly Mountain Bike Rides

AGE and SKILLS

For Middle and High School riders (as of September 2022).

For recreational riders, from intermediate to advanced. 

No beginners for the Summer, please. Beginner riders can join in the Fall of 2022.

DESCRIPTION

Riders are grouped according to age, skill and endurance levels to move better as a group and choose appropriate trails.. 

Instructor to rider ratio is 1:5 to keep safety our first priority and offer the best-individualized approach in our rides. 

Transitioning from our spring training sessions, our Weekly Junior Rides allow us to discover different trails away from the city. 

With the exception of a few rides where we ask parents to drop off their riders at Phil’s or Welcome Center, we shuttle our riders to different trailheads through the summer. 

Depending on the rider’s level, some of the rides include Flagline, Tiddlywinks, Tyler’s Traverse, Mrazek, Metolius Windigo, South Fork, North Fork, Farewell, etc…

Junior Rides are limited to 10 riders maximum.

SCHEDULE and LOCATION

Monday 3 PM- 6:30 PM

• June 27
• July 4*, July 11, July 18, July 25
• August 1, August 8, August 15*, August 22, August 29*

Riders meet in the parking lot of the Best western Peppertree at the exception of the three following dates: 7/4 (Phil’s Trailhead), 8/15 (Welcome Center), 8/29 (TBD).

*Caregivers are responsible for dropping off their children on these dates.

REGISTRATION

$490

Enduro/Downhill Camps Summer 2022

AGE AND SKILLS

For riders ages 9  to 17 with intermediate to advanced skills only.

We exceptionally allow 8 years old shredders to join with invitation or referral. Please contact Virginie directly at 503-914 7616 or virginie@BendEnduranceAcademy.org to discuss your child’s riding skills and experience and/or set up an evaluation time if necessary.

Absolutely NO BEGINNERS please.

Riders are grouped by age and ability. 

DESCRIPTION

This four-day camp is for the kids who are attracted by gravity and enjoy riding downhill more than pedaling up. We are shuttling our riders on average twice a day. 

Trails include but are not limited to Funner, Tiddlywinks, Taylor’s Traverse, South Fork, Mrazek,… with Tuesday at Mt Bachelor Bike Park. 

Each camp is limited to 20 riders total with a ratio of 5 riders maximum per coach.

While each day is about having fun and making friends who share the same passion, it is also about learning better downhill-specific skills and maneuvers involving body position, cornering, dropping, jumping, line choices, etc…

GEAR

• We highly recommend riders to have a full-suspension bike.
• Riders are responsible to bring their own helmets.
• Full face helmets and knee pads are mandatory for the day at Mt Bachelor Bike Park .You can rent a full face helmet for this day at Mt Bachelor’s rental.
• Gloves, elbow and knee pads are recommended (we do have elbow and knee pads to borrow if needed).
• Eye protection in the form of goggles or glasses is recommended.
• A backpack or waist belt with at least 2 liters capacity.

SCHEDULE and MEETING LOCATION

Our Enduro/DH  camps run from 9 AM to 4 PM.

New this year, our camps run for four days only, Monday to Thursday. 

We meet in the parking lot of the Best Western Peppertree and shuttle our riders in our Bend Endurance Academy vans. 

• July 4-7

• July 18-21

• August 15-18 

COST

$400 

Tickets for the Bike Park are not included in the registration fee. Families are responsible to sign up waivers with Mt Bachelor and purchase their own prior to the camp.

Multi Activities Camps Summer 2022

DESCRIPTION

Our Multi-Activities camps are targeting kids who want to enjoy different kinds of experiences and activities in beautiful Central Oregon outdoors! This year, our camps are back for two days only.

• DAY ONE: mountain biking in the morning and climbing (outdoor) in the afternoon.
• DAY TWO: mountain biking in the morning and rafting in the afternoon (Deschutes River).

Each mountain bike ride leads to the start of the next activity. The trails used are rated blue with some up and down and a very few rock gardens. 

We shuttle our campers at the beginning of the day in our BEA vans. As of now, masks are still mandatory while driving.

Our instructor/camper ratio doesn’t exceed 1:6 (1:5 for the younger group).

GEAR

Your child needs a bike, a helmet and a bike pack. 

All the climbing gear and rafting gear will be lended but if your child possesses their own climbing equipment, feel free to send them with them.

AGE and SKILLS

For kids ages 8 to 15.

These camps target intermediate riders. ABSOLUTELY NO beginner bikers.

No experience necessary in climbing or rafting. 

SCHEDULE and LOCATION

Wednesday -Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Meeting in the Best Western Peppertree’s parking lot.

• June 29-30

• July 13-14

• August 10-11

• August 24-25

COST

$300

Fall 2021 Tiny OnesDESCRIPTION This program is focused on PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS and RIDING SKILLS PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLSPlenty of time for free play is offered while we move through the trails. Children can play on boulders and logs, and play with sticks to build forts. We encourage pretend play and everything the younger public needs to build their social skills. RIDING SKILLS- through games and activitiesOur sessions bring emphasis on the following skills:

• Stance and balance, learning to stand up, rolling over small roots and rocks, going downhill with pedals leveled, being relaxed…
• Brakes: when and how to use them.
• Gears (when available): when and how to use them.
• Vision: anticipating and line choices. 

The week before the first session, riders are invited to schedule a Meet and Check visit with their coaches. This gives us the opportunity to check our riders bike and gear, as well as their riding ability. It helps get the kids grouped easily before the first ride. It’s also a time to meet our riders and their caregivers personally so they can share any concerns or questions. For safety reasons BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting/returning to the program. For the same reasons, if your child is unable to start his/her bike independently, our coaches may ask you to come back when the skill is mastered. Due to high demand in our younger age programs, NO refund will be allowed once the program starts if your child doesn‘t fit the requirements.AGE AND SKILLSThis program is designed for PK-K riders only from true beginners* to intermediate riders.In order to participate in the Tiny Ones program, riders need to be able to start their bike on their own* and have a bike with at least one hand brake and mountain bike tires (no slick tires  or coaster brakes please). *Visit the How To Choose a Program and Kids Bike set up guidelines modules for more details. Riders are grouped by skills and endurance level after the first session.Kids ride with their coach in little pods of three or up to six kids for two coaches.Note that we try our best to accommodate your requests but our coaches have the best perspective and expertise to offer the optimal experience for your child and the other riders. INSTRUCTOR RATIOInstructor to rider ratio is 1:3 to allow for safety, confidence building, and maximum individualized attention to each rider’s physical and emotional needs. Each session is limited to 9 riders only.SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONChoose between Monday or Thursday sessions, from 3 to 5pm.Riders and their caregivers meet us directly at the trailheads. September sessions start from Phil’s TH (at the bottom of the road past the parking lot) and October sessions start from the Welcome Center off Century drive.Our FALL program runs for five weeks from September 13 to October 11.

• MONDAY Tiny Ones 3-5 PM 

Start at Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27Start at the Welcome Center: October 4, October 11

• THURSDAY Tiny Ones 3-5 PM

Start at Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30Start at the Welcome Center: Oct 7, Oct 14First session lasts an hour with invitation for Meet and Check, week of September 6 (TBD)COST $300 (once a week) Payment Plan available with one installment
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Fall 2021 Little Ones DESCRIPTION This program is focused on RIDING SKILLS mostly with still some emphasis on PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS.RIDING SKILLSOur sessions bring emphasis on the following skills:

• Stance and balance, learning to stand up, rolling over small roots and rocks, going downhill with pedals leveled, being relaxed…
• Brakes and gears: when and how to use them.
• Vision: anticipating and line choices. 
• Cornering skills for more advanced riders.

PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS: Plenty of time for free play is offered while we move through the trails. Children can play on boulders and logs, and play with sticks to build forts. We encourage pretend play and everything the younger public needs to build their social skills. AGE AND SKILLSThis program is designed for 1st to 3rd grade riders from beginners* to intermediate riders. In order to participate in the Little Ones program, riders* need to be able to start their bike on their own and have a bike with two hand brakes, gears and mountain bike tires (no slick tires please).*Visit the How To Choose a Program and Kids Bike set up guidelines modules for more details. Riders are grouped by skills and endurance level after the first session. Kids ride with their coach in little pods of four or up to eight kids for two coaches. Note that we try our best to accommodate your requests but our coaches have the best perspective and expertise to offer the optimal experience for your child and the other riders.  The week before the first session, riders are invited to schedule a Meet and Check visit with their coaches. This gives us the opportunity to check our riders’ bike and gear, as well as their riding ability. It helps get the kids grouped easily before the first ride. It’s also a time to meet our riders and their caregivers personally so they can share any concerns or questions. For safety reasons BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting/returning to the program. For the same reasons, if your child is unable to start his/her bike independently, our coaches may ask you to come back when the skill is mastered. Due to high demand in our younger age programs, NO refund will be allowed once the program starts if your child doesn‘t fit the requirements.INSTRUCTOR RATIOInstructor to rider ratio is 1:4 to allow for safety, confidence building, and maximum individualized attention to each rider’s physical and emotional needs. Each session is limited to 20 riders max.SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONChoose between Tuesday or Friday sessions, from 3 to 6pm. Riders and their caregivers meet us directly at the trailheads. September sessions start from Phil’s TH (at the bottom of the road past the parking lot) and October sessions start from the Welcome Center off Century drive. Our FALL program runs for 5 weeks, from September 14 to October 15 – Plus an hour for Meet and Check, week of September 6 (TBD)

• TUESDAY Little Ones 3-6 PM 

Start at Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28Start at the Welcome Center: October 5, October 12

• FRIDAY Little Ones 3-6 PM

Start at Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 17, Sept. 24Start at the Welcome Center: October 1, Oct 8, Oct 15COST$330 (once a week session) Payment Plan available with one installment
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Fall 2021 Youth Mountain BikingAGE AND SKILLS Youth Mountain Biking is designed for 4th and 5th graders only.For the recreational riders, from beginners to intermediate. Riders break into smaller groups based on their skills and endurance levels. Instructor to kids is 1:5 to allow for more individualized coaching and confidence building. DESCRIPTIONRiders and their caregivers meet directly at Trail Heads. September sessions start from Phil’s TH (lower parking lot)  while October sessions start from the Welcome Center off Century Drive. Each session balances a mix of fun rides, building endurance, and skill practice with an emphasis on the following skills from less experienced to more experienced riders:

1. Position and balance: stability, balancing through a range of movements
2. Operation of controls: gears and brakes
3. Terrain awareness: trail scanning, line choice, decision making, anticipation
4. Direction control: leaning the bike, rotational body movements
5. Pressure control

In order to participate in Youth MTB, riders need to have a mountain bike with two hand-brakes, gears and mountain bike tires (no slick tires).Visit the How To Choose a Program and Kids Bike set up guidelines modules for more details.For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to send a rider home if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed prior to return to the program.SCHEDULEEach session runs for three hours from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday and/or Friday from September 13 to Oct 15, 2021You can register your rider for one Youth MTB session per week or twice a week (register separately).MONDAY SESSIONS (Five-week program) From Phil’s Trailhead: September 13, Sep. 20, Sept. 27From Welcome Center: October 4, Oct. 11FRIDAY SESSIONS (Five-week program) From Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 17, Sept. 24From Welcome Center: October 1, Oct 8, Oct 15REGISTRATION and COSTFall program- five sessions Youth MTB: $270Payment Plan available with one installment
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Fall 2021 Junior Mountain BikingAGE and SKILLS Junior Mountain Biking is for Middle School and High School riders.For recreational riders, from beginner to advanced. Riders are grouped according to skill and endurance levels to focus on further progression. DESCRIPTION Instructor to rider ratio is 1:6 Each session balances a mix of fun rides, building endurance and skill practice with an emphasis on the following skills from less experienced to more experienced riders:

1. Position and balance: stability, balancing through a range of movements
2. Operation of controls: gears and brakes, when, where, and how
3. Terrain awareness: trail scanning, line choice, decision making, anticipation
4. Direction control: leaning the bike, rotational body movements
5. Pressure control

A mountain bike is needed to participate in the program; hardtails or full suspension. The riders are responsible to bring their own bike and gear (helmet, knee pads, backpack, etc…). The bike must be in perfect riding condition. For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting or returning to the program.Visit the How To Choose a Program and Kids Bike set up guidelines modules for more details.SCHEDULE and LOCATION Riders meet directly at Trail Heads. September sessions start from Phil’s TH (lower parking lot) while October sessions start from the Welcome Center off Century Drive. Wednesday 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM From Phil’s Trailhead: September 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29From the Welcome Center: October 6, October 13REGISTRATION Five-week program Junior MTB: $200.
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Fall 2021 Enduro/Downhill SessionsAGE AND SKILLSFor 4th grade to high school riders with intermediate to advanced skills only. Absolutely NO beginners please (Youth MTB and Junior MTB are more appropriate programs for beginners).We exceptionally allow little shredders from 3rd grade to join with invitation or referral. Please contact Virginie directly at 503-914 7616 or virginie@BendEnduranceAcademy.org to discuss your child’s riding skills and experience and/or set up an evaluation time if necessary. Visit How to Choose a Program for more information. We regroup riders by age and ability with a coach/riders ratio of 1:5 (1:6 with the older group). DESCRIPTIONThis program is for the kids who are attracted by gravity and enjoy riding downhill more than pedaling up. The first four sessions will be at Mt Bachelor Bike Park. Our 4 hours sessions allow us to shuttle two to three times for the last two rides of the Fall program. Trails include but are not limited to Flagline, Funner, Tiddlywinks, Taylor’s Traverse, South Fork, Mrazek, Whoops…   This program is limited to 22 riders.While each session is about having fun and making friends who share the same passion, it is also about learning better downhill-specific skills and maneuvers involving body position, cornering, dropping, jumping, etc…Full suspension bikes are highly recommended for this program although not mandatory.The riders are responsible to bring their own bike and gear (full face helmets and knee pads are mandatory for the bike park,  etc…). The bike must be in perfect riding condition. For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate in a session if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting/returning to the program.SCHEDULE and MEETING LOCATIONWe meet in the parking lot of the Best Western Peppertree and shuttle our riders in our Bend Endurance Academy vans.Six-Week program From September 8 to October 13, 3-7pmWednesday Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Sept. 22 and Sept. 29

• Enduro practice: Wednesday Oct.6 and Oct 13 

REGISTRATION and COSTWednesday Enduro/DH $385 (6 sessions) 
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Enduro/DH Racing Team Fall 2021AGE AND SKILLSFor 4th grade to 12 grade riders with intermediate to advanced skills only. Absolutely NO beginners please (Youth MTB and Junior MTB are more appropriate programs for beginners). No racing experience is necessary. We regroup riders by age and ability with a coach/riders ratio of 1:5 (1:6 with the older group). We exceptionally allow little shredders from 3rd grade to join with invitation or referral. Please contact Virginie directly at 503-914 7616 or virginie@BendEnduranceAcademy.org to discuss your child’s riding skills and experience and/or set up an evaluation time if necessary.DESCRIPTIONAfter a Summer of fun races with the Mt Bachelor series, we are kicking off our official racing team this fall! We are pretty excited to get our shredders trying and getting more involved with racing! Riders joining our BEA Enduro/DH Racing Team are invited to race Enduro this fall (not a ton of choice is offered with DH this fall, and the only possible race with NW CUP is in conflict with Fulltilt’s dates). Our Team is limited to 22 riders. Each session is about having fun, getting better and faster, and riding and racing with friends who share the same passion. Each session has a mixed focus on downhill specific skills involving body position, cornering, dropping, jumping, racing specific (line choices, race strategy, sprint, rules, etc…) and endurance building. Full suspension bikes are highly recommended for this program although not mandatory. The riders are responsible to bring their own bike and gear (full face helmets are mandatory for riding in any bike park, knee pads, goggles, chest protector, etc…). The bike must be in perfect riding condition. For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate in a session if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting or returning to the program.Fall program offers two-day per week rides. We are offering Thursday-Saturday sessions. If your child cannot race both Fall races, they are still welcome to ride with the Team at the venues. We are providing onsite coaching for the following race series (included in registration’s price):

• Fulltilt at Timberline Bike Park, September 10-11
• NW YES at Post canyon (Hood River), October 17-18

SCHEDULE and MEETING LOCATIONWe meet in the parking lot of the Best Western Peppertree and shuttle our riders in our Bend Endurance Academy vans. 6 Week program, from September 7 to October 17.Most September riding/training sessions are held at Mt Bachelor Bike Park. All October sessions on trails. Trails include but are not limited to Funner, Tiddlywinks, Flagline, Taylor’s Traverse, South Fork, Mrazek, Whoops…  THURSDAY & SATURDAY sessionsThursday, 4-6:30pm

• Downhill practice @Mt Bachelor Bike Park: Sept. 9 (back at 7PM)

• Enduro practice: Sept. 16, Sept 23, Sept. 30, October 7 and Oct. 14 

Saturday, 9:30am-2:30pm (schedule may slightly vary depending on the destination)

• Downhill practice @Mt Bachelor Bike Park (depending on Park closure) Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 

• Enduro practice: October 2 and Oct. 9 

• Races: September 10-11 and October 17-18 

REGISTRATION and COSTChoose between Tuesday-Saturday and Thursday-Saturday sessions.The cost of registration does NOT include the Bike Park Tickets. Riders are responsible to bring their own Season Pass or buy a Triple Ticket (plus one day ticket) directly from Mt Bachelor’s website.

• Thursday-Saturday $720
• Full Support $270/race (two-day support)

*Registration includes coaching at races but Full Support is not included in the Tuesday-Saturday or Thursday-Saturday sessions.We ask all our team racers to purchase a BEA Team kit (jersey and pants).
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Fall’21 Jumping- NEW this fallAGE AND SKILLSFor 4th grade to high school riders with intermediate to advanced mountain biking skills only. Absolutely NO beginners please (Youth MTB and Junior MTB are more appropriate programs for beginners).Visit How to Choose a Program for more information. We exceptionally allow little shredders from 3rd grade to join with invitation or referral. Please contact Virginie directly at 503-914 7616 or virginie@BendEnduranceAcademy.org to discuss your child’s riding skills and experience and/or set up an evaluation time if necessary.DESCRIPTIONNEW this season, we are excited to introduce our Jumping program. This program is for the kids who are always trying to boost their airtime from any uneven features and love sessioning jumps! Under the supervision and instruction of our coaches, your kid can learn better jump skills in a safer environment. The first two sessions, riders spend their instruction time at the Redmond Pumptrack (riders meet in the parking lot of the Best Western Peppertree and ride BEA’s van).The next four sessions, riders meet directly at The Lair.Our coach/riders ratio is 1:6.While each session is about having fun and making friends who share the same passion, it is also about learning better jumping specific skills, to jump better and more safely.The riders are responsible to bring their own bike and gear (full face helmets are HIGHLY recommended for the Lair, knee pads and elbow pads too). Dirt Jumpers are a plus but not necessary for this program; BMX or mountain bikes are acceptable.The bike must be in perfect riding condition. For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting or returning to the program.SCHEDULE and MEETING LOCATIONFor the First two sessions, we meet in the parking lot of the Best Western Peppertree and shuttle our riders in our Bend Endurance Academy vans to the Redmond pumptrack. 6 Week program – Wednesday 3-6pmFrom September 8 to October 13.

• Wednesday Sept. 8 and Sept. 15 meet at Best Western Parking Lot 
• Wednesday Sept. 22, Sept. 29, Oct.6 and Oct 13 meet at The Lair

REGISTRATION and COST$290 (6 sessions)Our fall program is limited to 12 riders.
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Fall 2021 Girls Mountain Biking AGE AND SKILLSFor girls from 4th grade and above. For recreational riders, all levels are welcome. Riders are grouped by age, skills, fitness and experience.DESCRIPTIONRiding with other female riders can be pretty powerful and less intimidating! These sessions are organized for girls and by women only! Bring a friend with you and make plenty of new ones!September rides start from Phil’s Trailhead while October rides start from the Welcome Center off Century Drive. Our instructor to kids ratio is 1:5 to allow our instructors to offer the best-individualized approach in our training. Each session balances a mix of fun riding, building endurance, and skill practice with an emphasis on the following skills from less experienced to more experienced riders:

1. Position and balance: stability, balancing through a range of movements
2. Operation of controls: gears and brakes
3. Terrain awareness: trail scanning, line choice, decision making, anticipation
4. Direction control: leaning the bike, rotational body movements
5. Pressure control

A mountain bike is needed to participate in the program, hardtails or full suspension. The riders are responsible to bring their own bike and gear (helmet, knee pads, backpack, etc…). The bike must be in perfect riding condition. For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate in a session if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting or returning to the program.Visit How to Choose a Program for more details.SCHEDULE and MEETING LOCATIONSFive week program. 3 PM to 6 PM each Wednesday from September 15 to October 13

• September 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29 @Phil’s Trail Head
• October 6, Oct. 13 @the Welcome Center

REGISTRATIONFall Girls MTB $300Payment Plan available with one installment.
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Fall 2021 Women RidesAGE and SKILLSThese sessions are for women 18 and older, from true beginners to advanced riders.Our riders are divided into smaller groups  for better experience, depending on their skills, fitness level and goal.DESCRIPTIONIf you want to know more about Bend’s trail system, or want to learn some new skills or work on specific trails features, or just want to ride with other rad women, we are adapting our sessions to your goals.Our rides/sessions are guided/coached by our women coaches only with a ratio of 1:8.Each ride starts from a different location around town to be determined depending on the group level. Riders meet directly at trail heads.SCHEDULEWe offer an afternoon session on Tuesday as well as a late morning session on Thursday.

• TUESDAY sessions from 3 PM to 6 PM

September 14, Sept 21, Sept 28, Oct 5 and Oct 12

• THURSDAY sessions from 10 AM to 1 PM 

Sept 16, Sept 23, Sept 30, Oct 7 and Oct 14REGISTRATION and COST$200 for five Fall sessions
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Homeschool Fall 2021 Little Ones – New DESCRIPTIONThis program is focused on RIDING SKILLS mostly with still some emphasis on PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLS.RIDING SKILLSOur sessions bring emphasis on the following skills:

• Stance and balance, learning to stand up, rolling over small roots and rocks, going downhill with pedals leveled, being relaxed…
• Brakes and gears: when and how to use them.
• Vision: anticipating and line choices. 
• Cornering skills for more advanced riders.

PLAY/SOCIAL SKILLSPlenty of time for free play is offered while we move through the trails. We encourage pretend play and everything the younger public needs to build their social skills. AGE AND SKILLSThis program is designed for 6 to 9 years old riders  from beginners* to intermediate riders. In order to participate in the Homeschool Little Ones program, riders* need to be able to start their bike on their own and have a bike with two hand brakes, gears and mountain bike tires (no slick tires please).Visit How To Choose a Program and Kids Bike set up guidelines for more details.Riders are grouped by skills and endurance level after the first session.Kids ride with their coach in little pods of five or up to ten kids for two coaches.Note that we try our best to accommodate your requests but our coaches have the best perspective and expertise to offer the optimal experience for your child and the other riders. For safety reasons BEA’s coaches reserve the right to refuse a rider to participate if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed before starting/returning to the program. For the same reasons, if your child is unable to start his/her bike independently, our coaches may ask you to come back when the skill is mastered. INSTRUCTOR RATIOInstructor to rider ratio is 1:5 to allow for safety, confidence building, and maximum individualized attention to each rider’s physical and emotional needs.Each session is limited to 10 riders max.SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONHomeschool Little Ones sessions run on Wednesday from 9am to 11am.Riders and their caregivers meet us directly at the trailheads. September  sessions start from Phil’s TH (at the bottom of the road past the parking lot) and October sessions start from the Welcome Center off Century drive.Our FALL program runs for 5 weeks, from September 15 to October 13.

• Homeschool Little Ones 9-11AM 

Start at Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29Start at the Welcome Center: October 6, October 13COST  $150 Please register through THIS LINK
Enroll Now

Homeschool Fall 2021 Youth Mountain Biking- NEWAGE AND SKILLSHomeschool Youth Mountain Biking is designed for 10 years old and older.For the recreational riders, from beginners to intermediate. Riders break into smaller groups based on their skills and endurance levels. Instructor to kids ratio is 1:5 to allow for more individualized coaching and confidence building. DESCRIPTIONRiders and their caregivers meet directly at Trail Heads. September sessions start from Phil’s TH (lower parking lot)  while October sessions start from the Welcome Center off Century Drive. Each session balances a mix of fun rides, building endurance, and skill practice with an emphasis on the following skills from less experienced to more experienced riders:

1. Position and balance: stability, balancing through a range of motion
2. Operation control: gears and brakes
3. Terrain awareness: trail scanning, line choice, decision making, anticipation
4. Direction control: leaning the bike, rotational body movements
5. Pressure control

In order to participate in Homeschool Youth MTB, riders need to have a mountain bike with two hand-brakes, gears and mountain bike tires (no slick tires).Check How to Choose a program and Kids Bike set up guidelines for more details.For safety reasons and respect for the other riders, BEA’s coaches reserve the right to send a rider home if the bike is unsafe or unrideable. The bike will need to be fixed prior to return to the program.SCHEDULEEach session runs for two hours from 9am to 11am from September 15 to October 13.WEDNESDAY SESSIONS (Five-week program)From Phil’s Trailhead: Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29.From the Welcome Center: October 6, Oct 13REGISTRATION and COSTFall program- five sessions Homeschool Youth MTB: $150Please register through THIS LINK
Enroll Now

How to Choose a Program

Many factors influence which programs are best for your child.

Age, Ability, Goals, Equipment & Experience

Age limits do not define ability but they keep riders in appropriate social settings with their peers. Please respect the age limits when you enroll. Start in a slower group or easier program to learn the basics. This fixes “gaps” in skills and promotes faster learning and means more fun and safety for everyone!

• Pushbikes: PS-PK, all levels are welcome.
• Tiny Ones: PK-K, all levels are welcome but need to be able to start their bike on their own.
• Little Ones: 1st-3rd grade, all levels are welcome, from true beginners to intermediate recreational riders. 
• Youth Mountain Biking (or Youth MTB): 4th-5th grade; recreational riders, all levels are welcome.
• Junior Mountain Biking (or Junior MTB): Middle School and High School; recreational riders, all levels are welcome.
• Girls Mountain Biking (or Girls MTB): 6th grade and above; recreational riders, all levels are welcome.
• Enduro/DH: 4th grade and above. ABSOLUTELY NO BEGINNERS, from intermediate to advanced riders only. 3rd graders can join through invitation, recommendation, or evaluation only. Contact our cycling director for details at Virginie@bendenduranceacademy.org
• Enduro/Downhill Racing Team: 4th grade and above, with 3rd graders under invitation only. ABSOLUTELY NO BEGINNERS, from intermediate to advanced riders only.
• Women Mountain Biking (or Women MTB): 18+, all levels are welcome. If you are new to mountain biking or have less than two years of mountain biking experience, choose True Beginner-Beginner program. For Intermediate-Advanced program, you should have 2+ years of mountain biking experience and be comfortable riding black trails. For those with road biking experience, consider yourself a beginner mountain biker as riding trails requires very different set of skills.
• Men MTB: 18+, all levels are welcome. If you are new to mountain biking or have less than two years of mountain biking experience, choose True Beginner-Beginner program. For Intermediate-Advanced program, you should have 2+ years of mountain biking experience and be comfortable riding black trails. For those with road biking experience, consider yourself a beginner mountain biker as riding trails requires very different set of skills.

Riding Goals

All our programs have the same goals:

• Having fun together.
• Making new friends.
• Learning new skills.
• Learning to ride in a group safely and courteously.
• Creating long-lasting respect for & appreciation of our trails and natural environment.
• Exploring new trails and making improvements on familiar ones.
• Gaining fitness and confidence so our kids want to ride more.

If your child wants to enjoy a fun ride while learning some skills, Tiny Ones, Little Ones, Youth MTB, Junior MTB, and Girls MTB are the perfect fit.Girls are welcome to all our programs, not only Girls MTB!

Enduro/DH programs focus on gravity specifically: we shuttle our riders for more time riding down!

If your child wants to race Enduro and/or Downhill, our racing Team welcomes everyone at an intermediate to advanced level. We encourage at least one race per season.

If your child enjoys more time in the air, Jumping is the right program.

Friends & Siblings

We encourage riders to group-up with their friends if it is appropriate for the group and the chosen program.

For safety reasons, we move kids who want to ride together to the level of the least experienced riders.

The Equipment (see specific kids bike set up guidelines for more details).

We outline the minimums or recommendations for bikes and gear — this is a huge safety concern for us if a rider’s bike is either unsafe or not correct for the group for which you have enrolled, so please follow these guidelines and ask for assistance if needed.

If a rider shows up with a bike that is unrideable or unsafe, BEA reserves the right to send the rider home and ask to fix the bike before the following session. 

If you don’t have the time nor the skills to fix your child’s bike, we suggest taking your bike to a local bike shop for a check-up and tune before enrolling in our programs. Our safety checks can only make assessments — we cannot fix major problems. Bikes need constant maintenance; the more your kid rides, the more hours you’re gonna have to spend on his/her bike!

• For ages 2 and half to 4 years old, we recommend a pushbike or 12″ wheels bike with at least one hand brake-no coaster brake (bike pedal brake). No slick or plastic tires.
• For ages 4 to 7 we recommend 16” wheels or larger with at least one hand brake -no coaster brake (bike pedal brake). Gears are recommended but not mandatory. No slick tires.
• For ages 7 and 8 we recommend 20″ wheels or larger, two hand brakes. Gears are highly recommended. No slick tires.
• For age 9+ we recommend a minimum 24″ or 26″ wheels mountain bike with 2-brakes and gears required.
• For our Enduro/DH and Racing program, we highly recommend riders to have a full-suspension bike. Full face helmets and knee pads are mandatory for some rides in the Enduro/DH program. Eye protection in the form of goggles or glasses are highly recommended.
• For the Jumping program, we recommend a dirt jumper but a BMX or a mountain bike work too.

Contact Virginie if you need help with bikes and gear protection.

Specific Kids Bike Set Up and Gear Guidelines 

Source www.pmbia.org | © 2019 PMBI Association

Equipment set up and maintenance is a key part to managing risk, especially with children. A bike that is not working or fitted properly to a child, greatly increases risk. Kids mountain bikes are not just smaller versions of an adult mountain bike. There are some key things to consider to ensure the bike is safe and comfortable for your child to ride.

TIRE PRESSURE

Kids are smaller and weigh less, and this is more so the younger they get. We see tires with too much pressure in them. This compromises traction, comfort and therefore safety and enjoyment. A good judge to measure suitable tire pressure for any rider, is if the rider themselves can “squash” the tire. With this exception of perhaps really 4 years old, this holds true most of the time and is a good reference point to at least start determining tire pressure.

Regardless, a kid’s tire pressures can be as low as 8 or 10psi, ranging up to 20psi, depending on the kid and the type of bike/tire. With the advent of kids 20” fat bikes, these figures are perfectly reasonable. An adult should be able to squash a 4 – 6 yr old’s bike tire, pretty easily.

BRAKES

Kids typically have smaller and weaker hands, so it’s important that the brakes are set up accordingly. 

• LEVER ANGLE: Similar to an adult bike, the lever angle should be slightly higher than the angle of the forearms, when standing. 4 – 6 yr olds sit down a lot. Lever angle should be mostly set up for sitting down, rather than standing, and therefore by slightly higher.
• LEVER REACH: Take the time to ensure the lever reach is such that your child does not need to roll their wrists forward, to reach the lever. Bring the lever as close to the grip as is needed, and then adjust the brake accordingly (so the ‘bite’ point is still reasonable and the brake responsive).
• BITE POINT (see picture): For any kid learning to use hand brakes for the first time, it can help to bring the bite point of the brake closer to the bars. This makes the brake less responsive, while they are learning on gentle terrain and slow speeds. As soon as they are comfortable using the front brake gradually, adjust the bite point back to normal, to ensure correct braking power. However, a closer bite point will make it easier for smaller hands to brake with more power.

Bite point

• BRAKE CABLE FRICTION: Poorly maintained cable brakes can significantly reduce the braking power, when a kid has smaller and/or weaker hands. Many kids’ bikes are dangerous simply because the child cannot squeeze the lever hard enough, to brake effectively. When we also consider that kids can get tired more easily, especially their hands, this problem can be made even worse. 

• HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES: This is why we recommend hydraulic disc brakes, when possible, even for kids bikes. This is because they are much more reliable from a maintenance point of view and are often much smoother and easier for the kids to operate. It’s less about how powerful the brake is but more about how easy it is for the kids to use. More powerful brakes mean your child doesn’t have to squeeze as hard, meaning less fatigue which is very important.

SEAT HEIGHT

NEW RIDERS: Any kids newer to riding, can have a lower seat, so their feet can touch the ground, when seated on the bike. This is especially true for kids around 4 – 6 years old. Their ability to react and recover when they lose stability is lower. Typically, if they start to fall, they fall! Allowing them to comfortably touch the ground (almost flat feet) while seated, is key to allowing them a margin of error to recover. Also, newer riders tend to sit down a lot more since they haven’t developed the same balance and control of the bike, to enable them to stand up with confidence.

Pros: More confidence inspiring, safer, easier for kids to learn, easier to start and stop.

Cons: Less power when pedaling and potentially more fatigue.

BIKE FIT

Kids can grow very quickly! It is therefore reasonable to expect that at some point, a kid’s bike may be too small or too large, and within reason, this is okay. Bikes that are a bit too small can be a good learning tool, as can bikes that are a bit too large. However, safety is paramount, so if the size of a kids bike is simply making it difficult for them to ride safely, a new bike will definitely be recommended. Thinner grips, smaller seats and pedals, can also help make a bike fit more comfortably and safely.

Bike fit can also be adjusted based on the type of riding. Some rides that are on pavement/gravel road could have a bike fit with a higher seat. When trying an easy single track, the seat could be lowered. This will promote the best position for strength and mobility. Higher = better position for strength. Lower = better for getting on and off and pedaling while standing.

This cheeky monkey is between bike sizes; he’s getting a little big for his 16” but is still a bit small for his fat tire 20” bike. 

He can start and stop easily on his 16” but it has no gears and smaller wheels. He can both reach the ground with his toes and has good leg extension on the seat. This is a sign the bike may soon be too small.

He needs help to get started on his 20” bike, but once he’s going, he finds it much easier to keep up with everyone, because of the bigger wheels and gears.There’s always pro’s and con’s to bikes that are too small or large!

CLOTHING & PROTECTION

Kids mountain bikes are better than ever. This also means more kids on real, single track mountain bike trails. Consequently, these kids are at more of a risk of getting hurt, than ever before. It’s therefore crucial that kids not only have well maintained and properly fitted bikes, but also the good quality and correctly fitted helmets, shoes, gloves and body armor.

HYDRATION PACKS

While great for carrying water, snacks, a spare tube and so on, these also double as great back/skin protectors. With kids’ specific packs available, these are a great option!

CARRYING PACKS – ✴ Encouraging kids, even from an early age, to carry their own gear and supplies, is great to teach them independence and self-reliance.✴ Kids are carrying their own water, spare tube, snacks and even a spare set of underwear!✴

The pack can also double as some great protection in the event of a crash.

GLOVES

Good quality kids’ gloves can be hard to find. We recommend gloves without padding on the palm. This often makes it more difficult to grip and squeeze the handlebars.

KNEE & ELBOW PADS (both, not one or the other!)

Cheap pads are more likely to be uncomfortable (the kids won’t want to wear them), and they often move in a crash, reducing their effectiveness. However, good kids pads like those from IXS or GForm, are fantastic for improving confidence, safety and comfort.

HELMETS

It’s quite common to see kids with both poor quality and poorly fitted helmets. Again, safety comes first. If your child doesn’t have a suitable helmet, they must find one before starting any lesson or program with BEA. No exceptions. 

Yes! This helmet looks great.

No, this helmet needs adjustment.

✴ Helmets should fit the same way as an adult helmet. Snug and level, slightly above the eyebrows. Strap should be snug but not tight.

✴ If the strap is undone, the helmet should stay on when the person tips their head upside down.

How do you define Ability?

• “True Beginners”-first time on a bike or still needing help getting started, not comfortable on a bike — they require one-on-one attention from coaches to remain safe. 
• “Beginners” – less than two years riding but can ride independently and can be mixed into a group-setting. Still working on good balance and proper stance.
• “Intermediate” – 2+ years of experience, at ease on the bike (can stand pedals leveled when needed). Might be more interested in pursuing a harder progression, and try to push themselves on more difficult terrain.
• “Advanced”- many years of experience, can ride all black trails and can start giving back to their peers while they pursue their own goals.

Recreational vs racing?

“Recreational” riders enjoy riding and want to improve but aren’t immediately interested in advanced skills or racing.

Why is Age requirement so important?

Minimum ages are set to create peer groups. While many younger riders can demonstrate good skills, they often need to remain with their peers instead of moving up too quickly. Younger riders get tired more quickly and while they may keep up at the beginning of the session, they may not have the stamina of an older child to finish.

How does the WaitList work?

• All our programs have caps. This is so we can provide your child with the best experience by keeping our instructor to riders ratio low. 
• The enrollment form shows how many spots are left.
• If a program is FULL please register for the Waitlist. We will update everyone on the waitlist up to a week before the program begins.
• We will not take payment unless your child is accepted into the program.

How does Tuition work?

• Payment is due partially or in full at registration. 
• A $100 deposit is required to register.
• We offer a payment plan with three installments.
• Tuition assistance can be filled directly from our website at least two weeks prior to the start of the program.
• Contact our Mountain Biking Program Director at virginie@BendEnduranceAcademy.org if you need help with payment or help getting a scholarship through others foundations and organizations.

Can I have a Make-Up Day?

• We do not offer to make up days if you miss your session.
• Riders are expected to show up on the days they’ve signed up to attend.
• There is no official make up day or refund for specific program days canceled due to bad weather or natural disasters like fire/smoke. But we always try our best if it’s possible, depending on our coaches availability.

How do you set up groups?

• We begin with age and then adjust by ability/experience/motivation.
• Riders and parents must communicate with their Coaches about their desires, goals, and aspirations but it is the Coach’s final decision about who rides in which groups. Riding in a “slower group” is sometimes important for proper skill and personal development — it is not a penalty.
• Riders must earn their progression by showing respect for their Coaches & peers while exhibiting dedication, motivation, and improvement.
• We listen to your requests or those of our riders. If two riders/families want to ride together, we put the riders in the group level of the less experienced riders (both sides must agree).

Is BEA a Racing Program?

• Our mission is to offer a full range of mountain biking options from Absolute Beginners to Advanced Recreational Riders and Racers!
• Racing is available for Enduro and Downhill only (no CX, XC, road or BMX).
• Must be at least an intermediate rider to race.
• No racing experience necessary.
• Racing is available for those who are interested but it’s always optional. Racing is hard. Riding bikes should be fun! Sometimes those are the same, sometimes they’re not.

 Does BEA rent bikes?

• • NO but we have a few loaners for emergencies or families with low income.
  • Contact us ASAP for options at (503) 914-7616 or virginie@bendenduranceacademy.org
  • Check The Hub Cyclery for any purchase or service. Mention the BEA family and you’ll receive a 15% discount on bikes, parts and service. Don’t forget to thank TJ!

Virginie Calme | (503) 914-7616 | virginie@bendenduranceacademy.org