The Ridge Riders is a mountain bike race team for middle and high school aged riders who have solid foundation skills, ability to safely ride with a group, and aspire to test their skills in the world of mountain bike racing! The team gives a space for passionate young riders to progress their skills in a safe and supportive space with professional coaching and team camaraderie. Ridge Riders helps aspiring youth develop a healthy relationship with cycling and training which offers riders a healthy activity they can enjoy for years to come. As coaches, we see first hand how the sport enhances participants’ connections within our local community through trail stewardship, exploration, physical challenges, leadership and friendship.
The Ridge Riders Team is part of the Vermont Youth Cycling program and the team participates in the popular race series throughout Vermont. All Ridge Rider team members are encouraged to register through Vermont Youth Cycling each season, although participation in each race is optional. This series provides a safe and fun, youth focused environment for riders with years of experience, and those racing for the first time. Under the tutelage of our coaches, riders will have the ability to learn how to use bike racing as a healthy competitive outlet. Vermont Youth Cycling, established in 2019, educates and empowers young riders to improve their skills and well-being while building a sense of stewardship for the land, the trails and a deeper connection to the communities they live in.
We offer team rides twice a week, starting in the summer to the end of fall. The rides focus on skills and endurance, typically lasting about 1.5 hrs. In addition to our regular team practice sessions, members are encouraged to participate in trail maintenance activities to learn what is involved in managing the trail networks we frequently ride.
Although we are eager to welcome new members to the team, our top priorities are fun and safety! Due to the nature of the team, and the coaching environment, all team members must be approved in advance by our lead coach to ensure they have the skills necessary to ride safely with the team on the terrain and obstacles frequently encountered throughout practices. In addition to a willingness and excitement to learn, team members must have strong foundational skills prior to joining, including:
- Confidence riding on varied terrain (dirt, gravel, rocks, roots) and comfortable navigating Intermediate level trails found throughout the trail networks in Randolph.
- Comfortable navigating tight turns, switchbacks, and obstacles frequently encountered on single track trails
- Efficient gear shifting and control on both climbs and descents
- Safe use of hand brakes
- Stamina and endurance to ride with the group for an hour long ride
If you are not sure if the team is the right match, please reach out. If your young rider needs opportunities to practice some skills we are happy to offer local suggestions and recommendations to help them prepare for a safe and fun season with the team.
Ridge Riders Registration: $350 and includes weekly team rides and coaching at races
Scholarship Announcement!!! Ridgeline is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships for families needing help covering the registration fees for our youth programs. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please submit a letter explaining your need and the specific amount you are requesting from the scholarship fund. Letters will be reviewed as they are received and scholarships will be awarded until funding is exhausted. Please email your letter to: director@ridgelineoutdoorcollective.org, and include Scholarship Request in the subject line.
For more information contact us at info@ridgelineoutdoorcollective.org
If you are interested in joining the team this season please complete a short interest form, HERE and our team will be in touch. Please note that team size is limited to ensure a safe coach to participant ratio for the full season.
