Why is the camp only one week?

• • Our coaches have a very busy summer.  There is a chance we will do weeks later in the summer, but we are governed by weather and schedules.

Why is the camp only three hours in the morning?

• • We want to train your kids in the coolest part of the day.  We will do our best to utilize our local, shaded trees.

Will you have cell reception in the trails.

• • Yes.

Does my child need a helmet?

• • Absolutely, a proper bike helmet is required at all times when on the bike--no exceptions.  Children without proper safety equipment will not be able to participate.

Does my child need to know how to ride a bike?

• • • Yes. The basics of riding a bike are a prerequisite, but mountain bike specific skills are not–that’s why you’re coming to the camp!

Will you go on difficult trails?

• • • Perhaps. We will be taking their skills to the trails to learn a beginner level of age appropriate mountain biking. We will first start in the grass to do some skills and assessments.  Next, we will warm up on the gravel nature paths.  Finally we will hit the trails where skills allow. The kids will be split up into different levels, and we have already chosen three levels of trails/courses, all within the Hamilton Green Belt area.

What if it rains?

• • We really hope this doesn't happen, but we will make that call as soon as possible, either the night before, or worst case scenario, the day of. We know that you paid for and made plans for your child to be with us daily, so if we have to cancel practice, we will still host your kids at an alternate location, and come with indoor activities like games, puzzles, and cards.  Our instructors all have babysitting experience.

Why is the age group rising 3rd through 6th graders?

• • We believe this age group will have a level of listening skills, coordination, and strength to be able to be coached.  The Lake Travis Mountain Bike Team (along with most NICA teams) take students starting in 6th grade.  Prior to that, it is great if kids have some background and confidence.

What do you provide for snacks?

• • We will bring Welch's style fruit snacks, but if your child has allergies or another preference, please send snacks they can enjoy safely.  Also every child should have a very good breakfast.  Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or grain cereal are great options. 

How much water should I send with my child?

• • Please pack one water bottle or camelback style hydration backpack, which we can refill.  Equally important is that your child arrives to camp already well hydrated.  Please have your child drink plenty of water the night before and the morning of.  There is a bathroom at Hamilton Green Belt.  You should also consider electrolytes to help replace critical sodium lost to sweat.  Nuun or LMNT are good brands that are not full of sugar and chemicals.

What happens if my child gets hurt?

• • Safety is our number one priority. If a child gets hurt, we will immediately stop our activity and help the child with whatever first aid is needed.  Scrapes and bumps can be common in learning how to mountain bike, but for anything more serious, we will call the guardians and any other help needed.

What happens if a child misbehaves?

• • We will use redirection, natural consequences, or behavior modification. For example, the child may not get a turn to choose a path or lead the group. If the misbehavior becomes too difficult to manage, unsafe, or affects the rest of the camp, then we will call the guardian.

What kind of bike does my child need?

• • A mountain bike with knobby tires at least 24” in diameter. A “full suspension” or rear shock is not required or even recommended as they are unnecessary weight. At this age, the lighter the bike, the more success they will have. Proper tire pressure.  

What if my child gets a flat?

• • We will do our best to help them address it, but it’s possible you may have to visit a bike shop before the next camp day (they can usually address this while you wait). If you have an extra inner tube that fits your bike size, pls send with the child and we’ll use if needed.

What if my child really likes this camp and wants to ride more?

• • This is our goal!  If there is enough interest to continue training with us, we will create a program starting in the fall.

What is GRiT?

• • Girls Riding Together (GRiT) is a national program to encourage girls to participate in this amazing sport.  Several of our coaches are official GRiT Ambassadors. 10% of our profits go to this program.

Is this program part of the Lake Travis Mountain Bike Team?

• • No. Our coaches all ride for the team, but this camp is an independently run entity that is focused on training, coaching, and teaching elementary aged kids to love the sport of mountain biking.

Will you teach my child to do bike tricks or jumps.

• • Absolutely not.  For safety reasons there will be NO jumping allowed.

What will my child learn?

• • Safety, terminology, trail etiquette, respect for nature, riding skills, confidence, and hopefully a love of the sport.