Our Live to Ride program was the second program added to our mix back in 2009. With a number of changes made to the program over the years, we believe it is now one of the best programs available in the Valley to introduce someone to the sport of mountain biking.
With a maximum of 10 participants in the program, we start on day one teaching the basics of how to mountain bike: peddling, braking, and body position all in a flat ground session so that each rider can get comfortable on the bike before even having to worry about going down a hill. Once the participants have these skills dialled in we advance through a progression of terrain and trail choices so that participants skills can progress each ride. With a lesson to start off each ride, delivered by a PMBI certified instructor, the skill sets required to ride more advanced terrain are built up over the program as each rider’s confidence increases.
Riders are exposed to a variety of trail types from cross country to lift assisted downhill riding (in some programs) with the ability break into smaller groups to ensure each rider is on terrain and moving at a pace they are comfortable with. This allows for a more comfortable learning environment as each rider will become comfortable with different terrain and pace on their own terms.
Included in the program we do our best to introduce the participants to an array of industry related jobs in an effort to expand the participants’ horizons. We have our PMBI instructor speak with the participants about the opportunities available as a mountain bike instructor in the area. We also have a day where a local bike shop provides one of their staff for a lesson on the basics of bike maintenance. The shop staff member also speaks about the types of roles available in the retail industry that supports mountain biking.
In an effort to make the sport even more accessible Elevation Outdoors provides transportation from 3 common meeting points in Kelowna and West Kelowna to make it easier for participants to join us.
Dates:
Each program runs twice per week, for 7 weeks, as the frequency is key to the progression of the participants’ skills as it allows them to return and practice their skills and continue to improve as there is not enough time to regress between sessions.
Live to Ride 2023 will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting July 4th and ending August 17th. We will also aim to take youth to Big White twice during the program, on August 3rd and 17th, where we will go up for the full day.
Cost:
Spots are available on scholarship for youth that meet our eligibility criteria. Scholarships cover 100% of the costs to participate. Click here (scroll down to 'Who We Serve') to see our scholarship eligibility requirements.
Partial funding may be available for families that do not meet scholarship criteria but still face financial barriers
Limited paid spots are available, at a cost of $500 per spot
If you are interested in volunteering for Live to Ride, please click here!
To register for the Live to Ride program please download the registration package below or follow the online registration link above to register online.
Morningside Rotary Club of Kelowna
