Introduction to Mountain Biking

Introduces foundational skills for cross-country, downhill, and adaptive cycling disciplines. Topics include mountain biking techniques for riding on remote forest trails and navigating rough terrain such as carriage paths, single-track trails, deep sand, slick rock faces, and loose terrain. Skills focus on climbing and descending steep, winding trails, managing a group of cyclists to prevent accidents, injuries, and missing riders, and performing basic bicycle maintenance and field repairs.

This course involves moderate to high physical activity. Students should be able to ride a mountain bike and to be active in the outdoors for a full day. Activities will take place in a remote forested environment in potentially low temperatures and wet weather with late autumn conditions.

Students participate in off-campus field trips. Students assume any travel and permit or pass costs associated with field trips.

Important: Students should provide their own well-maintained mountain bike and bike helmet. Or, students can rent bike and helmet with advanced notice. Use of an appropriate well-maintained helmet is required.

Schedule: Mondays & Tuesdays from 9 am to 4 pm (4 class sessions)

A student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1. Describe apply, and demonstrate mountain biking techniques for maneuvering and controlling a mountain bike over rough terrain including carriage paths, single-track trails, deep sand, slick rock faces, loose terrain, and how to climb and descend steep and winding trails.
2. Recognize hazards associated with mountain biking and apply procedures to minimize and avoid such hazards.
3. Perform basic bicycle maintenance in the field.
4. Manage a group of cyclists to avoid accidents, injuries, and missing riders.