Connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
Beginner Mountain Bike Clinics
Learn to Mountain Bike!
The Beginner Mountain Bike Clinics are part of the Loppet Foundation’s Trail Kids year-round programming.
These clinics are designed for participants ages 7-13 who have no experience riding single track trails (for programming for 13 and older, check out LCW Juniors programs). If you are new to the Trail Kids program, these clinics are highly suggested before taking one of the six-week evening sessions. Mountain bike clinics will be held on open grassy areas with some single track riding. During clinic practices, participants will be coached by trained Loppet Trail Kids coaches on a variety of mountain bike skills, so they can become safe and confident riders.
Fundamental Skills include:
- Ready/neutral position for descending hills
- Side/Side bike body separation
- Pedaling/shifting efficiently
- Controlling speed and braking safely
- Cornering confidently
- Handling obstacles and rocky terrain
- Riding with vision
- Ratcheting
For a full description of our mountain bike skill level progression, view the Trail Kids MTB Skill Level Guide.
Equipment needed:
All participants will need their own mountain bike, helmet, and water carrier. Mountain bikes need to have both front and back wheel brakes on the handle bars (no peddle brakes or kickstands allowed). Tires must have tread and be wide enough to ride safely on mountain bike trails. For more on mountain bike equipment, view the Trail Kids MTB Equipment Guide.
Loppet Bike Rentals: Trail Kids has a limited mountain bike rental fleet for those who do not have one for an additional fee of $30. If you need to rent a bike, make sure to select this add-on when you register (while supplies last).
Registration based on ability:
All participants who attend the program must be able to ride their bikes safely on paved paths. When registering your child make sure to indicate their ability level as described in the Trail Kids MTB Skill Level Guide.
Registration
Registration for 2025 Trail Kids MTB Clinic 1 & 2 offerings will open on Monday, March 3rd at 9am
Registration FAQs: For answers to many common registration questions please visit our Registration FAQ page
2025 Beginner MTB Clinic Dates
Each clinic costs $84. All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.
- Rental Bike Add On: $30 (limited stock, rental bike add-on NOT guaranteed)
- Equipment needed: Mountain bike, helmet, and water bottle carrier *must meet guidelines in the Trail Kids MTB Equipment Guide
Mountain Bike Beginner Clinic 1 – Saturday Mornings
Dates: May 3, 10, 17
Days/Time: Saturdays 9-10:30 AM
Location: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
Mountain Bike Beginner Clinic 1 – Wednesdays
Dates: May 28, June 4, June 11
Days/Time: Wednesday 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Location: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
Mountain Bike Beginner Clinic 1 – Early Thursdays
Dates: May 29, June 5, June 12
Days/Time: Thursday 4 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
Mountain Bike Beginner Clinic 1 – Late Thursdays
Dates: May 29, June 5, June 12
Days/Time: Thursday 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Location: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
Mountain Bike Beginner Clinic 2 – Wednesdays
Dates: July 23, July 30, August 6
Days/Time: Wednesday 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Location: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
Mountain Bike Beginner Clinic 2 – Thursdays
Dates: July 24, July 31, August 7
Days/Time: Thursday 4 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
Payment & Financial Assistance Information
Financial Assistance and Sibling Discounts
Financial Assistance: Trail Kids provides financial assistance for those in need, up to 100% of the registration cost. To apply, please fill out our Trail Kids Financial Assistance Application. We will follow up with you with instructions on how to register at a price that is manageable for your family. Applications for programs that start two weeks or less from the date of submission will not be approved.
Sibling Discount: For those families who have three or more kids in the same Trail Kids offering we can provide a fifteen percent discount code. Please email trailkids@loppet.org for more information.
Refund Policy
The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee (or rental fee) minus the original processing fee up until 6 weeks before the program starts. Between 6 weeks and 4 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 25% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program. During the program, if your child has a medical issue that makes it impossible to participate, we will issue a prorated refund minus the processing fee. If the Loppet cancels a program, a full refund will be issued. For instructions on how to request a refund, click here.
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