Bicicleta de montaña

• Always wear a helmet! Skill level and trail difficulty do not determine if you crash.
• Check to make sure your bike is in safe operating condition before your ride.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks in case your ride is longer than expected.
• Always carry a spare tube and tools that will allow you to perform fixes on the trail.
• Use a map or an app to get familiar with the network of trails where you are going.
• Respect trail closures (conditions, maintenance, events) and only ride open trails.
• Do not ride trails during or immediately after rain, as this causes damage to the trails.
• Don’t ride around puddles, as this widens the trail. Slow down and ride through them.
• Stay on existing trails and do not modify or create new trails, including switchbacks.
• If you are not comfortable riding a feature, walk around it, so you don’t create a new trail.
• Be aware of daylight hours and ride distance, so you can be back before dark.
• Always look and listen out for other bikers, as well as hikers, on the trails.
• Always ride on the right side of the trail, so that faster riders can pass safely.
• Pass on the left side of the trail and indicate your intention before you do so.
• Ring your bell or use your voice to let others know that you are approaching.
• When riding easier trails, yield to less experienced riders and give them a little space.
• If you need to get off your bike and walk, stay to the side of the trail, so others can pass.
• When another rider indicates that they are passing, respond to let them know it is safe.
• Trying new trails and features is a great way to improve your skills but be reasonable.
• Stay in control of your speed and technique for the safety of yourself and others.
• Make sure to give wildlife and companion animals enough time and space on the trail.
• Use caution around horses on the trail and ask the horserider for direction if uncertain.
• Do your best to be positive, supportive and cooperative with others on the trail.

If the trails are calling your name, we are here to help answer that call. Programs and lessons are available for all skill levels whether you are new to the sport or have been riding for years and just want to dial in your skills. The Mountain Bike Instructors at Kelso are here to introduce you to the trails, develop your skills, boost your confidence, guide you on epic rides and help you become the rider you aspire to become!

Come join the Kelso mountain bike team on Martes nights for our race series! We are proud to provide a fun and challenging weekly series and a unique, energetic hub for the racing and riding community. We offer races for everyone from kids all the way to expert riders. This year we have also introduced chip based timing supported by MyLaps! For more information on our Mountain Bike Race Series click here.

Do I have to know how to ride a bike to participate in any programs or lessons?

If you do not know how to ride a bike, we ask that you first sign up for private lessons and we would be happy to teach you! All of our programs require the participant to know how to ride a bike first.

What type of bike should I be riding?

Mountain bikes are mandatory! Road bikes, hybrids and cruiser bikes will not be sufficient enough for the trails. We ask that bikes be in good working condition, and have a range of gears. Coaster brakes (backpedal/skid brake) are not allowed. We highly recommend having a bike with disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical) as this allows for optimal stopping power and a safer ride.

I don’t own a bike! Can I rent one?

Of course! We offer rental bikes for all programs and lessons.

What equipment should I bring with me?

A proper bike helmet and some way of carrying water with you is the only equipment we require. Some other equipment you may find useful for riding is knee pads, MTB gloves, and proper mountain bike shoes but these are not a requirement to participate.

How do I determine which program is right for me?

In each program description you will find a recommended minimum ability level. You can see our ability level chart above. Please ensure you meet the minimum ability level before signing up for a program.

What is the refund policy?

Full refunds are available for any changes and cancellations two weeks (14 days) ahead of your scheduled program or lesson with a $25 administrative fee. Refunds are not available for missed lessons.

What if the weather is bad?

We will do our best to reschedule any program or lesson due to inclement weather; however, we do our best to run no matter what.

Who will I be riding with?

All of our instructors are professionally trained and carry PMBIA certifications!

What if I can’t make every date of the program? (Fundamentals and Finding your Flow)

Our programs are designed as a block of four and each session builds on the previous one. We strongly recommend choosing a month that you know you will be able to make every single session. If this is not an option though you can book a separate private lesson with us to help catch you up on the week missed. We recommend booking this lesson during the week that you missed to ensure you receive the necessary information, in the right order.

What will I be learning during private lessons?

The benefit of a private lesson is it allows you to work one on one with our instructors on whatever aspect of mountain biking you wish to improve.

What trails will we ride during private lessons?

The trail network at Kelso Conservation Area will be used. The instructor will develop a ride plan based on your skill and what you are wanting to work on.

I have friends that also want to take private lessons. Can we take them together?

Of course! With our private programs you can have up to four participants. Please ensure that all riders are at a similar riding level and are interested in improving similar aspects of their biking.