MOUNTIAN BIKE PROGRAM

Bytown Storm Youth Mountain Bike Program

A youth mountain bike program designed to build confident, capable and enthusiastic trail riders. The program combines focused skill development with group riding, giving athletes the opportunity to learn new skills and immediately apply them on the trail.

The program is designed for youth 8–14 years old, with riders grouped primarily by skill, experience and ability rather than age. Whether your rider is developing confidence on singletrack or looking to challenge themselves on more technical terrain, our goal is to create a fun, supportive environment where every rider can progress.

Each session begins with 20–30 minutes of skills instruction, followed by a group ride where riders can put those skills into practice. Throughout the season, riders develop bike handling, cornering, braking, climbing, descending, trail awareness and group-riding skills while gaining the confidence to navigate increasingly challenging terrain.

The season finishes with a family group ride and BBQ to celebrate the riders and the season.

To accommodate different experience and ability levels, the program offers two groups. Group placement is based on the rider's skills, confidence, fitness and trail experience.

RIPPERS – Development

The Rippers group is designed for newer riders or riders who are still developing confidence and fundamental mountain bike skills.

Sessions focus on:

• Bike handling and body position 
• Braking and gear selection 
• Cornering and climbing 
• Descending with control 
• Trail awareness and riding safely with a group 
• Developing confidence on singletrack 

Riders will typically ride a combination of double track and less-aggressive singletrack, with distances and pace adjusted to the group. Sessions are primarily based in the Greenbelt around Bells Corners and at Carlington Bike Park.

SENDERS – Advanced

The Senders group is designed for experienced riders who are comfortable riding singletrack and have developed the fundamental skills and fitness needed to ride at a higher pace and tackle more technical terrain.

Sessions introduce riders to:

• More technical singletrack 
• Rocks, roots and varied terrain 
• Technical climbing and descending 
• Cornering and line selection 
• More advanced bike-handling skills 
• Riding efficiently and safely at a faster group pace 

Locations may include the Greenbelt, South March Highlands and Carlington Bike Park, allowing the group to experience a variety of terrain and challenges.

Rippers

• Mondays, 5:30–7:15 pm 
• September 14 – October 26, 2026 
• 6 sessions 
• Bells Corners, Carlington Bike Park and other locations as conditions require 
• 90+ minutes per session 

Senders

• Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 pm 
• September 10 – October 29, 2026 
• 8 sessions 
• Kanata, Carlington Bike Park and other locations as conditions require 
• 90+ minutes per session 

Sessions may be adjusted based on weather and trail conditions.

Season End Family BBQ: Tentatively planned for the weekend of October 24, 2026

Riders must have:

• A properly fitted mountain bike in good working condition 
• Working front and rear brakes 
• Appropriate mountain bike tires 
• A properly fitted helmet 
• Closed-toe shoes 
• Water bottle or hydration pack 
• A spare tube appropriate for their bike 

Full-finger gloves are strongly recommended. Bug spray is optional but useful during the warmer months.

Expect some mud! Riders should dress appropriately for changing weather and trail conditions.

For Senders, who will be riding more technical terrain, knee and/or elbow pads are recommended.

Fall riding is part of the fun! Lights will be provided later in the season, allowing riders to experience the trails after dusk and adding a completely different dimension to their riding.

Coach Kevin Cameron

Kevin is an NCCP Triathlon Community Coach and a PMBIA Level 1 Certified Instructor and Certified Ride Leader. He has been active in Ottawa's mountain bike community since 2007 and brings extensive experience as a trail builder, group ride leader and youth cycling advocate.

The focus is not simply on getting kids around the trail. We want riders to understand their bikes, develop good movement skills, make decisions on the trail and become increasingly independent and confident riders.

Rippers: $150 + HST

Senders: $200 + HST