Intro to Mountain Biking
Leave the asphalt behind and gear up for the trails with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Intro to Mountain Biking Classes. Outdoor Chattanooga now offers two levels of Introduction to Mountain Biking courses to fit your individual needs!
Level 1: The level 1 course is designed for the complete novice or for those who wish to practice and reinforce skills in a controlled setting. The 2 hour course utilizes an open field with small features to prepare you for riding on single-track trails. Our PIMBA certified instructor will teach you using a format that can be structured to your pace and individual learning style. The level 1 course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 10 who already knows how to confidently ride a bike. Online reservations are required in advance and the cost is $10 per person.
Level 2: The level 2 course is designed to take your mountain biking to the next level! This course will take the foundational skills taught in the level 1 class as well as additional instruction to get you on single-track trails with confidence. The 3-hour long class utilizes various Chattanooga area trails to introduce new riders to the awesome single-track riding available in our community. This course is open to anyone over the age of 10 who already knows how to confidently ride a bike. The level 1 course is recommended prior to level 2 participation but is not required. Online reservations are required in advance and the cost is $25 per person.
Both level classes will give you the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of mountain biking with our PIMBA certified instructors through skills demonstration and practice in a relaxed atmosphere. No experience necessary aside from being able to ride a bike. Mountain bikes, helmets, and instruction provided. Online Reservations can be made here. Contact Outdoor Chattanooga with any questions.
What You’ll Learn
- Off-road bike fit
- Shifting and braking while climbing/descending hills.
- Correct body/pedal positioning for climbing/descending and turns
- How to safely avoid or ride over obstacles
- Advanced pedaling techniques
- Techniques to avoid a crash
- Safest crashing methods
- How to change an inner tube
- Trail etiquette
- Trail difficulty designations
- Other tips and tricks to successfully start mountain biking
FAQs
When and where are classes offered?
2022 Dates
Level 1:
April 8
April 14
April 20
Level 2:
May 7
More spring and summer program dates coming soon!
How much does it cost? Do I have to register in advance?
Registration in advance is required for both the level 1 and level 2 courses. Contact Outdoor Chattanooga if you have any questions.
Level 1:
$10 per person per 2-hour session
Level 2:
$25 per person per 3-hour session
*Mountain Bikes and equipment are available for use at no additional charge.
Register Online Here.
Do I have to have my own mountain bike to participate?
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Do I need to know how to ride a bike to participate?
What's the minimum age?
Who should take this class?
Events
Did You Know?
Chattanooga is a mountain biking mecca boasting over 100 miles of singletrack within 15 miles of downtown, thanks in large part to SORBA Chattanooga, whose volunteer efforts built and maintain the trails. Singletracks.com named Chattanooga one of the top 10 best mountain biking destinations in North America in 2014 and ranked Chattanooga #5 of the 10 Best US Mountain Bike Towns with the Lowest cost of living in 2018.
Community Resources
Chattanooga Mtn. Bike Rentals
Chattanooga Mtn. Bike Organizations
Chattanooga Bicycle Club
TN Youth Mtn. Bike Racing Series
Velo Vixens Women’s Multisport Club