Ross Valley Mountain Bike Camp

Camp Prep Guide

SUMMER 2026

Camp Prep Guide

We’re excited to welcome your family to Ross Valley Mountain Bike Camp this summer. Whether your child is new to mountain biking or already loves the trails, our goal is to help every rider feel confident, supported, safe, and excited throughout the week. This parent guide includes everything you need to know before camp begins, including schedules, what to pack, bike prep, safety, coaching, and tips to help your child have the best possible experience on the trails this summer.

Welcome to Camp!

At Ross Valley Mountain Bike Camp, we believe mountain biking is about much more than riding bikes.

It’s about helping kids build confidence, independence, resilience, friendships, and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Throughout the week, your child will spend their days exploring Marin County trails, learning new skills, overcoming challenges, making friends, and having an unforgettable summer experience in a positive and encouraging environment.

No matter your rider’s experience level, our coaches are here to meet them where they are and help them progress comfortably at their own pace.

Camp Details

Camp Dates

Weekly sessions running June 15 – August 7

Ages

7–14 years old

Rider Levels

All levels welcome — beginner through advanced

Camp Location

Contratti Park Baseball Field
4 School St.
Fairfax, California

Daily Schedule

Drop-Off: 8:30 AM
Pick-Up: 3:00 PM sharp

Camp runs Monday through Friday with full days of riding, skills coaching, games, trail adventures, and social time with fellow riders.

What to Pack for Your Rider Each Day

Please label all gear and equipment clearly.

Required

Helmet (required — no helmet, no ride)
Mountain bike in safe working condition
Water backpack or CamelBak
Lunch
Plenty of water
Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable athletic or riding clothes

Bike Prep Checklist for Parents

A properly functioning bike makes a huge difference in helping kids feel safe and confident on the trails.

Before the first day of camp, please check:

Tires inflated properly
Brakes working well
Gears shifting smoothly
Chain lubricated
Seat adjusted to proper height

Camp Tip:

Using easier climbing gears (larger rear cogs) can help younger riders feel much more comfortable climbing hills.

Recommended Local Bike Shops

Supporting Our Community of Riders

We highly recommend scheduling a quick tune-up before camp begins.

What Your Child Will Experience During Camp

Every camp day is designed to combine progression, adventure, confidence-building, and fun.

Throughout the week, riders will experience:

Skills coaching
Guided trail rides
Bike safety instruction
Trail awareness education
Games and riding challenges
Lunch and social time
Confidence-building progression activities

Camp favorites may include:

Daily ice cream stops in Fairfax
Guest appearances from pro riders
End-of-week “Pastries with Parents” celebration

For many kids, camp becomes one of the highlights of their entire summer.

Coaching & Safety

We know parents trust us with what matters most, and rider safety is one of our highest priorities.

Ross Valley Mountain Bike Camp provides:

1 coach per 5 riders
Additional support staff and CITs
First Aid and CPR-certified coaches
Rider groups organized by ability and comfort level

Our coaching team focuses on creating a positive environment where every child feels included, encouraged, and successful.

Helping Your Child Feel More Confident Before Camp

It’s very normal for riders to feel both excited and nervous before camp starts.

A few simple things can help your child feel more prepared:

Go on a few bike rides together before camp
Practice starting, stopping, and braking
Encourage hydration and good sleep before camp days
Remind them it’s okay to learn gradually
Focus on fun and confidence, not perfection

Many riders who arrive nervous on Monday leave camp feeling stronger, more independent, and far more confident by Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need mountain biking experience? No. Beginner riders are welcome as long as they can safely ride a bike.

What type of bike should my child bring? A properly functioning mountain bike with gears and hand brakes is recommended.

How are groups organized? Riders are grouped primarily by ability level and comfort on the bike.

What if my child feels nervous? Our coaches are experienced in helping kids feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged throughout the week.

Registration Information

Spots can fill quickly throughout the summer season.

Register Here: (Insert Registration Link)

Questions? We’re happy to help.

Phone: 415-209-3633
Email: info@rossvalleymountainbikecamp.com

We’re looking forward to another incredible summer helping North Bay kids build confidence, friendships, resilience, independence, and a lifelong love for riding bikes outdoors.