Virginia and Maryland REI Outdoor School

Intermediate Mountain Biking (Outing)

If you've been riding for a while and feel comfortable with your bike and want to take your riding performance to the next level, join our expert mountain biking instructors as they teach you to navigate advanced terrain and master singletrack portions of some great local rides. We'll build on the skills you've learned in Introduction to Mountain Biking with more practice handling obstacles, switchbacks, ascents and fast-paced descents. Learn to ride the areas you've wanted to explore but were afraid to attempt on your own. We'll also teach and enforce proper trail etiquette to make sure trails stay open and safe for well-behaved mountain bikers and all other trail users. Novara mountain bikes provided for those without a bike of their own at no extra cost. NO RIDER IS LEFT BEHIND, but this trip is not for beginners, as we ride at a faster pace and cover tougher terrain.

Recommended for those 14 and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult.

Pre-requisite: Introduction to Mountain Biking or equivalent skill level is mandatory. In order to successfully complete this outing, you must be able to comfortably:

• Mount and dismount your bicycle

• Ride, shift and brake on varying levels of terrain including dirt, sand, mud, gravel, etc., basic knowledge of how to climb and descend hills

• Ride over minor obstacles, through turns and switchbacks, etc.

• Choose lines, anticipate corners, obstacles, and steep or rough terrain (rocks, tree roots, etc.)

• Maintain safe riding distance in single file line while riding in groups (2-3 bike lengths)

• Repair a punctured inner tube, change a flat

• Consistently ride at a 6-8 mph pace on varying terrain

* Advance registration is required. Call or visit any DC area REI to sign up.

• Time:

  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Cost: Member: $55, Non-Member: $75

Where To Meet:

Meet at the location or REI store listed below. If the program meets at a location other than a REI store, a member of the Outdoor School staff will contact you to coordinate directions.

• May 31st Rockville REI
• June 29th Baileys Crossroads
• July 12th Timonium REI
• September 21st Baileys Crossroads REI

WHAT TO BRING:

• Your personal biking helmet.
• Closed-toe athletic shoes with firm soles.
• Cycling shorts or snug-fitting but comfortable shorts with minimal seams (e.g. compression shorts). If the forecast is for cool temperatures, bring along a light cycling jacket (i.e. light layer such as a breathable jacket) or windproof shell.
• Water-resistant or waterproof jacket/anorak in case of rain
• Your own moutain bike if you prefer! We do have Novara mountain bikes available for use. Please be sure you selected this free bike option at the time of sign-up and provided us with your height measurements. If you are bringing your personal bike, please bring a spare tube (our tubes may not fit your tires)
• Padded cycling gloves if you have them.
• Hydration compatible day pack, 70 - 100 oz recommended
• High energy lunch and snacks (gels and fuel bars) that you can carry on your bike with you
• Sun protection (sunscreen and wide brim hats w/ retainers) and sunglasses with retainers.
• Photo ID and Insurance Card
• Change of clothes and footwear for the ride home (leave in car)

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

• Road bikes for those that do not have their own.
• Bike pumps, tubes, patch kits, and tools.
• Transportation between REI and trailhead, except when outing meets at venue.
• All park entry fees for riders in the REI Outdoor School van.
• Group medical supplies and area maps.