How much does a session cost?

Each session is two hours and is $50. Payment may be made via Venmo or another secure payment app and is due prior to each scheduled session. I’ll send you payment information after registration and ride time/location confirmation.

Where do rides start & finish?

Rides generally meet at local Boulder trailheads.

Ride locations vary in mileage length, technical difficulty, and elevation gain. This provides athletes the opportunity to practice a wide range of mountain bike skills on varied terrain and adds variety. Some rides may be shorter in length and focus on a specific skill or specific sections of trail, while other rides may be longer and focus on continuity.

I will choose a ride location based on predicted weather/trail conditions, trail conditions, skill level, and progression goals and with input from resgistrants.

What is your cancellation & refund policy?

Registration fees are non-refundable after the start of a session (there is no refund for change of plans after the session begins, missed rides, etc.). Registrations may be cancelled up to 24 hours before the start of a session for a partial registration fee refund (Registration Fee – $10 non-refundable deposit).

Injuries or illness or exceptional circumstances: Refunds will be considered in the event of injury or severe illness or exceptional circumstances.

What does an athlete need to have in order to ride?

Generally, I recommend the following equipment:

• Trail ready mountain bike with knobby tires, gears, and hand brakes (recommend a minimum 20″ wheel size and at least 6 gears)
• Comfortable riding shorts or pants
• Short or long sleeve shirt, or bike jersey
• Cycling gloves (I recommend full finger MTB gloves)
• Helmet (please make sure helmet fits properly and can be adjusted tight enough that it does not slide around on the athlete’s head when they’re riding; and is in safe condition – no dents, cracks, or broken straps)
• Sturdy shoes with adequate tread (no sandals, Crocs, or open toe shoes)
• Sunglasses
• Warm jacket and cold weather gloves on cooler days
• Pack or hydration pack (see below for more information items to carry during rides)

To insure a safe and pleasant day of cycling, please be sure that athlete’s bike is in good working condition.

What do athletes need to carry with them on rides?

Athletes need to be prepared to be outside, riding and on a trail for the duration of the scheduled rides. Athletes must be prepared for sudden weather changes, various weather and trail conditions, and minor mechanical issues (e.g., flat tire). I recommend a hydration pack (CamelBak, Osprey, etc.) with an integrated water reservoir and enough space to hold enough water, snacks, and other necessary items for time on the trail. 

Below is a list of items that must be carried in athlete’s packs during rides:

• Water (adequate amount for the length of the ride and hot weather)
• Snacks (easy to open and eat snacks for snack breaks during the ride)
• Sunscreen
• Rain jacket
• Tube (correct size and valve type for athlete’s bike; even if athlete has tubeless tires)
• Toilet paper/Tissues
• Quart size sandwich bag (good for phone if it rains, trash, etc.)

What is your weather policy?

I try to never cancel rides. However, the health and safety of everyone is important and i continually monitor air quality, weather, and trail conditions that may impact ride safety. I may change the ride location, shorten, or cancel a ride if conditions are deemed unsafe before or during a ride, or at a particular trailhead.

When possible, the decision to cancel, shorten, or change a ride location due to inclement weather, unsafe conditions, or trail closure will be made within 1-2 hours of a scheduled ride. However, please be aware that rapid weather changes at the beginning or during a ride may result in a delay, shortening, or cancellation if the current conditions at a trail are deemed unsafe by us. You will be notified of any ride changes.

I want everyone to make the best decisions for yourself and keep an athlete home any time you feel uncomfortable with the weather forecast, air quality, or trail conditions on the day of a scheduled ride.

I do use Weather Underground to monitor the weather in Boulder and the nearest location to a scheduled ride.

A ride will be cancelled under the following weather conditions:

– Real feel temperature below 40 degrees within 1-2 hours before the start of the ride or predicted to decline below 40 degrees during the ride.

– Continuous, heavy, and accumulating precipitation (rain or snow) within 1-2 hours before the start of a ride

– Persistent lighting (lasting for 30 minutes or more at the start of the ride) within 6 miles of the scheduled ride location.

– Consistent temperature at or above 100 degrees forecasted during the ride.

A ride may be shortened or delayed, or the location may change due to the following conditions:

– A sudden drop in temperature during the ride (below 38 degrees)

– Persistent lighting within 6 miles of the ride location lasting for more than 30 minutes.

– Heavy and accumulating precipitation, and potential flash flood conditions.

Air Quality:

I use the standard Air Quality Index (AQI) provided by Airnow.gov and the real-time air quality map on PurpleAir.com to monitor the air quality in Boulder and the nearest location to a scheduled ride.

As per the guide, the following Air Quality scale will be applied:

– AQI 125 or below: ride will go on as scheduled

– AQI 126 – 150: ride distance and intensity will be decreased; number of breaks during the ride will be increased.

– AQI 151 or above: ride will be cancelled

Do you have beginner programs? What if an athlete does not know how to ride a bike?

I currently do not have a “learn to ride” program, but I do offer beginner rides for young riders who already know how to balance, pedal, and brake safely on a paved or gravel surface. These rides introduce young riders to riding smooth singletrack or off-road gravel trails.

I also offer hourly private coaching options for beginners who would like to learn and practice basic skills with a coach in a 1-on-1 setting.

Athlete wellness & SafeSport

SafeSport is a set of resources and policies to safeguard all athletes from bullying, harassment, hazing, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct. I complete yearly SafeSport training and follow the SafeSport policy.

I am also Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and CDC Heads Up concussion certified.

What if an athlete has an allergy or medical condition?

If an athlete has any allergies or medical conditions that I need to be aware of, please inform me before the start of a ride or when you register.