Ride with FLYRS
FLYRS groups are organized by age, following a proven model to create a positive and enjoyable experience for every child. Age-based, inclusive programs allow kids to ride alongside peers, fostering team bonding, friendships, independence, and healthy risk-taking. This naturally supports the development of mountain biking skills and fitness, helping each rider succeed.
Our trained coaches challenge riders at their individual skill levels within their age-based groups, all in a supportive team environment.
We ride with anyone with any experience ages 2-18 years old! Find the group(s) below that best fit your needs and schedule.
PUSH BIKERS
Ages 2-4
Offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall, this program introduces kids to trails in a fun, team-focused environment. Riders should be able to sit on the saddle, push, and glide for 3–5 seconds. Practices focus on starting, stopping, balancing, and trail etiquette, while encouraging independence. Families should bring a properly sized push bike (no pedals or training wheels), helmet, small backpack with water and a snack, and weather-appropriate clothing. Rides take place on wide, smooth trails with little elevation at places like Fox Glen Park, Buffalo Park, Francis Short Pond, and Fort Tuthill. To help kids build confidence, parents are asked not to attend practices, but we’ll keep you updated and reach out if needed.
PEDALING
PRESCHOOLERS
Ages 3-5 on pedal bikes
Offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall, this program is for children who can ride a pedal bike independently (no training wheels) and are confident starting and stopping about half the time, using coaster or hand brakes, and riding on dirt. Our goal is to introduce fun games and activities that build confidence, reinforce basic biking skills like starting, stopping, balancing, and trail etiquette, and enjoy short, easy group rides. This group is only for children who can ride independently; those transitioning from a push bike should join the Push Bike program to ensure the most fun and safety for all.
5-6 Year Olds
(not yet in 1st grade)
Offered in Spring, Summer & Fall, this program is designed for children riding pedal bikes independently (no training wheels), confident starting and stopping, comfortable with coaster or hand brakes, and ready for dirt trails. As of 2025, we’ve updated the program to better match riders with coaches and group compatibility. Kids will enjoy fun games and activities that build confidence, reinforce basic biking skills—including balance, starting and stopping, trail etiquette, and shifting when applicable—and explore slightly longer trail rides, including single track.
1st & 2nd Grade
Offered Spring, Summer, and Fall. As of 2025, FLYRS has expanded these groups to 20 riders with 4 coaches, allowing athletes to be placed in smaller, ability-based groups after the first practice. Riders must already be able to ride independently, start and stop on their own, and handle dirt trails (hand brakes and gears are encouraged). Each week, riders will build confidence through games and trail rides (3–5 miles), progressing from basic bike handling to more advanced skills like braking, shifting, climbing, and using the attack position. This group is not suitable for children still learning to ride.
3rd-5th Grade
Riding options for 3rd-5th graders offered Spring, Summer, and Fall. Specific group options (All Girls, Go Fast & Advanced skills offered Spring/Fall only)
For riders in 3rd–5th grade, FLYRS offers tailored groups to match skill, motivation, and experience. Bikes must have hand brakes, gears, and 24”+ wheels. Options include: an All-Girls Group fostering camaraderie and confidence on beginner to intermediate trails; a FUN-Damentals Group for those just starting out on singletrack; Thrills & Technique for riders with at least one season of experience ready to build skills on intermediate trails; Go Fast for kids interested in racing or long, fast-paced rides on advanced trails; and Advanced Skills for riders exploring technical terrain, drops, jumps, and enduro-style riding.
Middle School
FLYRS offers boys, girls, and coed riding groups each season, welcoming all skill levels. Riders are grouped by ability (Mild, Medium, or Spicy) to match their goals, from skill-building and shorter rides to fast-paced, technical adventures. Advanced riders can join the Go Fast group for longer rides, or the Enduro group to focus on advanced technical skills, jumps, drops, and challenging terrain. Programs emphasize building community, developing bike handling, boosting fitness, and gaining confidence on a variety of Flagstaff trails, with opportunities for both fun and race preparation.
Middle School ACA Race Team
The Middle School Composite Team runs from August through November, with some preseason activities starting in June. Riders join for a more committed mountain biking experience with two practices per week and the opportunity to participate in ACA middle school races. The season includes five races between September and November. For more details, please see our Middle School Composite Team page.
High school
FLYRS offers high school riding groups for all ability levels, providing opportunities to build community, improve skills, and increase fitness. At each practice, riders choose from Spicy (fast-paced, longer rides on technical terrain), Medium (balanced skills and moderate riding), or Mild (shorter, skills-focused rides). Programs focus on bike handling, technical skills, endurance, and confidence on various Flagstaff trails. Riders must have a properly fitted mountain bike and helmet, and bring water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. All ability levels are welcome, and bikes can be loaned if needed.
RAD Team
The FLYRS RAD Team was created to provide a competitive outlet for Flagstaff’s youth mountain bikers, building on years of experience developing riders through FLYRS and local high school clubs. Unlike many national youth development teams, RAD offers a structured, fun, and progressive program without the high cost or burnout. FLYRS supports the team financially through grants, donations, and sponsorships, keeping participation affordable and eliminating barriers to competitive mountain biking. The RAD Team fosters camaraderie, skill development, and fast-riding, helping motivated athletes pursue their competitive goals.
Accepted by application only
Cyclocross
Grades 7th-12th
This group introduces riders of all levels to cyclocross skills and race preparation. Each week focuses on 1–2 key skills, progressively building through practice and concluding with a final race or fun challenge course. The program helps develop bike handling, speed, strength, endurance, and confidence on varied terrain - essential skills for any cyclist - while keeping the experience fun. Riders must bring a helmet and a suitable bike (cyclocross, gravel with knobby tires, or mountain bike with bar ends removed). Sessions take place at various Flagstaff locations designed to simulate cyclocross conditions.