3rd-5th Grade
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 New to Mountain Biking 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.
Requirements
Bikes with front/rear hand brakes and gears are required in all 3rd-5th grade groups. Wheel size must be 24 inches or bigger.
In all groups:
Must be in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade.
Bikes must have hand brakes and gears.
Wheel size must be 24 inches or bigger.
FUN-Damentals (Beginner) Requirements:
No prior mountain biking experience required - Yet they do need to know how to ride a bike and have some experience riding on dirt.
Riders in this age group should be:
Able to start and stop on their own.
Comfortable riding on dirt trails.
What to Bring:
Bike meeting program requirements & Well-Maintained
Helmet, water, snacks, and enthusiasm to learn
Weather-appropriate clothing.
All Girls Requirements:
Riders identifying as female.
Able to start and stop on their own.
Confident riding on dirt trails.
Comfortable with the attack position (standing out of the seat on downhills, level pedals with feet equally weighted).
Comfortable braking smoothly and evenly with both brakes.
What to Bring:
Bike meeting program requirements & Well-Maintained
Helmet, water, snacks, and enthusiasm to learn
Weather-appropriate clothing
Thrills & Technique Group or “Intermediate” Requirements:
Must have gear in good working condition.
At least one full season (spring-fall) of experience riding dirt trails.
Able to pedal up Schultz Road or Chimney (at any pace).
Able to start and stop on their own.
Confident riding on dirt trails.
Comfortable with the attack position (standing out of the seat on downhills, level pedals with feet equally weighted).
Comfortable braking smoothly and evenly with both brakes.
Able to change gears while pedaling.
Able to stand while climbing.
What to Bring:
Bike meeting program requirements & Well-Maintained
Helmet, water, snacks, and enthusiasm to learn.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
3rd-5th Go Fast Advanced Requirements:
This group will focus on big rides and putting in miles at a fast pace. Riders will ride on more advanced technical trails, at a faster pace, and explore bigger and steeper hills.
If you are unsure about placing your child in this group, please contact Hannah Hendrickson
Kids in the advanced group should be:
Able to ride 10+ miles on single advanced-level trails consisting of sustained climbs and descents
Able to climb all of Dipper and descend upper Rocky Ridge.
Braking correctly and efficiently at high speeds
Confident standing while climbing over steep and technical terrain
Smoothly and efficiently changing gears while pedaling and consistently selecting the appropriate gear for the terrain
Comfortable on intermediate and advanced trails with a faster pace and less stopping
Fit and skilled to ride trails with big elevation changes, consisting of sustained climbs and descents
On a bike with wheel size of 26 inches or larger
What to Bring:
High-quality bike.
Bike meets program requirements & is well-maintained
Helmet, water, snacks, and enthusiasm to learn.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
3rd-5th Advanced Skills Requirements:
This group will focus on more advanced technical trails, explore drops, jumps, and technical lines, explore bigger and steeper hills, and work on advanced maneuvers.
If you are unsure about placing your child in this group, please contact Hannah Hendrickson (hyperlinked to hannah@flyrsaz.com)
Kids in the advanced group should be:
Able to ride 10+ miles on single advanced-level trails consisting of sustained climbs and descents
Confident on trails like Schultz, Moto, and Easter Island. This group will explore trails such as Bridge, various parts of Oldham, and if time allows - Full Sail
Braking correctly and efficiently at high speeds
Confident standing while climbing over steep and technical terrain
Smoothly and efficiently changing gears while pedaling and consistently selecting the appropriate gear for the terrain
Comfortable on intermediate and advanced trails with a faster pace and less stopping
Fit and skilled to ride trails with big elevation changes consisting of sustained climbs and descents
On a bike with wheel size of 26 inches or larger
What to Bring:
High-quality bike suitable for advanced features.
Helmet, full safety gear (gloves, possibly kneepads), water, snacks, and enthusiasm for technical challenges.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
Goals
All Girls Group Goals:
Foster camaraderie and confidence in an all-girls environment.
Teach trail etiquette, basic bike skills - braking, body position, gearing, climbing and descending, basic bike maintenance
Help riders feel confident on beginner to intermediate trails & finding more challenging lines - such as Schultz, Chimney, Oldham, AZT
FAQ:
Are the all-girls groups different from co-ed groups?
These groups are designed to provide an empowering and inclusive experience for girls, but they follow the same skill and riding goals as co-ed groups.
FUN-Damentals Group Goals:
Introduce new/newer riders to mountain biking on singletrack trails.
Teach trail etiquette, basic bike skills - braking, body position, gearing, climbing and descending, basic bike maintenance, and foster team spirit.
Help riders feel confident on beginner to intermediate trails
FAQ:
What if my child isn’t sure about mountain biking?
This group is perfect for beginners and helps them build confidence and interest.
Thrills & Technique Group - Intermediate Goals:
Build stronger foundational biking techniques - braking, body positioning, gearing, cornering and more.
Enjoy leisurely-paced rides with breaks and snacks.
Help riders feel confident on intermediate trails & finding more challenging lines - such as Schultz, Chimney, Oldham, AZT
FAQ:
What if my child has more advanced experience?
Consider "Go Fast" or "Advanced Skills" groups for a better fit.
3rd-5th Go Fast Advanced Goals:
Provide a challenging and fast-paced trail-riding experience.
Cater to kids interested in cross-country riding and racing (MBAA or ACA).
FAQ:
Can my child race if they join this group?
Yes, this group is ideal for cross-country racers or those preparing for ACA racing in middle school or those who participate in MBAA race series.
Advanced Skills Group Goals:
Teach advanced biking techniques, including jumps and drops.
Prepare riders for enduro-style biking.
FAQ:
Is this group suitable for racers?
Yes, but it is more focused on technical skills than racing.
Where We Ride
New to MTB:
We explore locations and trails with mild to varied gain & descent, some wide trails with a focus on the easiest singletrack trails.
Examples: Puente Bike Park, Lone Tree, Fort Tuthill, Sandy Seep, Campbell Mesa, the Y, End of Butler, Sinclair Wash, and more
All Girls:
We explore locations and trails with mild to varied gain & descent, some easy singletrack trails, working towards intermediate singletrack.
Examples: Puente Bike Park, Lone Tree, Fort Tuthill, Sandy Seep, Campbell Mesa, the Y, End of Butler, Sinclair Wash, and more
Thrills & Technique (Intermediate):
We explore locations and trails with mild to varied gain & descent, some easy singletrack trails, working towards intermediate/advanced singletrack.
Examples: Fort Tuthill, Elden Lookout Rd, Puente Bike Park, Campbell Mesa, Schultz, Chimney, Oldham, AZT, Sandy Seep and more
Go Fast (Advanced):
Examples: Sandy Seep, Fort Tuthill, Puente Bike Park, Sinclair Wash, Elden Lookout Rd, Fort Valley, Oldham Basin, AZT, and more
Advanced Skills:
Examples: Fort Tuthill, Puente Bike Park, Elden Lookout Rd, The Y, Oldham Basin, Snowbowl, AZT, and more