1st & 2nd Grade
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.
Requirements
Riders in this group should be:
Able to start and stop on their own.
Comfortable riding on dirt trails.
Using hand brakes (highly encouraged for 1st-2nd grade riders).
Comfortable with the attack position (level pedals with feet equally weighted).
Able to brake smoothly and evenly with both brakes.
Able to change gears while pedaling (for 2nd grade riders).
Beginning to stand while climbing (for 2nd grade riders).
What to Bring:
A bike with functioning brakes (hand brakes preferred).
Helmet and necessary safety gear.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
A small backpack holding a water bottle and snack.
Goals
Develop basic bike handling skills.
Build confidence riding on bumpy dirt trails and gentle hills to then building up confidence on more challenging technical trails with elevation changes.
Participate in bike games and short trail rides of around 3 - 5 miles each week.
Move towards confidence using the attack position (level pedals with feet equally weighted), smooth and even braking with both brakes, changing gears while pedaling, standing while climbing.
Where We Ride
We explore locations with varied elevation gain & descent, with some wide trails with a focus on easy singletrack.
Examples: Fort Tuthill, Puente Bike Park, Lone Tree, Campbell Mesa, End of Butler, Sinclair Wash, the Y, and more