Wheels Up Home School Mountain Bike Program
Progressive Weekday Mountain Bike Classes
The Wheels Up Home School Mountain Bike Program is a progressive weekday riding classes designed specifically for home school families who want their children to build confidence, develop real mountain bike skills, and experience the fun of riding trails in a safe, encouraging, and professionally coached environment.
Whether your child is just learning to ride trails or is ready for more advanced terrain, our curriculum provides a clear pathway for long-term development. Every class blends professional instruction, skill progressions, games, trail riding, and adventure while teaching confidence, responsibility, trail etiquette, and a lifelong love of mountain biking.
With small class sizes and individualized coaching, riders progress at their own pace while becoming part of the Wheels Up riding community.
Maximum Class Size: 8 Riders for Each Class!
Little Riders Class
Ages 6–9 • 20″–24″ Wheel Bikes
The perfect place to launch your mountain biking journey.
Little Riders is designed specifically for younger riders who are ready to transition from neighborhood riding into the exciting world of mountain biking. Based on the proven Wheels Up Launch Program curriculum, this class develops confidence through games, skills, trail exploration, and positive coaching.
Throughout the program riders will:
- Build confidence through fun, age-appropriate games and skill progressions
- Learn proper braking, balance, body position, and bike control
- Develop safe riding habits and trail etiquette
- Practice on beginner-friendly trails and natural terrain
- Learn to ride confidently in a group setting
- Develop independence while having fun on the trails
Rider Requirements
Participants should:
- Be approximately 6–9 years old
- Ride a 20-inch or 24-inch wheel mountain bike
- Be able to confidently ride without training wheels
- Be comfortable riding on grass and uneven terrain
- Ride a bike equipped with multiple gears and hand brakes
Little Riders creates the confidence and skills needed to continue into Home School Level 1 and the rest of the Wheels Up Rider Pathway.
Level 1 Class: Intro to Mountain Biking
Ages 7–11 • Recommended 24″, 26″, 27.5″, & possibly 29″ Wheel Bikes
Building a strong mountain biking foundation.
Level 1 is designed for riders who are new to mountain biking but already ride confidently on neighborhood streets, sidewalks, or bike paths. This five-week class introduces riders to the fundamental skills needed to safely and confidently enjoy trail riding.
Throughout the session riders will:
- Learn foundational mountain bike skills used across all riding disciplines
- Build confidence through structured skill progressions and fun riding games
- Improve braking, balance, body position, and trail awareness
- Experience guided trail rides inspired by our Trail Ranger program
- Learn group riding skills and proper trail etiquette
This class blends skill instruction, trail riding, games, and exploration to help riders become comfortable and confident on a variety of beginner trails.
Level 2 Class: Progression & Trail Skills
Ages 10–15
Taking your riding to the next level.
Level 2 is designed for riders who have completed Level 1 or demonstrate equivalent ability through a private evaluation. Riders begin tackling more technical trails while refining the skills needed to ride confidently over a greater variety of terrain.
Throughout the session riders will:
- Build upon foundational skills on more challenging trails
- Improve cornering, line choice, and terrain management
- Ride a greater variety of trail features
- Increase confidence over longer rides and varied terrain
- Continue developing trail awareness, decision making, and riding etiquette
Level 2 prepares riders for more advanced riding opportunities while continuing to build confidence, independence, and technical skills in a supportive coaching environment.
Evaluations & Bike Rentals
Not sure which class is the right fit?
If you’re unsure whether your rider is ready for Little Riders, Level 1, or Level 2, we recommend scheduling a private evaluation lesson with Coach Cody. Email Coach Cody @ Wheelsupmtb@gmail.com
Evaluation lessons are offered at a reduced rate for prospective Home School Program families and provide an excellent opportunity to assess your rider’s current ability, answer questions, and recommend the class that will provide the best experience and long-term success.
Need a Mountain Bike?
Don’t have the right bike yet?
We maintain a limited fleet of quality youth mountain bikes available for rent for all Home School Program classes. Our professionally maintained bikes are equipped with multiple gears and hand brakes, making them an excellent option for families who are not yet ready to purchase a mountain bike or whose current bike does not meet the class requirements.
Our goal is to remove barriers and help every rider begin their mountain biking journey on equipment that is safe, properly sized, and trail ready. This can make a big difference for them learning and effectively getting the most out of each class!
The Wheels Up Rider Pathway
The Home School Mountain Bike Program is part of the complete Wheels Up Rider Pathway, giving riders opportunities to continue developing for years to come.
Little Riders → Level 1 → Level 2 → Wheels Up MTB Academy & Other Events
Within the Academy, riders can continue their journey through programs including Launch, XCG Development, and the Enduro Team, depending on their age, interests, and riding goals. Many more opportunities for your kiddo to get on a bike with Wheels Up! Check out Wheelsupmtb.com for more information.
Whether your child dreams of exploring local trails with friends, becoming a stronger and more confident rider, or eventually racing mountain bikes, Wheels Up provides a professional coaching pathway that helps every rider discover their potential while creating a lifelong passion for riding.