One Journey. Endless Possibilities.
At Wheels Up, we believe mountain biking is more than a sport. It is an opportunity to build confidence, develop character, create lifelong friendships, and discover a passion for the outdoors.
Our Rider Pathway was created to give young riders a clear progression from their very first experience on the trail to becoming confident recreational riders, skilled racers, and future leaders within the mountain bike community.Rather than offering isolated programs, Wheels Up provides a connected development system where every rider continues building upon the skills, confidence, and experiences gained along the way.
Whether your child simply wants to become more comfortable riding trails or dreams of racing at a high level, our pathway provides professional coaching and age appropriate instruction every step of the journey.
Step One
Wheels Up LAUNCH
Build the Foundation
Every great rider starts somewhere.
LAUNCH introduces young riders to the exciting world of mountain biking through professional coaching, small group instruction, and an environment built around fun, safety, and encouragement.
Designed for riders beginning their off road journey, LAUNCH focuses on developing confidence before speed and proper technique before difficult terrain.
Riders learn:
• Fundamental bike handling skills
• Braking and balance
• Cornering and body position
• Trail awareness
• Trail etiquette
• Group riding skills
• Bike safety
• Confidence on singletrack
• Problem solving and independence
Our goal isn’t simply to teach kids how to ride better.
Our goal is to help them fall in love with mountain biking.
Step Two
Wheels Up XCG Development Team
Build Strong Riders
Once riders have developed strong fundamentals, many continue into our XCG Development Team.
XCG emphasizes cross country riding while continuing to build the complete mountain biker.
Practices introduce riders to greater endurance, fitness, technical trail skills, climbing efficiency, descending control, race preparation, and advanced bike handling.
More importantly, riders begin developing responsibility, leadership, perseverance, and confidence through consistent practice and teamwork.
While many riders enjoy competing in local races, competition is never required.
The focus remains on personal growth, continual improvement, and enjoying the ride.
Step Three
Wheels Up Enduro Team
Build Exceptional Riders
The Enduro Team represents the highest level of rider development within the Wheels Up pathway.
These riders continue refining advanced technical skills while riding more challenging terrain, larger trail features, jumps, drops, rock gardens, and race specific courses.
Practices emphasize:
• Advanced bike control
• Technical descending
• Jump progression
• Line selection
• Race strategy
• Trail reading
• Physical conditioning
• Leadership
• Team culture
The Enduro Team prepares riders for regional racing while continuing to develop safe, responsible mountain bikers who support and encourage one another.
More Than Riding
Every Wheels Up program shares the same core philosophy.
We are developing people first and riders second.
Every practice is designed to help riders become:
• Confident
• Respectful
• Responsible
• Safe
• Supportive teammates
• Positive ambassadors for mountain biking
We celebrate improvement just as much as results because every rider progresses at their own pace.
One Community
Although our riders participate in different programs, they are all part of one Wheels Up family.
Younger riders look up to older teammates.
Experienced riders mentor new riders.
Families build friendships that extend well beyond practice nights.
As riders grow, opportunities continue to expand through camps, clinics, Trail Ranger rides, destination trips, races, special events, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles.
There is always another adventure waiting.
Why the Wheels Up MTB Academy?
Most youth sports teach a season. We teach a lifetime of being on bikes!
Our Rider Pathway allows children to begin mountain biking at an earlier age while receiving consistent coaching and instruction as they grow.
Instead of starting over every season, riders continue building on the skills they’ve already learned, creating confident, capable mountain bikers with a deep understanding of safety, trail stewardship, sportsmanship, and technical riding.
Whether a rider’s goal is exploring local trails with friends, racing cross country, mastering Enduro, or simply enjoying weekends on a bike with family, the Wheels Up Rider Pathway provides the foundation to help them succeed.
From the very first trail ride to advanced mountain bike adventures…
The journey begins with LAUNCH.
The skills grow through XCG.
The possibilities expand with Enduro.
Welcome to the Wheels Up MTB Academy.
