Okanagan Fall Shredder and Freeride Series for Youth Mountain Bikers

Kelowna, British Columbia’s late-season mountain bike scene tightens up in September with the Fall Shredder & Freeride Series, a focused four-week coaching program that pushes advanced young riders across three of the Central Okanagan’s most demanding trail networks. Meeting at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) and rotating through Smith Creek and Gillard, the program blends jump-line practice, technical drops, and enduro-style stage racing prep under the instruction of School of MTB coaches. Trails here are defined by hard-packed singletrack, exposed rocky benches, root-strewn switchbacks, and steep pitch sections that reward precise line choice. Riders will find varied geology and vegetation typical of the Okanagan: open Ponderosa and mixed conifer stands, scrubby understory, and occasional views down toward Okanagan Lake and valley benchlands that slope toward the water. Key features for this series include Crawford’s technical north-facing chutes, Smith Creek’s tight rock shelves and flow connectors, and Gillard’s freeride jumps and drop lines that demand controlled airtime and braking finesse. The series is designed for ages 9–13+ who have already mastered intermediate skills and are ready to learn professional techniques: cornering at speed, effective body position for drops, airtime control, and race-specific pacing. Small group sizes (six riders) mean high coach-to-rider attention, immediate feedback on line choice, and hands-on drills during each three-hour Saturday session. Riders can opt in for a race weekend add-on with a course preview and coach support for the Cranksgiving Enduro, making this both a skills clinic and a real-event primer. Safety standards are strict: hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear suspension, a properly fitted helmet (full-face recommended for Gillard), and spare parts are mandatory. Sessions run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. Attendance across all four core sessions is advised because each day builds on previous technical proficiencies. This program is a standout in the Kelowna area because it pairs elite coaching with local terrain variety: the networks used are within short drives of each other yet offer distinct technical challenges that accelerate learning. It’s an efficient way for young riders to move from controlled practice to confident race performance in a single fall block. Visitors should respect trail stewardship and the fact that these routes traverse the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) people. By riding responsibly, carrying out trash, and following volunteer trail ethics, participants help keep these trails open and sustainable for future seasons. Parents receive weekly emails confirming the exact parking lot and check-in details for Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) before each session. Coaches are certified and use a structured progression, assessing riders on Day 1 to ensure safety and appropriate group placement. Minimum group size is three; the camp runs when the number threshold is met, and refunds or alternative sessions are provided if cancelled.