What ages and skill level is this for?

The program is for riders aged 10 through 13 at the Shredder (advanced) skill level; expect challenging technical features and high-speed sections.

When and where do sessions meet?

Sessions run Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., meeting at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) with weekly location confirmations by email.

What bike and protection are required?

Participants need a mechanically sound mountain bike with a 1x drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, functioning suspension, a helmet (full-face recommended), knee and elbow pads, and a hydration pack.

What happens if minimum numbers aren’t met?

A minimum of three participants is required for the program to run; if not met you will be notified and offered a refund or alternative date.

Do coaches ride in bad weather?

Programs run in light rain but may be canceled for unsafe conditions like lightning, high winds, or extreme trail saturation; coaches will relocate venues if needed.

Is a waiver required?

Yes. A signed School of MTB waiver is required before the first session for participation.

Okanagan Saturday Shredders: 8-Week Advanced MTB Progression for Ages 10-13 | Bike Tour | Guided Tour

The Okanagan's Myra-Bellevue and nearby trail networks outside Kelowna, British Columbia, form the setting for an eight-week progression mountain bike program designed for ambitious riders aged 10-13. Meeting at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) and rotating through Smith Creek, Gillard, and Lake Country Bike Park, the series concentrates on technical rock slabs, steep chutes, high-speed switchbacks, and jump progression across some of the Okanagan's most demanding singletrack.

Over eight Saturday mornings, certified coaches from School of MTB deliver three-hour sessions that prioritize performance coaching over simple drills. With groups capped at six, riders receive detailed line analysis, targeted skill progressions, and repeated practice on specific features. Early weeks emphasize body position, cornering, and slab technique at Crawford; mid-program moves to Smith Creek for speed and flow, then to Lake Country Bike Park for jump progression. Later sessions focus on braking control and managing consequence terrain at Gillard, culminating in a final three-hour Saturday Epic that integrates all skills.

Terrain here is varied: tight, rooty singletrack winds through dry interior forests of pine and sagebrush. Exposed rock slabs demand deliberate weight shifts, and steep chutes reward precise speed management. The landscape still shows glacial shaping that created long valleys and the nearby Okanagan Lake frames many viewpoints. Spring in the interior can flip from cool and wet to warm and dusty, so coaches adapt routes to trail conditions.

Safety standards are strict and clearly communicated: participants must ride a mechanically sound mountain bike with a modern 1x drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and functioning suspension. Full-suspension is preferred but aggressive hardtails that meet braking and suspension standards are accepted. Helmets are required; full-face helmets are highly recommended on Gillard and bike park days. Knee and elbow protection plus a 1.5L+ hydration pack are mandatory for longer sessions. Riders must complete a School of MTB waiver before participating, and organizers require a minimum of three participants for a session to run.

Why book this series? It compresses high-quality coaching, small-group progression, and exposure to the Okanagan's standout trail contexts into eight consistent sessions. Riders make measurable gains in technical handling, jumping, and speed control, while learning trail stewardship and etiquette promoted by coaches. For families seeking a focused, practical pathway from competent to elite-level riding, the Saturday Shredders program delivers a clear curriculum, repeatable coaching, and curated access to Kelowna's best youth-sized challenges.

Sessions begin May 2 and run every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for ages 10 through 13. Meeting details are confirmed weekly by email, and coaches will choose the safest trail options based on weather and group progression. Bring a repair kit, patience, and a readiness to push limits under careful supervision. This progression is a fast track to confident riding.

About School of MTB

School of MTB is a Kelowna, British Columbia mountain biking school offering targeted instruction and guided sessions for riders of varying abilities. The company provides a range of experiences including Private lesson/Camp, Private Intro to Mountain Biking, Personalized Private Lessons, and Private Group Sessions. Each offering is designed to build skills, confidence, and enjoyment on local trails.

The Private Intro to Mountain Biking session covers bike setup, control, and braking with expert guidance before riding a scenic trail—an approachable option for beginners seeking a relaxed first descent. Personalized Private Lessons focus on rapid skill development through tailored coaching, video feedback, and confidence-building drills to help riders tackle technical features safely. Private Group Sessions adapt coaching to a group's skill level, providing shared instruction, personalized feedback, and opportunities to develop a common riding language. Private lesson/Camp blends exploration and social connection in lively group adventures crafted around participants’ interests.

All programs emphasize personalized instruction and on-trail coaching. Sessions are customized to individual goals and group needs, with experienced instructors delivering guided practice and targeted feedback. The School of MTB operates from Kelowna and uses local trails to teach real-world riding techniques and trailcraft.

Booking information, session length, prices, and availability are provided directly by the School of MTB. Prospective participants should contact School of MTB in Kelowna for current schedules, equipment requirements, and booking details. Instruction emphasizes safe riding techniques, progressive skill building, and clear on-trail communication, suited to beginners through more experienced riders seeking focused coaching and improvement every season.