Bike Camp Safety Check and Gear
Below is what you will need to be ready for Camp
A Mountain Bike - That fits properly in good working order. If you are unsure of the fit, please send us a profile picture of your camper on their bike.
Mandatory Bike Safety Check - Safety is always our number one priority. A big part of having a fun, safe camp experience, is riding a well-tuned bike that fits properly. A bike safety check is mandatory and an integral part of our program.
Here's how the bike safety check works:
Please bring the bike to Tam Bikes Shop (Located at 357 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941) at least SEVEN DAYS before your session starts. Tam Bikes Shop is open 7 days a week. Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 10-6, Thurs 11-7 and Sun 10-5. Why is SEVEN DAYS IMPORTANT? If your campers bike needs parts to complete a repair by Tam Bikes or another shop, some lead time may be required to order the parts and complete the repair.
Please inform the shop staff that you are dropping the bike off for your “Bike Camp Safety Check”. This ensures that the bike is checked in properly, and you won't be charged.
I am a professional bike mechanic and will personally check the bike over within 24 hours or less.
I will contact you when the bike is ready, and due to limited storage, your prompt pick up is required.
This safety check is NOT A TUNE UP. It covers a complete bolt check and basic adjustments of all parts, ensuring that your campers' bike is safe, adequate and ready to ride. If your bike is in need of a Tune Up, please schedule one with the shop of your choice. Attached to this email is our bike safety check form for the shop mechanic to fill out, and for you to send back to me via email. (Please note that bike shops can be very busy and are often scheduling service work 1-3 weeks out so please plan accordingly).
If you would prefer to have your bike safety check performed by the bike shop of your choice, please have the shop mechanic fill out the attached form and send it back to me via email. (Please note that bike shops can be very busy and are often scheduling service work 1-3 weeks out so please plan accordingly).
PLEASE NOTE: Once again, this safety check is mandatory; your child may not start camp until their bike has been safety checked. Please email me if you have any questions or concerns about this important requirement.
Bike Storage - While we are not able to store everyone's bikes, please contact us if transporting the bike each day is too much of a hardship and we will make it work.
Helmet - A helmet that is free of CRACKS in the Styrofoam and fits properly is required. This means that the helmet is tight enough on the rider's head so that when they shake their head, it doesn't move around. The chin strap should only offer room for two fingers between the chin and the strap. Please inspect your campers' helmet and fit before your session starts. Campers with unsafe helmets will not be permitted to attend until they have a safe helmet.
Biking Gloves are Mandatory - Full-fingered is preferred. Gloves are extremely important and often forgotten. Our hands are typically one of the first things to touch down if we fall off the bike.
Lunch/Back Packs - Campers are required to carry their own lunch and snacks. Your camper will need to have a Backpack or Hydration Pack that also fits their lunch. Please make sure that your campers backpack is comfortable to ride in (preferable with a waist and/or chest strap) so it fits securely while they are riding.
Water bottle or hydration pack - A water bottle that fits properly in the bike’s bottle cage or a hydration pack/Camelback.
Padded bike shorts and weather-appropriate clothing - Padded shorts can be worn underneath regular shorts. While not mandatory they do help the derrière. Please bring an extra layer each day based on the weather, and wear closed-toed shoes. We will be riding in the Marin Headlands some days where it is often foggy.
All Campers receive a 10% discount at Tam Bikes Shop during the summer months on all regularly priced Camper gear, parts and accessories. Just let the shop staff know that you are attending Mt Tam Bikes Camp.
While we are like family and support each other, Mt Tam Bikes Camp is a separate business entity from Tam Bikes Shop. Please always feel free to contact us with any camp questions. Please do not contact Tam Bikes Shop with camp questions, including Bike Safety Checks.
Thank you for supporting our camp, please always reach out with any questions.
Ryan Loften
Camp Director | Mt Tam Bikes Camp
104 Lovell Ave, Mill Valley, CA, 94941
Cell: (415) -377-9075
ryan@mttambikescamp.com