SUMMER CAMP OVERVIEW
Founded in 2006, We don't just go for a ride; we teach mountain biking. We strive to create a fun, safe, non-competitive environment where kids can connect with riding, nature and each other.
Our program is focused on inspiring a love for cycling, nature and exploration in a small group environment. With a 5:1 Camper to Instructor ratio, we strive to meet each rider at their ability, working with campers to build their street/trail safety knowledge, bike handling skills and confidence. The same skills sets and awareness on a bike that make you a better rider also keep you safe.
After 18 years of sharing trails, knowledge, space and time with our community, we remain as focused as ever on sending our riders home happy and tired with stories of our day's adventure.
MT TAM BIKES CAMP IS FOR NOVICE TO ADVANCED PARTICIPANTS ages 8-14.
Hours: OUR Summer SESSIONS ARE MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 9AM-3PM. FREE EARLY DROP-OFF STARTS AT 8:30AM.
Location: Our Summer Sessions Meet at 352 Throckmorton ave, Mill valley ca, 94941. drop-off and pick-up will mostly be in Mill Valley but we will meet at China Camp in san rafael 1 day per week.
Where We Ride:
Most of our rides begin and end in Mill Valley but we will also meet at China Camp in San Rafael 1 day per week. We tailor each ride to the weather and the ability of the group's participants.
Our rides may include, but are not limited to: both sides of Mt Tamalpais, Marin Headlands, Camp Tamarancho and China Camp.
At the end of each session we provide parents with a list of locations and GPS maps of your campers rides.
What to Bring:
A geared mountain bike that fits properly and is in good working order.
A helmet that fits properly, with no cracks or pads missing.
Bike gloves, preferably full-fingered.
A hearty lunch and snack.
A water bottle or CamelBack aka hydration pack.
What To Wear:
Shorts or padded cycling shorts if you have them (they can be worn underneath regular shorts).
A t-shirt and a warm top layer .
CLOSED TOE SHOES that are comfortable to ride in.
Practicing for Camp:
There is no replacement for time on the bike. The more your camper gets to ride - on or off road - before camp starts, the better.
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
“At Mt Tam Bikes Camp we live in the mindset that adventure is not always where you find it, but how you find it. Our camp connects kids with adventure on bikes everywhere we go.” - Ryan Loften
We are expert mountain biking instructors, taking our fun as seriously as our safety. For the past 18 years our thoughtful and creative approach to coaching and guiding helps keep riders engaged, while safely progressing their cycling skills sets. Our deep knowledge of local routes and trails keep the rides fresh, diverse and developmentally appropriate for each group. Come explore some of the best trails in Marin County with us this summer!
Riders practice everything from foundational skill sets like proper body position, braking and shifting, to wheel lifts, bunny hops and drops. With a strong focus on trail etiquette, local ecology, and bike mechanics, our riders can learn to become independent, conscientious, and controlled cyclists.
We teach mountain biking year-round and over 3500 campers have attended our programs. We have an extraordinary safety record and are also Marin County natives who grew up on the trails and know them inside and out.
Mt Tam Bikes Camp is dedicated to connecting riders with nature, while building confidence and making new friends. Watch out, your kids might try to instruct you after riding with us!
FUN
Our Bike Games, Drills and Trail Rides Keep Kids Moving
We are FUN: Entertaining Campers with our Improv Humor, Goofy Jokes and Alter Egos all Day Long
We breakup the day by playing group games on and off the bikes and always enjoy cooling off with the occasional water fight!
We CARE ABOUT the DETAILs
Our lead instructors are CPR certified wilderness first responders. We are also bike mechanics prepared with tools, parts and fast fixes that keep everyone rolling.
A mandatory bike safety check by a professional mechanic is required and included for all participants to ensure that each camper’s bike is safe, adequate and ready to ride. This is a big part of having a great week at camp.
