MatSu Kids Bike n Hike Summer Program

Building trails

MatSu Kids Bike n Hike Summer Program (KBnH) is provides an opportunity for children to enjoy the out-of-doors while learning to bike and hike. Children of all abilities are welcome to join and learn an activity they can pursue for a lifetime. The mountain biking program (ages 8-18) will start June 4th and continue on Monday nights through the end of July. The hiking program (ages 6-18, ages 6-8 must be accompanied by an adult) will start June 2nd and continue on Saturdays through the end of July.

The emphasis is on fun, fitness, and learning proper technique. KBnH kids receive instruction in both hiking and mountain biking from enthusiastic, dedicated, all-volunteer coaches. Kids will also learn proper care and handling of equipment, trail etiquette, good sportsmanship and how to act responsibly in the outdoors. This program is family-oriented; parents are welcome to participate in all the activities. Kids 6-8 must be accompanied by an adult. Mountain bikers meet on Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the UAF Experiment Station (Farm) on Trunk Road and bike the trails near the farm and in the Matanuska greenbelt area. Hikers meet at various locations so watch our calendar.

We have some mountain bikes (provided by a grant from the Mat Su Health Foundation) for kids that do not have their own. The bikes are outfitted with hand brakes and gears. The rental fee for the season is $50 plus a refundable deposit of $75 per bike. If you are interested in a rental contact kbikenhike@gmail.com.

All participants must be members of the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers ($25/individual or $50/family). If you are not a member* you can join online at http://www.vmbah.org/membership.php or join the first day of the hike or bike program.

In addition there is a program fee of $5 per child. You can register your child on-line at http://www.active.com/outdoors-class/palmer-ak/mat-su-kids-hike-n-bike-2012 or register the first day of the hike or bike program.

If you join online, please bring your online receipts to your first session.

*Memberships and registration are necessary for our insurance purposes.

Follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/MatSUKidsBikenHike. If you have questions you call call Dave Musgrave or email us at kbikenhike@gmail.com.

Hiking

Our hiking program focuses on scenic hikes in the Valley area. The kids are divided into groups by hiking ability. Kids 6-8 must be accompanied by a parent.

GEAR LIST:

• Good hiking or sturdy shoes.
• A backpack.
• Water bottle or hydration pack.
• Hat.
• Extra layers of clothing (NO COTTON).
• Windbreaker.
• BUG DOPE.
• Snacks or lunch.
• Compass.

Mountain Biking

Children must be at least 8 years old to join the program and have a mountain bike with gears and hand brakes. Please make sure your bikes are in good condition with smooth shifting gears and working brakes.

A SAMPLING OF WHAT WE'LL COVER IN THE PROGRAM:

• Balance and bike handling
• Proper gear shifting
• Descending technique (just say "no" to "endos")
• Ascending technique
• Cornering technique
• Front wheel lift
• Back wheel lift
• The Bunny Hop
• How to do a wheelie
• The Track Stand
• On-trail maintenance
• Food and hydration principles
• Single track practice
• Trail Etiquette for mountain biking

GEAR LIST:

• A reliable bike! If you need help shopping, inquire with us about recommendations. Hand brakes and gears are required.
• A MANDATORY bike tune-up! Avoid becoming mosquito bait by riding a bike that's in good working order.
• A MANDATORY BIKE HELMET
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Biking gloves
• Seat pouch for tools and tubes
• Extra inner tube
• Patch kit
• Tire levers
• Bike multitool
• Windbreaker
• BUG DOPE
• Clipless pedals (recommended)
• Protective eyewear (recommended)
• Padded biking shorts (recommended)