Shredders

Stowe Mountain Bike Academy Programs - Shredders

The Singletrack Shredders in this group will learn and improve on existing skills to smoothly ride over all variety of natural features, lean into corners, weight the bike properly on the trail, and flow like water! Riders can expect to ride primarily singletrack trails and cover 5-7 miles over two hours. 

Shredder Skill Level & Program Goals →
What to Bring to Practice →
Bike Fit Guide →
Preseason Bike Check →

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Shredders

Ages 7-11

RIDER’S CURRENT SKILL ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Shredder Current SkillRider is comfortable riding a variety of singletrack trails 

  • Rider is building confidence negotiating rocks, roots, and logs. Riders should also have a strong grasp on skills such as: controlled braking, front wheel lift, standing climbing, and leaning the bike into corners

  • Rider can participate in physical activity for at least three hours (with breaks) and is excited to progress their riding

PROGRAM GOALS:

  • Rider has a strong grasp of the Ripper Level Learning Goals

  • Review and master Rippers learning goals

  • Improve carrying momentum on the trail through; line choice, proper gearing, ratchet pedaling, and pressure control

  • Introduce aspects of pressure control to lead to skills such as; front wheel lift, rear wheel lift, bunnyhop, and jumping

  • Understanding and applying the different skills for berm and flat cornering

  • Learn to ride small drops safely and in control

  • Beginner bike mechanics

  • Learn what to carry in your pack on a mountain bike ride

  • Introduction to trail/feature risk analysis

The Rider’s Current Skill Achievements are intended to gauge where your rider’s experience and skills are currently at the start of the program.

If you are unsure which program is best for your rider, please request a 1-hour skills assessment or phone call with a coach. The cost of an in-person skill assessment will be applied to your rider’s tuition upon enrollment at the current 1-hour private lesson rate.

During the season a coach may suggest moving your rider to another group more aligned with your rider’s progression on the bike. The first week of each season allows coaches to meet your rider and if group changes are needed, we’ll contact parents/guardians first.

The goal of the SMBA progression program is to build your rider’s confidence, skills and instill a lifelong enjoyment for riding. Furthermore, SMBA programs work within a positive feedback loop to help coach riders to learn and apply new skills continually. The feedback loop encourages our riders to start with their strengths, links their feedback to the target skill, and gives the rider their next progressive riding goal. Using this method ensures personalized coaching for each rider within the small group environment. 

WHAT TO BRING TO PRACTICE

  • Helmet - See Helmet Policy for fit information. We have discounted helmets for sale through our partnership with UVM Health if needed.

  • Close toed shoes

  • Snack and Water - A water backpack like a Camelbak is a great option. SMBA has snacks on hand should your rider forget.

  • Bike Gloves

BIKE FIT - INSEAM (STANDOVER HEIGHT)

When looking to purchase a new bike or adjusting seat height particularly for the younger rider, inseam measurements and standover height are important. 

1-2 inches of clearance from the top tube when standing over the bike (not the seat) and holding onto the handlebars is ideal.

When riding the bike, the arms and legs should be slightly bent with weight comfortably balanced on the pedals (pictured below). If the bike is too small, the rider will appear to be weighted more over the front of the bike rather than equally balanced over the pedals.

PRE-SEASON BIKE CHECK

ABC QUICK BIKE CHECK - A GOOD PRE-SEASON CHECK, BUT ALSO SOMETHING WE TEACH RIDERS TO DO BEFORE EVERY RIDE. 

Air - The tires should feel like a ripe orange. Too much air can be almost as bad as too little. Also, inspect the tires for any cuts, worn tread, or signs of excessive wear.

Brakes - The brakes should engage at  approximately half the distance from a resting position to all the way against the bar. Make sure the cables and housing are not frayed and both levers squeeze and return smoothly. 

Chain - A clean and lightly lubricated (bike specific chain lube is best) chain keeps those gears happy. Give it a good clean and run through the gears to make sure all the gears are shifting easily. 

Quick Release - Check the quick release or wheel axles (where the center of the wheel attaches to the bike). They should be snug! You can also double check by trying to wiggle the wheels side to side with your hand and feeling if there is any play. If it is not easily snugged up, bring it to the local bike shop for a check.