FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONs
WHAT TO BRING
Q: What type of equipment does my child need to participate in Vail Valley RIDE Camps?
A: At Vail Valley RIDE, we are committed to providing your child a safe and exciting RIDE experience. To ensure a positive RIDE, having the right gear is important. Here are the essentials your child will need during camp:
1. Appropriate Sized bike: Choose a bike that fits your child's size comfortably. The right sizing ensures optimal comfort and control.
2. Operable Hand Brakes: Safety is our top priority. Ensure the bike is equipped with operable hand brakes for your child's protection.
3. Gears: Opt for a bike with multiple gears, allowing your child to navigate various terrains with ease.
4. Knobby Tires: Select a bike with knobby tires designed for off-road adventures, providing superior traction on diverse surfaces.
5. Adjustable Seat Height: A bike with an adjustable seat height ensures a customized fit for your child's comfort.
6. Durable Frame: Look for a bike with a durable frame capable of withstanding the challenges of off-road riding.
7. Lightweight: Lightweight bikes make handling easier for kids without compromising durability.
8. Easy-to-Use Shifting: Choose a bike with a simple and intuitive gear-shifting mechanism for a positive learning experience.
9. Reflectors and Safety Features: Prioritize bikes with reflectors and additional safety features to enhance visibility during low-light conditions.
10. Regular Maintenance: Our commitment to safety includes regular maintenance checks to ensure each bike is in top-notch condition throughout the camp.
11. Helmet: Safety first! Ensure your child has a helmet that fits properly for protection during biking activities.
12. Kid-Sized Hydration Pack: Equip your child with a kid-sized hydration pack for on-the-go hydration during their biking adventures.
Q: What should I do if I don't have a bike for my child?
A: If you don't have a bike, consider visiting local bike shops in Vail Valley, such as Mountain Pedaler, Moontime Cyclery, Seagull's Cycles, Venture Sports, Pedal Power, or The Kind, to find the perfect fit for your child.
Q: Is there assistance available for under-resourced families?
A: Yes, we have partnered with Prevelo Bikes to provide 20", 24", and 26" Zulu bikes for kids in need.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: You can find our cancellation policy here.
Q: What additional gear should I pack in my child's backpack or hydration pack for their RIDE?
A: Pack the following items to ensure your child is well-prepared:
Water - Ideally, 60oz or more in a hydration pack or plastic water bottles.
Lunch and Snacks to energize your young rider with nutritious snacks to keep them fueled
Size-Appropriate Tire Inner Tube Replacement in case of a flat tire.
Tire Lever to aid in removing and installing tires for quick fixes on the trail.
Multi-Tool is a compact that can be handy for minor adjustments on the bike.
Hand Pump - RIDE mentors and coaches can assist with this)
Sunscreen
SUPPORT WITH GETTING A BIKE
Q: What should I do if I don't have a bike for my child?
A: If you don't have a bike, consider visiting local bike shops in Vail Valley, such as Mountain Pedaler, Moontime Cyclery, Seagull's Cycles, Venture Sports, Pedal Power, or The Kind, to find the perfect fit for your child.
Q: Is there assistance available for under-resourced families?
A: Yes, Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) offers a program called "Soul Dirt" to support under-resourced families. You can contact them to inquire about available bikes, ensuring that every child can join the adventure. Learn more about VVMTA’s Soul Dirt Program.
ABOUT BIKES
Q: Why is bike size important?
A: Choosing the right size bike ensures optimal comfort and control for your child during their RIDE experience.
Q: Why do the bikes need operable hand brakes?
A: Safety is a top priority, and operable hand brakes are essential for your child's protection while riding.
Q: Why are multiple gears necessary for the bike?
A: Multiple gears allow your child to navigate various terrains with ease, enhancing their biking experience.
Q: What are knobby tires, and why are they important?
A: Knobby tires are designed for off-road adventures and provide superior traction on diverse surfaces, ensuring a stable and safe ride.
Q: Why is an adjustable seat height important for the bike?
A: An adjustable seat height ensures a customized fit for your child's comfort while riding.
Q: Why should I look for a durable frame in the bike?
A: A durable frame can withstand the challenges of off-road riding, ensuring the bike's longevity.
Q: Why are lightweight bikes recommended?
A: Lightweight bikes make handling easier for kids without compromising durability, making their biking experience more enjoyable.
Q: Why is an easy-to-use gear-shifting mechanism important?
A: An intuitive gear-shifting mechanism simplifies the learning process for your child, making it easier for them to use gears effectively.
Q: Why should I prioritize bikes with reflectors and safety features?
A: Reflectors and safety features enhance visibility during low-light conditions, increasing your child's safety.
Q: How often will the bikes be maintained during the camp?
A: Regular maintenance checks will be conducted to ensure that each bike is in top-notch condition throughout the camp.
Q: Why is a helmet necessary for my child's biking activities?
A: Safety first! Helmets provide essential protection for your child while biking.
Q: What is a kid-sized hydration pack, and why should my child have one?
A: A kid-sized hydration pack allows your child to stay hydrated during their biking adventures, ensuring they have access to water on the go.