Gear Up for Adventure: A Guide for Out-of-Town Families Joining Vail Valley RIDE
Hello, Vail Valley RIDE families!
I’m so excited to welcome your kids to an unforgettable summer of biking, learning, and FUN. Thank you for choosing Vail Valley RIDE! This program has been a heart project of mine throughout my professional racing career, and it’s been my vision to connect kids more holistically through the joy of cycling— building strong kids physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you’re new to Vail Valley or a long-time local, here’s everything you need to know to make your child’s camp experience smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
Eagle, Colorado: What Makes Us Unique
Eagle sits at an elevation of 6,600 feet, which means there are a few extra considerations when coming from lower elevations:
Hydration is Key: Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water before arriving and bring a full hydration pack to camp each day. Staying hydrated at altitude is essential!
Pack Snacks: Riding requires energy, and the higher elevation can increase appetites. Nutritious, high-energy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit are always a good idea.
Protect Against the Sun: Colorado’s sunshine is powerful! Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are must-haves to keep your kids safe and comfortable.
Expect a Short Adjustment Period: If you’re coming from lower altitudes, your body might need a little time to adjust. Rest and hydration help, and we’ll pace our rides to keep the experience positive and fun.
What to Expect on the Trails
Our high-desert environment provides a mix of fun and challenge for riders of all levels:
Terrain: Rolling, flowy trails dominate here—perfect for building confidence and enjoying the ride! While we don’t have much technical terrain, climbing can be a hurdle for some kids. Don’t fret! We keep things joyful and ensure kids never feel over-pushed.
Conditions: Expect dry, loose-over-hardpacked “moon dust” trails most days, with the occasional HERO dirt after rain—a favorite for riders of all ages.
Skills Park: We’ll spend plenty of time here working on foundational skills, including balance, cornering, and wheel lifts. The Skills Park gives us the landscape to progress from beginner to more advanced riding, all the way up to jump lines! Safety is our top priority, and we’ll always keep learning within each child’s ability level.
What to Bring to Camp
Here’s a handy checklist to make sure your child is ready to ride:
Bike: Ensure it’s in good working condition, one with both front and back hand brakes (no coaster brakes), knobby tires for riding on dirt, and gears! If you’re unsure about the working condition of your child’s bike, consider a quick tune-up at a local bike shop. We’re happy to recommend one!
Helmet: A well-fitting helmet is a must. A full-face helmet is not our first choice due to the temperatures we see in the summer. A regular cross-country helmet ensures both safety and comfort. That being said, we do have kids who choose to wear a full-face; we simply want parents to know where it might work against your child’s progression due to the heat.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is critical at altitude. A kid’s specific hydration pack is our top choice!
Snacks: Nutritious and portable options like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix work well. Each child should bring enough snacks to keep their energy up throughout the day. While our coaches are equipped with emergency snacks, it’s important for kids to come prepared with their own to ensure they have what they need to stay fueled and focused.
Comfortable Clothing: The weather in Eagle is mostly warm and arid in the summer, but we’re always prepared for cooler days too. Your RIDE Jersey, included with camp registration, is a hometown favorite—perfect for the trails! Don’t forget to pack a light rain jacket just in case, along with gloves and sunglasses for added sun protection and comfort on the trails..
Sunscreen: Apply before camp and pack extra for touch-ups.
How We Keep Things Fun and Safe
At Vail Valley RIDE, we’re passionate about ensuring every camper has a blast while building their skills and confidence. Here’s how we do it:
Fun-First Approach: We prioritize the JOY in learning and celebrate awe, effort, resilience, and small wins every day.
Safety First: All activities are designed to match each child's ability level, and our coaches and RIDE mentors are trained to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Progress at Their Pace: We encourage kids to push themselves just enough to grow without feeling overwhelmed or unsafe.
Stay Tuned for More Tips!
In a future post, we’ll share our favorite local tips for visiting families—from the best places to stay and eat to extra adventures to explore while you’re in Eagle. Stay connected and keep an eye out for more insights to make your trip even more memorable!
Ready to RIDE?
We’re thrilled to share this adventure with your family and can’t wait to hit the trails. If you have any additional questions or need more information to prepare, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s make this summer one to remember!
See you on the trails,