Your child’s Skill Level designation is the category that best describes their current cycling ability.
We use your child’s Skill Level and age to ensure appropriate grouping for our camp or event. Be sure to provide accurate information — error may cause your child to be placed in a group that is inappropriate for their skill level, which can be dangerous or not sufficiently challenging.
LEVEL 1
Level 1 riders can ride a bike or balance bike with the aid of training wheels or someone holding them up. They don’t yet have the balance to keep a bike upright. They cannot ride a two-wheel bike.
Camp: Two Wheelers Club
LEVEL 2
Level 2 riders can balance and pedal on two-wheels (i.e., without training wheels or other assistance) but are not in control of the bike.
- Difficulty starting and stopping on their own without falling
- Difficulty turning
- Frequently put their feet down for stability
- Drag their feet to stop rather than using brakes or take their feet off the pedals well before coming to a stop
Camp: Two Wheelers Club
LEVEL 3
Level 3 riders are capable of riding a bike 1 mile in limited conditions.
- They are able to balance and remain upright without training wheels or other assistance
- Ability to start and stop independently
- They may not have stamina, interest, or focus for longer rides
- They may be capable riders (start/stop on their own, slow using brakes) but too young for Camp Cruisin’
- They can mostly ride in a straight line, but may occasionally wobble or swerve.
Camp: Lil’ Cruisers
LEVEL 4
Level 4 riders have achieved sufficient mastery of Level 3 Skills in addition to the fundamentals of riding with a group. Level 4 riders prefer slower speeds and flatter, smoother terrain or hard-packed dirt for at least 1 mile without stopping.
- Stand up on pedals while coasting or pedaling for short distances
- Control downhill speed with brakes on small or moderate hills
- Just learning effective techniques for hill climbing and use of gears
- Use brakes to slow and stop
- Steer, avoid obvious obstacles, and ride in a straight line without swerving
Camp: Camp Cruisin’
LEVEL 5
Level 5 riders have achieved sufficient mastery of Level 4 Skills and are enthusiastic about riding and very comfortable on their bike. They can ride without stopping for two to three miles, including short to moderate climbs. A High Level 5 rider can ride 5+ miles and climb 500 ft of elevation.
- Maintain control while riding in a straight line, turning sharply, and avoiding obvious obstacles
- Ride one-handed long enough to perform hand signals
- Perform quick over-the-shoulder look-back without swerving
- Control downhill speed with brakes on moderate or large hills
- Comfortable riding on dirt, gravel, rough surfaces, and off curbs
- Comfortable or interested in learning advanced techniques such as short drops, jumps, single tracks, etc.
Camps: Adventure Riding Camp, Camp Cruisin’
LEVEL 6
Level 6 cyclists have achieved sufficient mastery of Level 5 Skills and are very comfortable on their bikes and have the skills and mental focus required to ride on a variety of different surfaces and conditions for long distances. They prefer faster speeds and longer rides and can ride without stopping for five or more miles including moderate climbs with 500+ feet of elevation gain.
- Comfortable and capable of merging across traffic and navigating urban streets, regional roads, and multi-use paths safely and efficiently.
- Comfortable and capable of riding fire roads, moderately technical singletrack
- Climb long/moderate or short/steep uphills; descend in control
- Use gears and cadence effectively
- Lift the front wheel over curbs while riding
- Ride for long distances with only one hand on the handlebars; may be able to ride no-handed
- Look over shoulder to scan behind while retaining straight course
Camp: Adventure Riding Camp