TORCA Summer Bike Camp

July 14-18 2025

AM Camps are 9am-Noon

PM Camps are 1pm-4pm

Mini Shredders (4-5 Years)*
Little Shredders (6-8 Years)*
Big Shredders (9-14 Years)*

*Ages are starting suggestions only and coaches may move riders up or down camp levels based on rider skill. Specific skill levels may not be offered in every session. With permission, a rider may register for a different skill level.

Camp Registration available to TORCA

Youth & Family Members Only

This program is Coached by Cycling BC or PMBIA certified youth instructors with adult coaches and supervisors.

Minimum instructor to kid ratio of 1:4 at all times.

Mini Shredders (Ages 4-5) – Mountain Biking Adventure!

Calling all tiny trailblazers! Get ready to roll with Mini Shredders, a high-energy program designed for 4-5 year-olds eager to start their mountain biking journey! This fun-filled adventure helps young riders build confidence on two wheels, mastering basic bike skills and exploring the thrill of off-road riding with a big smile!

• Skills Focus:

  • Pedal Power: Learning to pedal smoothly and confidently on flat surfaces like grass or pavement.

  • Brake with Ease: Practicing gentle braking to stop safely and control speed.

  • Steering Stars: Guiding the bike around simple turns and small obstacles with ease.

  • Balance Buddies: Building balance to ride over small bumps or uneven patches while staying steady.

  • Trail Ready: Learning basic trail safety rules and how to stay aware of their surroundings.

  • Listen and Ride: Following simple instructions from coaches to learn skills and have fun.

Little Shredders (Ages 6-8) - Mountain Biking Adventure!

Calling all young mountain bikers! Get ready to shred the trails with Little Shredders! This high-energy program is designed for kids aged 6-7 eager to level up their mountain biking skills. From mastering pedaling and balance to confidently tackling easy singletrack, your young rider will explore the thrill of off-road biking while having a blast on two wheels!

• Skills Focus:

  • Smooth Pedaling Power: Developing consistent and efficient pedaling for longer rides on varied surfaces.

  • Brake Like a Boss: Mastering the use of brakes for controlled speed and confident stopping in different situations.

  • Steering Superpowers: Learning to steer with precision around gentle curves and navigate small trail features.

  • Gear Up for Fun (if applicable): Understanding and practicing basic gear changes to make pedaling easier on slight inclines.

  • Obstacle Explorers: Developing the skills to safely ride over small bumps, roots, and uneven terrain while staying balanced.

  • Trail Smart: Learning important trail safety rules and how to be aware of their surroundings while riding.

  • Follow the Leader: Improving the ability to listen to and follow multi-step instructions for skills and trail navigation.
    
    

Big Shredders (Ages 8-14) - Mountain Biking Adventure!

Calling all aspiring mountain biking legends! Get ready to conquer the trails with Big Shredders! This dynamic program is crafted for kids aged 8-9 who are ready to elevate their mountain biking prowess. From mastering advanced braking techniques and efficient gear changes to confidently tackling more challenging singletrack features, your young rider will embrace the thrill of off-road exploration and build lasting skills on two wheels!

Skills Focus:

• Advanced Braking Precision: Fine-tuning the use of both front and rear brakes for controlled stopping, speed modulation, and emergency braking in various conditions.

• Seamless Gear Shifting: Mastering precise and timely gear changes to maintain momentum and efficiency on climbs, descents, and varied terrain.

• Cornering Confidence: Developing proper body position and lean angles to confidently navigate tighter turns and switchbacks.

• Obstacle Negotiation: Learning techniques to effectively ride over larger roots, rocks, and small drops while maintaining balance and control.

• Flowing on Singletrack: Building the ability to ride smoothly and efficiently on more technical singletrack trails, anticipating terrain changes.

• Trail Etiquette & Awareness: Understanding advanced trail etiquette, communicating with other riders, and developing a heightened awareness of surroundings for safety.

• Problem-Solving on the Trail: Encouraging independent thinking and decision-making for navigating unexpected trail challenges and minor mechanical issues.

Assess Your Youth Riding Levels

Is your young rider ready to roll?

Little Shredders and Big Shredders must have prior pedaling experience and be able to pedal on uneven terrain without assistance. They should be comfortable riding smooth, low-gradient singletrack trails and rolling over small rocks and roots while standing up on their pedals for descents. Riders should feel confident using brakes and changing gears.

Mini Shredders must be able to pedal on terrain with small inclines, like grass or gravel, without assistance. They should feel confident riding a bike, stopping with brakes, and pedaling while standing up. Experience on small obstacles is a plus but not required. This program is perfect for 4-5 year-olds already experienced riding pedal bikes independently, who are ready to explore easy, fun trails, in a safe environment.

Bike & Safety Gear Requirements: 

Little Shredders is all about shredding trails safely and confidently! Riders must have a properly fitted mountain bike with knobby tires and hand brakes. Avoid big-box store bikes, as their heavy steel frames and non-standard parts are tough to ride, maintain, and repair. Visit your local bike shop or consult coaches for sizing help.

Kid's bikes are sized mainly by the tire size with 16", 20", and 24" tires being suitable for most 4-11 year olds. Here are some general sizing recommendations:

Recommended Bike Features:

Brakes: Disc brakes help the rider keep control and pedal brakes are to be avoided

Gears: Single-speed or multi-gear (multi-gear aids climbing).

Extras: Grippy tires, spare tube, and a quick-release or dropper seat post for easy saddle height adjustments (up for climbing, down for descending).

Mandatory Safety Gear:

Properly fitted bike helmet (mandatory).

Gloves and closed-toe shoes (mandatory).

Knee and elbow pads (recommended).

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

Bring water and a snack for every ride.

Safety First: Before each session, bikes undergo a mandatory safety check. Riders with unsafe bikes cannot participate to ensure everyone’s safety and fun.

Instructors are trained in Emergency First Aid CPR/AED Level C and carry a first aid kit.

Expert Coaching

 Your young shredder will learn from the best! All TORCA Youth Coaches are certified mountain bike instructors with Cycling BC Hop-On credentials or PMBIA Level 1 coaching, ensuring top-notch guidance in bike handling, trail skills, and safety. With their expertise, your rider will build confidence and skills in a fun, supportive environment.

 Below is an example of a suitable mountain bike for Little Shredders. 

For registration support and questions, please email Shawn Lam, TORCA Director: shawn@torca.ca