The name has changed but the goal of the program remains the same - teach kids how to ride their mountain bikes safely on the city's network of off-road trails.
Formerly known as Sprockids, the Prince George Cycling Club has ended its affiliation with that organization and this spring is offering its own version of the learn-to-ride program for kids aged nine to 13.
"The sponsorship for the program was bought out by a bike company and part of the deal for Sprockids now is if you want to run the program it has to run through the authorized dealer," said PGCC president Steve Wyer.
"The cycling club still wants to run a program for kids so we changed it from Sprockids to the P.G. Cycling Club Learn-To-Ride Program. All the foundational philosophy is going to be the same. We want kids to have a fun, safe time on bikes and be involved in teaching them how to do it, because they're our future membership."
The learn-to-ride program starts May 14 and runs for six consecutive Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. until June 25. Cost is $115, on top of a $25 membership fee to join the club. No experience is required. The program is limited to a maximum of 40 riders.
"We'll teach them basic bike safety, so you're not a danger to yourself or others when you're out there on the trails," said Wyer. "We start from basic bike stance and ready position right up to the more advanced groups that are riding some technical trail features like wooden stunts."
Helmet safety and basic bike maintenance are also highlighted as part of the weekly gatherings at Otway Nordic Centre and the Pidherny recreation site.
Wyer said there are a couple of veterans of Sprockids who have aged out of the program and are returning this year as riding instructors.
Registration is available online at pgcyclingclub.ca or at the club's sponsor cycling shops, Ruckus, Evolve, Koops and Cycle Logic.
The club is hosting its inaugural mountain bike poker ride this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Otway. Registration starts at 6 p.m.
