Free Wheelers Learn to Ride Bike Program

 

Wanna Ride? Don't have a bike? We got you! 

The goal of the Free Wheelers Learn to Ride Bike Program is to promote outdoor recreation and remove cost barriers for Iron Range youth.

Promote Outdoor Recreation: The Free Wheelers Program is a collaborative effort between Rock Ridge Mountain Bike Team, the City of Chisholm, 30West Fitness and Rec Bike Shop, and Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists. The City of Chisholm owns the equipment, and volunteers run the programming. Our shared goal is to offer free programming to area youth. Youth are the future of mountain biking in our region because it is a sport one ideally starts at a younger age. The Free Wheelers Program will open a door for the region’s youth by providing opportunity. Objectives are for participants to gain mountain bike skills and a love and appreciation for outdoor physical activity through cycling. Coaches from the Rock Ridge Mountain Bike Team will teach basic riding skills to area youth through three different programming opportunities: monthly "Try it Out" events, weekly lessons if there's enough demand, and allowing access to bikes for youth on the MTB teams who are unable to purchase their own equipment. These specific programs are flexible and expected to grow and change.

Remove Cost Barriers: Mountain biking is expensive and prohibitive for youth to get started in because of the upfront purchase of a bicycle. New riders often need to try out the sport to determine if it is right for them, and it is not a sport offered in school gym class. Having the resources to purchase the equipment needed to ride mountain bike is restrictive for many families. Let's fix this! 

Who can participate: The Free Wheelers Learn to Ride Bike Program is primarily for youth ages 8-17. Parents/guardians or other adults can join a ride if there are bikes available, but priority goes to youth. 

How it works: 

The Rock Ridge Mountain Bike Team and its coaches will offer a monthly "Try it Out" event. Announcements for the events will be made on the Redhead Facebook Page. (Be sure to follow Redhead on social media!) 

RSVP to social events or make contact with event organizers. 

Sign waiver (below) and bring to event. 

Special Thanks to Sponsors and Volunteers: 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - No Child Left Inside Grant

Minnesota Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation 

Iron Range Tourism Bureau - Trails Task Force Grant

Rock Ridge Mountain Bike Team & Coaches     

West Range Composite Mountain Bike Team & Coaches

Hibbing High School Industrial Technology Classes 

Hibbing High School Career Acadamy 

30 West Fitness and Rec

Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists

Minnesota Discovery Center

Rocky Mountain Bicycles