Calgary Mountain Biking Meetup Group

Our mission is to bring together adult (18+ mature) mountain bike riders in a supportive and welcoming community where adventure, skill development, and camaraderie thrive. We aim to create safe, inclusive, and fun riding experiences that promote physical fitness, personal growth, and a deep respect for the trails we ride. Through group rides, shared knowledge, and a passion for exploration, we foster connections that extend beyond the trail and celebrate the spirit of mountain biking.

The purpose of this group is simple:

1. Community & Connection
- Bring together like-minded riders who share a passion for mountain biking.
- Build friendships, camaraderie, and a supportive riding culture.

2. Trail & Community Stewardship
Be trail and environmental advocates and ambassadors, by:
- Always respecting trails, natural areas, local wildlife, and surrounding communities
- Following posted trail rules, staying on designated trails, and avoiding unnecessary trail damage.
- Practicing responsible trail etiquette, including yielding appropriately, controlling speed, and treating other trail users with courtesy and respect.
- Supporting and/or give back to the local riding community through positive behavior, donations, financial support by purchasing memberships, volunteerism, and environmental responsibility.
- Preserving trail access, protect natural spaces, and strengthen the mountain biking community for future generations.

3. Confidence & Skill Development
- Provide a safe and encouraging environment for adults to improve technical and fitness levels.
- Share knowledge, tips, and trail experience between riders of different backgrounds.
- Provide and/or offer other avenues (e.g. formal coaching, courses, seminars) for individuals to gain additional confidence, skills and techniques to advance.

4. Health & Well-Being
- Promote physical fitness, mental health, and outdoor recreation all-year round.
- Encourage balance between fun, challenge, and personal growth.

5. Adventure & Exploration
- Organize rides that explore local and regional trails, offering challenge and variety.
- Foster a spirit of adventure—trying new routes, features, and terrains.

6. Inclusiveness, Respect & Responsibility
- Ensure group rides are well-organized, safe, and inclusive.
- Promote responsible trail use, environmental stewardship, and respect for others.
- Encourage social, no drop rides. We have all been there, but be respectful and courteous of others that certain rides and events might be outside your fitness and skill level.
- Challenge yourself but trust your intuition and listen to other riders when they say 'This TTF or trail might not be for you, right now!'

7. Exclusiveness
- Membership has its rewards. Depending on your membership level, you may have access to weekly coached group rides, bike set up and optimization, small group advanced clinics, weekly community group rides (non-coached), special and exclusive guided trips, social events. 1-on-1 coaching sessions, clinics and courses, special events, partnerships and discounts, and other member benefits.

8. Safety (paramount)
- Encourage others to ride within their own limitations, capacity, comfort and capability. Respect others and your own limitations, bail out, walk down difficult sections if you need to.
- Create regular events that cater to a large variety of riders that have certain skill and fitness levels.
- Ensure that each event is properly planned and people are prepared for.
- Ensuring a consistent level of expectations and understanding by all participants through certain minimum standards.

Minimum Standards for Safety
Certain things are non-negotiable. The following are MANDATORY for participation of any members of this group.
- A properly fitting recreational cycling helmet designed for the impacts associated to mountain biking that is in good overall condition and working order. Off-Road type helmets (e.g. DOT) are not acceptable.
- Appropriate footwear (closed‑toe, flat‑soled shoes with secure fastening), suitable for biking, compatible with my chosen pedals, and appropriate for weather and terrain.
- Clothing suitable and appropriate for the weather, environmental factors (e.g. ticks, UV, vegetation) and activity. Clothing must be free from vulgar, offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language, images, or graphics. Attire should promote a respectful, professional, and inclusive environment for all participants.
- A mountain bike (manual or Pedal Assist) in good working order that is suitable and capable for the terrain, trails or adventure you are embarking on.
- A full suspension bike is highly recommended, but not mandatory,
- Throttle-assisted or full throttle motorized bicycles are not permitted unless authorized for that area.

Protective eyewear (glasses or goggles), riding gloves or other suitable hand protection is strongly recommended.
The following equipment is optional and discretionary :
·       Knee and elbow pads,
·       Body armor or other protective equipment and/or
·       Compression or support devices (e.g. knee brace; shoulder harness; wrist and ankle support).

What you waiting for? Join up and be part of this long-standing exclusive group.

SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS and at an upcoming event.