ARR Volunteers: Kid Trips - Boys And Girls Club of America

The Austin Ridge Riders Kid Trips July outing is with Boys and Girls Club of Austin.

Where: Walnut Creek Park

When: Saturday August 1: 8:00am - 12:00pm

The Kid Trips Program is a focus of the Austin Ridge Riders that works with youth organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club, Explore Austin, etc. to introduce them to our sport and teach them the basics of safe, active trail riding. It is supported by volunteers who lead young riders through an off-road biking experience including lessons in mountain biking skills, etiquette, and safety. Before each ride we discuss the six basic International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Rules of the Trail and stress the significance of one’s own actions on and off the trail. In addition, a volunteer trip leader demonstrates shifting, braking, and other bike handling skills. Safety is always stressed.

The goal is to give kids an opportunity to experience themselves and their surroundings in new, positive ways through exposure to the outdoors and challenging physical activities. We try to instill an appreciation and respect for the environment, and the value of teamwork. Along the way, we work to bolster their self-confidence and self-esteem by providing praise and encouragement. The children seem to enjoy the attention of the volunteers as much as the biking experience. Both kids and volunteers go home with big grins on their faces, and hopefully the kids have learned lessons in personal responsibility and achievement along with just plain fun on knobby tires.

Kid Trips supplies all the of the equipment needed by the kids for a ride. Volunteers are always needed, for we could not do this without you!

The Kid Trips volunteers will assist the young riders with helmet and bike fitting prior to the group ride. They also function as ride leaders, assisting the young riders with riding tips and instruction and ensuring they have a good experience on the trail. Other tasks we perform are setting up for the event:

• removing the bikes from the trailer,

• installing the front wheels,

• giving the bikes a safety check (wheels turn, brakes work, tires inflated, gears shift),

• hanging the banner,

• marking the trail,

• setting out the helmets.

At the end of the ride we more-or-less do the reverse:

• break down the bikes and pack the gear into the trailer,

• remove any trail markers

• call it a day.

Bring your bike, helmet, water, and anything else you will need for the ride.