Overview

This weekly session will be run on Thursdays evenings throughout Term 1, 2026. This program is open to riders between 14 and 17 years of age. Age is a guide; skill level/ability/fitness may also determine suitability.

Who is this Program For?

The terrain we access for this program is not suitable for beginner or newer riders. We will be alternating between two locations for this program;

• ‘The Piney’s’ Castlemaine
• One Tree Hill, Bendigo

Riders will ideally have experience riding intermediate to advanced terrain and be confident riding both green (beginner) and ‘dark blue’ (intermediate) trails. Effective and safe operation of brakes and gears, and the ability to ride trail features like berms, rock slabs, roll-downs, and steep gradients.

The program will cater to riders who are focussing on cross country along with gravity enduro or down hill disciplines. Riders will ideally have intentions of training in preparation for a goal event eg. State and National level series races along with National Titles.   This session is for riders who are wanting to take their riding further, both in skills and fitness. It is imperative that riders have sufficient bike fitness to ride for up to 2hrs in challenging terrain including up to 500m elevation gain in this time period, yes we have to be able to go up to go down!

If you are unsure of your riders suitability to take participate in this program please get in touch with us here to discuss suitability

Session Structure

Each training session will have a specific focus and will rotate between the below session types:

• Timed race simulations or interval sessions to develop race craft, skills and race fitness
• Intermediate to advanced skills sessions
• Guided endurance rides for maintenance of general fitness and to build endurance

Our goal for this program is to foster a fun, social but also competitive atmosphere for peers of a similar age with similar goals.

Program Details

• Total Sessions: 8 sessions in total
• Make-Up Sessions: Offered at the end of the term for any sessions postponed due to weather.
• Absentee Policy: No credits for missed sessions due to absenteeism.

Schedule

Dates: Thursdays throughout Term 1, 2026

February:

• 5th: Piney’s
• 12th: One Tree Hill
• 19th: Piney’s
• 26th: One Tree Hill

March

• 5th: Piney’s
• 12th: One Tree Hill
• 19th: Piney’s
• 26th: One Tree Hill
• April: 2nd (SPARE)

Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm (2-hour session)

Location: TBC

Cost

Program Fee: $310.80 Inc GST ($38.85 per session)

Coaches

Depending on sign ups we will be working in either 2 or 3 groups of up to 6 riders for this program so places will be limited. We feel very lucky to have Daan van Dorenmalen along with Angus Melville, rolling this program out for us. Daan is a certified GSMBC Level 2 coach, Angus Level 1 and all qualified Wilderness first aiders. Our coaches have a wealth of coaching experience along with riding and race experience to offer our riders.

Equipment Required

• MTB in good working order ( brakes working, brake levers working, gears shifting, tyres have ample tread and are not worn out, chain is not worn)
• Australian Standards Approved open face helmet (no cracks, preferably has been purchased in the last 2- 3 years)
• Protection Equipment for race simulation sessions – At a minimum: full face helmet + knee and elbow pads, gloves. Optional goggles, chest/body armour.
• Equipment to fix a flat (pump, tube, C02 canister & repair plugs if you have tubeless tyres, tyre levers etc.) and usual items for trailside repair (multitool)
• Suitable ride attire – Sun safe, rain safe
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and any medications (All riders will need to be able to carry all their own water for the duration of the session – As there is not water on site, we will provide a water drum for refilling bottles)

Important Note

A minimum of 8 registrations is required for this program to proceed.

Waitlist

Missed out on a ticket? Please register your interest via our waitlist