Overview
This program will run on select Saturday mornings from May through to September 2025. 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
- Djuwang Baring Creswick Trails
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. 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 300m 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/race fitness
- Intermediate to advanced skills sessions
- Guided endurance rides for maintenance of general fitness, build endurance and maintain connection between riders
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 program for any sessions postponed due to weather.
- Absentee Policy: No credits for missed sessions due to absenteeism.
Dates:
Saturdays throughout Term 2, 2026
- May 9th: Creswick
- May 23rd Piney’s
- June 6th: Creswick
- June 20th: Piney’s
- SPARE July 4th (School Holidays)
Saturdays throughout Term 3, 2026
- July 18th: Creswick
- August 1st: Piney’s
- August 15th: Creswick
- August 29th: Piney’s
- SPARE September 12th
Time: 10am-12pm (2-hour session)
Cost
Program Fee: $400 Inc GST ($50.00 per session, pricing covers staff penalty rates and mileage as the program runs on Saturdays.)
Coaches
At this stage we will have a range of coaches who will be rolling this program out. The program will be managed by senior coach Daan van Dorenmalen along with Angus Melville and Jo Wall . Daan and Jo are certified GSMBC Level 2 coaches, Angus level 1. All coaches are qualified first aiders and have a wealth of coaching 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 Helmet (no cracks, preferably has been purchased in the last 2- 3 years)
- 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 – there is not water on site)
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
