Beginning Mountain Biking at Bays Mountain Park

Mountain biking is a great way to exercise while connecting with nature—but hurtling down a mountain on a bike might seem intimidating if someone has never done it before. This March, Bays Mountain Park is offering the Beginning Mountain Biking Series to teach participants the tips and tricks every beginner needs to know.

This three-session series will give each participant the opportunity to learn from experienced riders, ask questions, and develop their skills. The first two sessions will start in the Discovery Theater before moving outside to learn a skill. On March 17, learn about the equipment needed for mountain biking, bike language and trail types and etiquette. The March 24 session covers additional equipment and equipment maintenance, what to wear and what to pack.

The last session on March 31 teaches about where to ride and how to build a trail. Participants will end with a six-mile group ride along Chestnut, Big Oak and Chinquapin Trails, with experienced riders sharing trail and maneuver tricks to keep everyone moving safely.

Beginning Mountain biking is provided in part by Reedy Creek Bicycles LLC and Achieving Balance Mountain Bike Skills Instruction. By the end of this series, participants will be able to navigate Bays Mountain Park’s 32 miles of biking trails with ease and confidence.

All sessions run 3 to 5 p.m. and are free to Park members (must show membership card at the gift shop) and $3 per session for non-members. Preregistration for the Beginning Mountain Biking Series is available at Eventbrite.com. There are 56 spots per session, and 28 are open for preregistration. Everyone must check in at the Nature Center gift shop for each session, regardless of preregistration.

For more information on Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, please visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.