Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2017

Archive Post from October 24th, 2017

How It All Began:
​Celebrated annually around the United States, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) is a day of bike advocacy and celebration recognized by the U.S. Congress and founded in memory of Jack Doub. Organized by IMBA, bike groups around the country host events designed to introduce the next generation of kids to the sport of mountain biking. This year, Trips for Kids Marin (TFKM) participated in the fun by hosting their own Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event free of charge to local youth. The event took place in China Camp State Park in Marin County.

Held on October 7, 2017, TKMBD was wildly successful with lots of happy children, families, Trips for Kids Marin staff, and volunteers working together. TKMBD was made possible due to partnerships with Norcal High School Cycling Leauge who attended with a booth and provided instructors, as well as, Friends of China Camp who granted TFKM access to Miwok Meadows for the day. Broken up into several riding groups and outfitted with bikes and safety gear, students were taught necessary skills like how to brake, change gears, and navigate the varied terrain.

They were then led through a skills course, weaving through a sequence of cones before being guided on a beginner trail ride through the park.

Throughout the day, prizes were raffled off to participating riders. There was a grab bag from which winners could select a reward of their choosing. This box contained an assortment of water bottles, gloves, socks and other bicycle gear. The grand prize for the day was the chance to win a brand new helmet.

The event drew a mixed crowd of 44 youth and parents from around the Bay Area. Kids joined one of three guided rides between 10 am and 2 pm. Older more experienced teen riders kept a watchful eye on younger riders just starting out. The energy of the event was supportive and powerful. Being the first TFKM event of this kind, we can't wait to see what next year's turnout looks like as word spreads. We do not doubt that it will be even more successful.

With Special Thanks:
​TKMBD would not have been possible without several key partnerships in addition to IMBA. Members from Norcal High School Cycling Leauge a local youth cycling league rode with us at the event and handed out goodies to participants. Friends of China Camp generously let us use Miwok Meadows for the day for free. The local natural food company, Navitas Organics donated boxes of healthy snack bars. Marin's community grocer, United Markets contributed boxes of fresh fruit to keep our young riders fueled.
Additionally, we would not have had such an impactful day without the generosity of the Dino J Ghilotti Foundation, who provided a grant for the purchase of an additional van. Because of our van, we could supply every rider with a mountain bike and helmet so that they could participate. Our van fleet is key to allowing us to bring equipment for children who lack their own bikes or who are exploring bicycle riding for the first time.
Special thanks to all volunteers and staff who spent their valuable weekend time with us transforming lives. You rock and are integral to Trips for Kids Marin!