Live to Ride

What to expect

The Live to Ride program is for beginner riders with minimal experience. For bikers who have previously completed our Live to Ride program or are at an intermediate level, we have the Ride More program.

What to expect

With a maximum of 10 participants in the program, we start on day one teaching the basics of how to mountain bike: peddling, braking, and body position all in a flat ground session so that each rider can get comfortable on the bike before even having to worry about going down a hill.

Because we aim to have a 1:3 leader to participant ratio, we are able to break into smaller groups so each youth gets individual attention needed to build their confidence. The skill sets required to ride more advanced terrain are built up over the program as each rider’s confidence increases.

What you’ll learn

Mountain Biking Skills

Each session starts off with a lesson delivered by a PMBI certified instructor, focusing on something different so participants can continue to learn new skills. We like to select a variety of trails for our participants to learn on. From flat to cross country to downhill and sometimes lift assisted rides, participants get a broad view of what the Okanagan has to offer.

Industry Knowledge

We do our best to introduce participants to an array of industry related jobs to expand their horizons. We have our PMBI instructor speak with the participants about the opportunities available as a mountain bike instructor in the area. We also have a day where a local bike shop provides one of their staff for a lesson on the basics of bike maintenance. They’ll also speak about the types of roles available in the retail industry that supports mountain biking.

Dates

Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from July 3rd to August 14, 2025.

We will also aim to take youth to Big White twice during the program, for the full day. Big White dates TBD.

Note: This program runs for 7 weeks, twice a week, as frequency is key to the progression of the participants’ skills as it allows them to return and practice their skills and continue to improve as there is not enough time to regress between sessions.

Cost

Spots are available on scholarship for youth that meet our eligibility criteria. Scholarships cover 100% of the costs to participate. Partial funding may be available for families that do not meet scholarship criteria but still face financial barriers

Limited paid spots are available at a cost of $600 for Live to Ride (14 sessions) per spot. Cost includes daily instruction from a certified PMBIA instructor, transportation to biking locations, and borrowing all the gear needed to participate.