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She had a permanent smile on her face for about one hour after the class ended today.
Level Information
At Pedalheads™, we don't get caught up in the levels. Our aim is to get riders together in a group of kids of a similar age and riding ability.
There is a lot to learn about your first vehicle, from the basic mechanics to developing technical skill and the responsibility and awareness of what your new found talents bring.
We don't expect any child to master a skill in one week; it takes time, practice and both physical and mental development. So, if it is recommended that your child repeat a level — rejoice! There are progressions to learn about in any subject and it is the enthusiasm for a lifetime of learning that we like to instill.
Trikes 'N' Trainers
We think your kids are dynamite! Trikes and Trainers is a one hour camp full of pedaling fun and safety for 3 year olds not old enough to go into Newbees. These riders come with their trikes, run bikes or bikes with training wheels and learn how to start, stop, steer and pedal as well as helmet and traffic safety.. We will not be taking of training wheels. We want them to have fun and enjoy pedaling!
Level One: Newbees
This level is for children ages four (turn four by the end of the calendar year) and up.
While we don’t promise it, our goal is to have the Newbee group experience riding on their own within the week -- and have fun, of course!
Before we take off the wheels, we ensure that kids have the rudiments of pedaling and steering down. After that we work on the confidence and desire to ride unassisted. Newbees always remain on location.
We're so proud of them! Our reputation has been built on giving these young riders a positive start to their biking careers, and have about a 90% success rate of getting them up on two wheels!
For more information on the Newbee level, please see the Pedalhead Parent Guide on Training Wheels.
Level Two: Advanced Newbees
Advanced Newbees are those who have moved beyond training wheels and can balance and pedal for short
distances. These riders often need a little help starting off and are building confidence in their abilities.
Our goal is to get these bikers consistently riding on their own, becoming less wobbly and stopping without using their feet. Many previous Newbees skip this level, some start here. Advanced Newbees always remain on location.
For more information on the Advanced Newbee level, please see the Pedalhead Parent Guide on Bike Fitting.
Level Three: Pedalheads™
These little riders constantly amaze! They have mastered the basics of cycling by starting, turning and stopping on their own — Pedalheads™ seem to tear around like experts.
In this level we concentrate on all of the safety requirements a competent cyclist needs to know. Further developing our balance, we ride with one hand so we can display hand signals. We work on control by riding in a straight line, even when executing a hand signal or shoulder-check. We talk at length about street safety, including signs, hazards and rules of the road without ever actually riding on the road.
If going to a trail or another site, Pedalheads walk their bikes across roads. With a mock intersection at our disposal, our goal is to prepare the kids in their cycling skills and safety knowledge for riding on the street.
For more information on our namesake level, please see the Pedalhead Parent Guide on Safety Awareness.
Level Four: Advanced Pedalheads™
These riders are ready to take their bikes out onto residential roads. After a review of the safety rules from Level 3 and completion of a roadriding skills course,
Advanced Pedalheads™ apply everything they've learned on quiet, residential roads.
Our goal is to get them to broaden their awareness, predicting the potential dangers of riding on the road (doors opening, driveways/alleys, dogs, balls, etc.) and becoming more confident.
Many take the Advanced Pedalheads level more than once to reinforce their cycling skills and increase their safety awareness of their surroundings, before juggling additional skills that may take their attention off the rules of the road.
Even though level four is focussed on road riding skills, we cannot guarantee your child will be riding on the road; every child will need to pass a road test before they will leave the site. (recommended age 6 and up)
For more information on the Advanced Pedalhead level, please see the Pedalhead Parent Guide on A Child's Perception of Traffic.
Level Five: Gearheads
Gearheads are competent riders, who have had some experience on the road. Gearheads have a gear bike and are ready to start learning how to use it — adding another layer of skills to their cycling repertoire.
Gearheads always review the safety rules from previous levels and verify that their skills are up to the challenge of concentrating on another element of the cycling experience.
Our goal is to introduce them to gears -- how they work, what gear they should choose on various terrain or elevation, how to know what gear they’re in and how to shift gears.
For more information on the Gearhead level, please see the Pedalhead Parent Guide on Shifting to a Gear Bike.
Almost everybody (including adults!) need to take this level more than once &/or practice a lot to master the technicalities of gear ratios and smooth transitions.
Level Six: Treadheads
For those who can shift gears, Treadheads provides a refresher on shifting gear smoothly and starts building the strength and stamina to get up and down challenging hills.
Treadheads always review the safety rules from previous levels and verify that their skills are up to the challenge of focused riding and climbing, descending and braking techniques.
Our goal is to build strength and stamina in their riding, as well as prepare for any elevation they may encounter on their ride.
Level Seven: Shockheads
For those bikers ready for concentrated time in the saddle — Shockheads ride up to an hour straight and work on their cycling dexterity and maneuverability, as well as realize the importance of traction.
Shockheads always review their safety rules from the previous levels and verify that they have the bike-handling skills to be comfortable learning hazard-avoidance techniques on both the road and trails.
Our goal is to build on their skills and knowledge, ensuring they are able to predict potential incidents and their outcomes and thinking of their own health & safety at all times.
Level Eight: Crankheads
For strong riders who are capable of riding streets and trails with confidence, Crankheads work on advanced balancing and cornering techniques on both streets and trails.
Crankheads incorporate all the skills and knowledge of the levels above into one well-oiled machine. Our goal is to integrate and streamline all of their biking skills; to brake, balance, turn, hop and wave at you simultaneously!
FLOW Mountain Biking Camps
For serious riders (between ages 8 - 15) who are looking for a hard ride every day on difficult equipment, trails and terrain. FLOW riders work on the strategies required to navigate up and down challenging technical trails.
For riders who are already competent and safe on the street and just can't get enough riding on our world class trails — let's go play in the dirt!
Combining exciting adventure with the great outdoors, this unique program offers kids the opportunity to discover the fun of mountain biking and trail riding in a safe environment.
For more information about FLOW Mountain Biking Camps visit www.flowcamps.com