Youth Mountain Biking Programs in the Columbia Gorge: Spring & Summer Guide

My kids have been participating in mountain bike programs in the Gorge since they were 4 and 5 years old, and we’ve had the opportunity to experience several of the programs highlighted below. Each one offers something unique, and together they’ve played a role in shaping my kids into confident, capable riders.

They started with Cooper Spur which provided a strong foundation. Their program emphasizes endurance, climbing, and overall bike handling. While my kids didn’t always love the uphill climbs at the time, that focus built real strength and resilience. Today, they are both strong, well-rounded riders because of it. My son has even won the uphill segment at the Cooper Spur Friday Night Enduro races multiple times over the past two years, and I credit much of that success to the foundation he developed through their program.

School of Send offers a different kind of progression, with a focus on technical features, downhill riding, and helping kids push their limits. My son participated in School of Send several years ago, and now he’s at the point where he wants to hit bigger jumps, try new terrain and features, and truly “send it.” I can see this being a natural next step for him, and I see some team riding in his future.

Most recently, my son rode with Brave Endeavors, and I saw a noticeable shift in his confidence. Coach Bekah helped him work through obstacles and features he had never attempted before, giving him both the technical skills and the mental tools to progress. Her supportive coaching style helped him take meaningful steps forward as a rider. If my daughter were to join another program, Brave Endeavors would be at the top of my list to help further build her confidence on the bike.

The reality is that each of these programs offers something valuable and distinct. The best fit often depends on your child’s personality, goals, and where they are in their riding journey. I encourage parents to explore the options, ask questions, and find the program that aligns best with their rider.

School of Send

Ages 3–18 | Spring, Summer & Fall Camps, Teams, and Private Instruction

School of Send offers comprehensive youth mountain biking progressions in the Gorge, with programs designed for riders at every stage—from strider aged beginners to experienced racers.

Their programs run throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, allowing riders to build skills over time while staying connected to the biking community.

Seasonal Programming

Spring and Fall (May–June and September–October):
After-school camps and team programs run weekly in four-week sessions. These programs focus on skill development, trail progression, and building confidence in a supportive group environment.

Summer Season (mid-June through mid-August):
Summer camps run Monday through Thursday, offering multi-day experiences where riders develop skills through consistent time on the trails. Additional weekend offerings and team rides are occasionally available.

Team Programs (Spring through Fall):
Season long team programs meet weekly and provide riders with consistent coaching, skill progression, and opportunities to develop fitness, technical ability, and confidence.

Private instruction is also available year-round for riders seeking individualized coaching.

Program Progression and Offerings

School of Send’s progression based structure allows riders to advance naturally as their skills and confidence grow.

Early Rider Programs

• Strider and Early Pedaler Camps (ages 3–5)
• Pre-Send programs (ages 5–10)

These programs focus on foundational skills such as balance, braking, body position, and trail awareness.

Intermediate and Advanced Programs

• Full-Send Intermediate (ages 5+)
• Full-Send Intermediate/Advanced (ages 10+)

These riders begin exploring more technical terrain while developing bike control, descending skills, and feature navigation.

Team Programs

• Junior Team
• Race Team
• Freeride Team

These programs are designed for experienced riders ready to refine technical skills, improve endurance, and explore competitive racing in a structured, supportive environment.

What Makes School of Send Unique

School of Send’s approach emphasizes a challenge-by-choice mindset. Their programs focus on safely guiding and supporting each rider’s unique journey. Riders learn how to build the confidence and skills to achieve not just their own goals and interests, but also how to support their peers and community.

Whether a child is just learning to ride dirt trails or preparing for racing, School of Send offers a clear and supportive pathway forward.

Key Registration Dates

• Junior Team and Race Team registration closes May 1
• Spring camp registration closes May 8
• Freeride Team registration closes June 1
• Summer camp registration opens March 1

Here is the link to all the spring and summer programs available with registration open now! 

Best Fit For

School of Send is a good fit for riders of all levels—from young beginners just starting on dirt to experienced riders interested in team programs or racing. Their programs are especially well suited for families looking for a progression pathway, with opportunities to grow from foundational skills into more advanced riding over time.

Rooted in a deep love of biking and its role in the Gorge community, School of Send focuses on helping riders build confidence, strength, and independence on the bike. Through camps, private instruction, and team programs, they meet riders where they are and support each step of their mountain biking journey—while fostering a lifelong connection to the sport and the outdoors.

Brave Endeavors

Ages 4–15 | Spring, Summer & Fall Skill Programs and Team Offerings

Brave Endeavors offers youth mountain biking programs that go beyond technical skill development, helping kids build confidence, resilience, and independence both on and off the bike. Their programs serve riders from early elementary through high school, with opportunities for beginners through advanced riders.

Programs run throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, with after-school sessions, summer camps, and advanced team offerings that allow riders to grow consistently over time.

Seasonal Programming

Spring and Fall:
After-school programs meet weekly and focus on skill progression, trail exploration, and confidence building in a supportive group setting. Programs typically take place at Family Man, Post Canyon, and other local trail systems depending on rider level.

Summer Season:
Summer offerings include multi day camps and specialty programs that allow riders to accelerate their skill development while spending extended time on the trails.

Team Programs:
Advanced riders can participate in Adventure Team and Travel Team programs, which focus on developing technical skills, endurance, and confidence while exploring a wider range of Gorge trail systems.

Program Progression and Offerings

Brave Endeavors offers thoughtful progression across age groups and skill levels:

Early Rider Programs - Must be able to pedal a bike! 

• Little Pedalers (ages 4–5)
• Little Rippers (ages 4–5, intermediate/advanced)

These programs focus on building comfort on the bike, braking control, trail awareness, and foundational riding skills.

Elementary Rider Programs

• Brave Beginnings (ages 6–8)
• Young Brave Explorers (ages 7–9)
• Brave Unicorns (ages 8–10)

Riders develop stronger technical skills while building confidence navigating increasingly varied terrain.

Middle School and Teen Programs

• Brave Intros (ages 11–14)
• Adventure Team (advanced riders under 12)
• Travel Team (ages 9–15)

These programs help experienced riders refine technical ability, explore more challenging terrain, and develop both physical and mental strength.

Registration is now open for all spring and summer programs - here is a link to all the offering with registration links.  Some programs are already booked so don't wait to get your stop! 

What Makes Brave Endeavors Unique

Brave Endeavors approaches their work as Mountain Bike Educators, not just coaches. Their programs are intentionally designed to teach both the technical and mental aspects of riding, helping kids develop skills, confidence, and resilience that extend beyond the trail.

Their approach is built around four core pillars that guide every program:

Small Groups
Groups are intentionally kept small, with a high coach-to-rider ratio, ensuring individualized attention and personalized feedback for each rider.

Confidence Building
Coaches create a positive environment where kids are encouraged to face challenges, work through fear, and build resilience. Riders learn that bravery and growth come through persistence and support.

Journaling and Reflection
Each session includes time for journaling and reflection, helping kids connect their experiences on the bike to broader life lessons. This practice encourages self-awareness, emotional growth, and confidence.

Fun and Exploration
Programs are designed to foster a love of biking and the outdoors. Kids are encouraged to explore, challenge themselves, and develop a lasting connection to riding.

This intentional approach helps riders grow not only as mountain bikers, but as confident and capable individuals.

Best Fit For

Brave Endeavors is an excellent fit for kids who benefit from a supportive, confidence centered environment alongside skill development. Their programs are well suited for riders who may be hesitant, building confidence, or looking for a more individualized and nurturing coaching style.

With small groups, intentional coaching, and a focus on mindset as well as technical skills, Brave Endeavors helps kids develop resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of mountain biking.

Cooper Spur Alpine Team (CSAT) Mountain Bike Program

Elementary through High School | Spring, Summer & Fall Team-Based Programs

The Cooper Spur Alpine Team (CSAT) Mountain Bike Program offers a structured, team oriented program where riders build technical skills, confidence, and endurance while developing strong connections with teammates and coaches. Designed for elementary through high school riders, the program provides a clear pathway for skill progression from intermediate riders building fundamentals to advanced athletes preparing for enduro riding and racing.

Programs run throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, allowing riders to train consistently and develop both their skills and fitness over time.

Seasonal Programming

Spring and Fall After-School Programs:
CSAT offers structured after-school team sessions focused on skill development, trail progression, and fitness. Riders are grouped by age and ability level to ensure appropriate challenge and progression.

School pickup is available from Hood River elementary and middle schools, with practices typically held in Post Canyon and surrounding trail systems.

Summer Programs:
Summer offerings continue skill development while expanding trail exploration and endurance. Riders build strength, technical ability, and confidence through consistent riding and coaching.

Team Development Pathway:
Riders can progress through development teams into more advanced enduro focused groups, building the skills and experience needed for higher level riding and racing if desired.

Program Offerings

CSAT provides several program tracks designed to support riders at different stages:

Participants should be comfortable riding intermediate trails such as Kleeway prior to joining the program.

Co-ed Development Teams (Elementary and Middle School)
These teams focus on foundational skill development, including balance, braking, cornering, climbing, descending, and trail awareness. Riders build confidence while learning proper technique and trail etiquette.

Enduro MTB Team (Middle School and High School)
Advanced riders focus on more technical terrain, improving speed, endurance, climbing ability, and descending skills. Riders develop race-ready skills while continuing to strengthen their technical foundation.

She Rides and She Shreds (Girls-Only Programs)
These all-girls programs provide a supportive environment led by female coaches, helping riders build confidence while developing technical skills. Riders focus on cornering, obstacle navigation, climbing, descending, and bike handling.

Registration is now open for spring programs - click the link here to see offerings and registration links. 

What Makes Cooper Spur Unique

CSAT’s mountain bike program is built around a team based model that fosters both individual growth and group camaraderie. Riders develop not only technical skills, but also the consistency, fitness, and confidence that come from training as part of a team.

Team-Based Environment
Riders train alongside peers with similar goals and ability levels, building friendships and learning to support one another as they progress.

Structured Coaching and Progression
Certified coaches provide consistent instruction, helping riders develop strong technical foundations while safely progressing to more advanced terrain and skills.

Focus on Endurance and Long Term Development
Programs emphasize climbing strength, technical descending, and overall fitness—helping riders become well-rounded and capable across a variety of terrain.

Convenient School Pickup and Accessibility
Van pickup from local Hood River schools makes participation easier for families and allows riders to transition directly from school to the trails.

Best Fit For

Cooper Spur’s mountain bike program is a good fit for riders who enjoy the structure and camaraderie of a team environment. Their programs are especially well suited for kids who are motivated to improve their skills over time, build endurance, and ride consistently throughout the season.

With structured coaching, progressive skill development, and a strong team culture, CSAT provides an ideal pathway for riders interested in advancing their abilities and potentially exploring competitive riding in the future—while developing confidence and independence along the way.

Finding the Right Path for Your Rider

Mountain biking is woven into the fabric of growing up in the Gorge. It offers kids more than just physical activity—it builds confidence, independence, resilience, and a willingness to try hard things. Time on the trail teaches persistence, problem-solving, and trust in themselves.

What makes the Gorge especially unique is the progression available here. Kids can start on gentle trails at Family Man, build skills in Post Canyon, and continue developing through team programs and advanced riding—all within their own community.

These programs don’t just create stronger riders. They help shape confident, capable young people with a lasting connection to the outdoors and the place they call home.