NICA Discovery- Los Alamos- Trail Trekkers (level 3)

Event Overview

We are so excited for your child to participate in NICA Discovery Trail Trekkers (level 3)!

Safety and Leadership

• Trained Leaders: All NICA Discovery adult leaders are background checked and hold a coaching license from NICA.
• First Aid: There will always be at least 2 leaders who have current first aid training.

Program Details

• Experience Level: NICA Discovery, Trail Trekkers (level 3), is designed for those kids who have either completed New Friends and FUNdamentals or come with equivalent experience and skill mountain biking.
• Skill Development: This program is aimed at incorporating the fundamental mountain biking skills into trail riding and works on developing good riding habits as well as self-reliance and increased stamina.
• Concept Introduced: It introduces the concept of “challenge by choice,” focuses on trail stewardship, and getting kids ready for graduating into a NICA team!

Age Requirement

Participants must be 7 years of age by program start date. If you are unsure that this level is appropriate for your child, please reach out to Kyle Dickman, site director at kyledickman@gmail.com

Session Information

• Schedule: NICA Discovery Los Alamos- Trail Trekkers meets Tuesdays from 4pm-5:30pm at Bayo Canyon Trail.
• Start Date: September 1
• Subsequent Sessions:
  • September 8
  • September 15
  • September 22
  • September 29
  • October 6

Required Equipment

• Helmet: Less than 5 years old that fits your child’s head well without moving around while they ride.
• Footwear: Closed-toe (non-Croc like) shoes that fastened by laces, straps or buckles.
• Bike: Bike with knobby tires, gears, and two hand brakes. Bike tires should be no smaller than 20 inches.
• Bike Repair Items: A replacement tube that fits your child’s tire (dropped off at day one check in and returned at close of program if they are unused).
• Small Backpack: Kids need to be able to carry water and snacks with them at all times.
• Snacks/Hydration: Kids should always bring a snack and hydration with them to Discovery.
• Snack Examples: Granola bar, fruit snacks, or something that can easily be stored in a pocket or pack.
• Hydration: Should consist of non-caffeinated sports drinks or just good old water!

Recommended Equipment

• Gloves: Full-finger gloves to protect hands from abrasions in the case of a fall.
• Eye Protection: Generic sports glasses to protect from dust and debris (and bugs) kicked up while riding.
• Windbreaker: Weather conditions change throughout the season, your child should be prepared to ride in the conditions that are present on the day.
• Athletic Shorts: Loose fitting athletic shorts or pants. Cycling specific shorts are not required but some kids may be more comfortable.

What to Expect

Each session is broken down into 3 sections:

• Opener: Activities and objective/expectation setting.
• Pre-Ride: Skills activities, games, and trail sessioning.
• Wrap Up: Reflection on the session.

There will be a break mid-session for snacking/hydrating and general check-in.

Each session builds on skills learned in the previous session. To get the MOST out of NICA Discovery make sure your child can attend every session!

In FUNdamentals, the sessions consist of riding and playing in a park-like setting with options to ride beginner-friendly trails.

Kids should come ready to learn, play, ride and explore!

Backpack Examples

A small pack that fits snugly and is just big enough to carry a water bottle and snacks, and maybe a small found treasure or two is great.

Helmet Examples

Examples of helmets will vary. Choose one that fits well and meets safety standards.

Bike Examples

Variety of bike styles exist to accommodate the different needs of young riders.

Guide to Kids' Bike Sizing

How to determine if the bike is the correct size

• Standover: While straddling the bike with feet flat on the ground, the rider should have about 2 inches of clearance between the top tube and their inseam.

Bike Size Chart

Bike Wheel	Child Height (in.)	Approx. Age	Inseam (inside leg length)
20-inch	42-52	7-10	21-25
24-inch	50-58	8-12	24-28
26-inch	56+	10+	26+