Youth Progression sessions 2026

Description

This course is designed for young riders from 13-16 years old with existing trail experience and the ability to ride confidently on challenging (or red grade) terrain graduating to “black” trails and features throughout the sessions. Think steeper, Rooty trails with multiple lines, drops and chutes. See the end of the product description for more details.

Progressive Kids MTB skills training Glentress: Kids Camp Progression is Ridelines’ three-day mountain bike coaching programme for experienced young riders from aged 13-16 delivered in the heart of Scotland’s renowned Tweed Valley. Based at Glentress Forest, near Innerleithen, this course is designed to push the skills, confidence, and technical ability of young mountain bikers who are ready for the next step. If you have any questions about the suitability of your young rider for this course or borderline age group questions then please get in touch. You can also preview the joining instructions HERE.

Over three structured, half-day sessions, riders will work closely with our expert coaches on some of the UK’s best mountain bike trails. Whether your young rider is aiming to ride more confidently, tackle technical trail features, or simply become smoother and more stylish on the bike, this course delivers real progression in a safe, inspiring environment.

What to Expect Over 3 Days at Glentress:

• Day 1: 3 hour session.
  Meet at the lower Glentress Car park. We start with a rider assessment and focussing on key technical skills like braking control, more advanced body positioning for dealing with a multitude of trail conditions. We’ll look at line choice and line of sight tips as well as where to find grip through both braking and taking speed from the trail.

• Day 2: 3 hour session.
  Meet at the lower Glentress Car park. Riders will session more technical terrain, including rock gardens, corners, drops and roots sections, with direct coaching to help them build on finding grip, control and confidence on varied features. We’ll look at speed Vs momentum and how to carry both across common but challenging trail features.

• Day 3: 3 hour session.
  Meet at The Buzzards Nest Car Park: With the core skills in place, specific features tackled, the final day brings it all together. Our riders will apply their learning on the most challenging trail sections of Glentress of-piste trails. Joining up more advanced features, riding with flow and confidence through iconic Tweed Valley single-track. A big day out on the big trails!

Course Info:

• Age Range: 13-16 years with existing trail experience (see top of description)

• Location: Glentress Forest, near Innerleithen, in the Tweed Valley, Scotland

• Format: Three consecutive half-day sessions (non-residential)

• E-Bikes: Though e-bikes are legal to ride in the UK at 14 years old. We are not admitting e-bikes to this course.

• Equipment: Riders must bring their own bikes. Helmets and gloves can be loaned; appropriate clothing and protection must be provided by parents. The riders bike must be serviceable with components in a good state of repair. Riders bikes must be of a type that can objectively handle high end “red grade” terrain at the hands of your young rider. Helmets must be MTB specific, fit the rider well and be presented undamaged. Both the bike and helmet will be inspected by the attending instructor. If the bike or helmet fails a safety check, the instructor will explain why and allow a short time for you to make remedial solutions. If no remedial solutions can be found your rider may not be allowed to take part in the activity.

If you’re looking for high-quality, progression-focused youth mountain bike coaching in Scotland, Kids Camp: Youth Progression offers unbeatable value, expert instruction, and an unforgettable experience in one of the UK’s premier trail destinations.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON RIDER SUITABILITY

Fitness: Your young rider will have to be able to confidently take on around potentially 250m+  climbing per day. Carrying whatever spare clothing or food and drink they need.

Technical ability: This course is designed for young riders from 13-16 years old with existing trail experience and the ability to ride confidently on challenging RED terrain as the syllabus will inevitably take us onto BLACK trails and features from the off. We will fully assess riders suitability during the initial process of the course. If a participant is found to lack the necessary skill level or fitness during the course or application process, we reserve the right to withdraw them from the session for their safety and the safety of others.

In such cases, we will work with parents or guardians to recommend a more suitable course or coaching pathway. Our priority at Ridelines is always the well-being of each rider and the quality of learning for the group. When selecting your dates and the declaration required. It is assumed that you understand the above. Upon ordering you will receive an order confirmation with specific joining instructions which can also be found HERE. Please read them carefully and follow them to the best of your ability.