MOUNTAIN BIKING PROGRAMS

Ride with Confidence. Explore with Joy.

Our seasonal mountain bike programs invite riders of all levels to get outside, build skills, and have fun on two wheels. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or looking to take your riding to the next level, our experienced instructors create a supportive, playful environment where growth happens naturally—one ride at a time.

Why Ride with Us?

Mountain biking is more than a sport—it’s a way to connect with nature, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement. We believe that learning through play, practice, and exploration creates lasting confidence and a lifelong love of riding. Each session blends structured skill-building with fun, hands-on learning helping participants gain balance, awareness, and resilience both on and off the bike. Riders develop balance, body awareness, and trail confidence as they challenge themselves in a supportive environment. Whether navigating a tricky feature, finding flow through a new section, or simply riding with friends, every moment on the bike fosters growth—physically, socially, and emotionally.

"We noticed our kiddo have more confidence on her bike— she wants to bring us out on some trails to show us her stuff!! She was also proud to tell us how many total miles she did on her bike."

Place-Based Adventure.

Our bike programs are rooted in the diverse trail systems and green spaces within 20-30 minutes of Portland, Maine. Being place-based allows us to introduce or reacquaint riders with the incredible network of public spaces in our community. Locations vary by season to match trail conditions and weather, ensuring safe, engaging, and ever-changing terrain to explore.

Small Groups. Big Progress.

We keep our group sizes intentionally small—just 5–10 riders with one or two instructors—to provide personalized coaching and plenty of trail time. Smaller groups mean more individualized feedback, stronger connections, and the confidence to progress at your own pace.

"My kid now loves to mountain bike even though she was not looking forward to an all-biking week… score!!"

Experienced and Certified Instructors.

Our team of PMBIA-certified (Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association) coaches are passionate riders, skilled teachers, and patient mentors. They meet each participant where they are, offering guidance, encouragement, and challenge in equal measure. With flexibility and a focus on fun, our instructors create a welcoming space for every rider to thrive.

Program Highlights

All Skill Levels Welcome: From first-time riders to experienced cyclists, we tailor instruction to meet every participant’s needs.
Place-Based Riding: Programs use local parks, trail systems, and green spaces within 20-30 minutes of Portland.
Seasonal Offerings: Clinics and ride series in spring and fall; summer bike camps; private lessons available April–November.
Small Group Size: 5–10 riders per group with one to two instructors.
Playful Skill Development: A combination of drills, games, and group rides builds strength, confidence, and core skills.
Certified Instructors: All programs are led by PMBIA-certified instructors who foster safety, growth, and a lifelong love of riding.

“MOK has allowed space and time for my kids to explore nature, enjoy free play, and continue to use their imagination for long periods of time... a priceless experience not readily available in our current educational system.”

More Than Just a Bike Program.

Our mountain bike programs are about more than learning to ride—they’re about adventure, connection, and confidence. Each trail session offers the chance to discover new places, new skills, and new courage—leaving riders inspired to keep exploring, on and off the trail.

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MTB FAQs

Maine Outdoor Kids has no physical location. Being place-based allows us to introduce or reacquaint participants with public spaces to enjoy time outside. All of our mtb programs take place at public parks and trail systems within 20 minutes Portland. Locations are chosen based on weather and trail conditions and for their unique opportunities learn.

For summer camps, parents will be sent a detailed location itinerary one week beforehand.

Clinic locations are listed and known beforehand. All specific dropoff/pickup information will be given in an email.

Ride series locations rotate seasonally - a different location each week. We will send a detailed location itinerary one week beforehand.

Your child can be new to mountain biking on singletrack trails for an all-levels mountain bike program. However, for safety reasons it's really important they are proficient on their bike. This includes:

Can independently follow and understand directions, instructions, skill demonstrations taught by others to improve body awareness and minimize risks of the sport.
Is a confident rider on pavement, dirt roads and small inclines.
Has the stamina to be active outside all day and in a variety of environmental conditions including cold or hot temperatures and precipitation.
Be familiar with their bike and able to independently mount and dismount, ride and balance on the bike on uneven terrain.
Has experience riding for at least 40 consecutive minutes,
Has experience participating in an outdoor sport or activity for 2-4 hours in a single day.

If your child is new to mountain biking, we highly suggest signing up for a Fundamental Skills Clinic for a confidence boost before attending a bike camp.

If your child has never mountain biked before we highly suggest signing up for one our our Fundamentals Clinics before attending any camps or series. If you already have some experience you may fall into one of two categories;

Beginner/Novice:

Comfortable on their bike but don't have much experience trail riding
Are familiar with using hand brakes and shifting
Looking to build fundamental skills and gain confidence

Intermediate/ Advanced:

Ride singletrack trails regularly (at least a few times per month)
Comfortable on blue (intermediate) trails
Comfortable on some technical features including rocks, roots and narrow bridges
Are familiar with shifting body positioning, 1-2 fingered braking, and shifting

If you need more assistance evaluating your child's level please email effie@maineoutdoorkids.com.

Registration for summer camps will open Friday, January 10th at 8:00am for new families.

Registration for all spring and summer bike programs including clinics and ride series open March 1st at 8:00am. Registration for all fall bike programs including clinics and ride series will open July 1st.

Be sure to read through all registration details and provide accurate up to date information about you or your child's riding ability. This helps us determine if the selected program is the right fit for you.

This depends on the nature of the storm—whether it's light rain or thunderstorms. Our first line of defense is ensuring that participants are equipped with appropriate gear, and we provide guidance on suitable clothing for wet weather. If trails are unridable due to mud or there is thunderstorms or significant rain are expected, we may cancel.

All ride series have one rain make-up date built-in. We do not give partial refunds if the rain date is also rained out.

Clinics and private lessons can typically be rescheduled to earlier/later in the day or another date. If not, refunds will be issued.

We strive to provide at least 24 hours notice for any changes or cancelations (a last resort).

1. Payment is due at the time of registration.

2. If you need to cancel a bike program for any reason, we ask for 30 or more days notice to receive a full refund. There is a 3% cancellation fee for refunds processed by credit card. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 30 days of a program's start date.

3. We occasionally have to reschedule/ cancel due to inclement weather. Please review the policies at the bottom of your confirmation email.

Please note this on your registration form. If your child has an allergy and carries an epipen, we ask that you provide us with one during the duration of the program. Every staff member has been properly trained in the administration of an epipen. Please bring any specific medications your child needs to take on the first day of the program with any special instructions. We ask that staff hold on to all medications to ensure your child receives their medications on time and protect their privacy.