Build confidence, skills and trail awareness in a supportive, all-girls riding community. This version of our After School Skills program is designed specifically for girls who want to develop their mountain biking in a super fun, low-pressure environment. Riders learn key techniques, grow their confidence and enjoy the social vibe of a like-minded group, supported by experienced female coaches and mentors.
Ability/Experience: Beginner ‑ Intermediate
Pathway Level: Development
Ages: 10 ‑ 14
Program Outcomes
Participants will develop a broad range of skills that enhance both their confidence and ability on the bike, including:
- Bike handling and control
- Improving stability, precision, and overall riding confidence
- Risk management and decision-making
- Helping them navigate technical terrain safely and efficiently while reducing the frequency and severity of accidents
- Trail etiquette
- Understanding how to share trails respectfully and ride responsibly around other users and user groups
- Trail independence
- Building the confidence and awareness needed to explore and enjoy trails safely without direct supervision
- Social connection and teamwork
- Creating friendships and developing confidence through shared riding experiences and being part of a supportive, like-minded group
After School Skills for Girls provides a structured and supportive environment for young female riders to grow their skills, build confidence and develop a genuine love for mountain biking.
Program Information
After School Skills for Girls consists of weekly 1.5 hour coaching sessions delivered during each school term. The program follows a consistent, coach-led format that helps young, like-minded girls connect while developing the skills they need to enjoy recreational mountain biking safely and with confidence. For riders who are interested in competition, it also prepares them for higher-level development programs.
We will focus on a range of on and off bike skills, developing the riders:
- Bike handling and balance
- Control and trail reading
- Technique (discipline independent)
- Trail etiquette for shared-use networks
- Risk assessment and management skills
- Knowledge of participation opportunities
Please note:
Mountain biking requires basic cycling skills. Riders must be able to confidently ride a bike with good control to participate in this program.
More Information
What to Bring
- Your bike and helmet in good working order
- Appropriate clothing (enclosed shoes, comfortable sports clothing)
- A water bottle (preferably one you can carry on your bike) or hydration backpack
- Snacks to help keep energy levels up!
- Any relevant medications
- Weather dependent considerations (sunscreen, rain jacket, change of clothes etc.)
What Sort of Bike?
Riders will need a mountain bike in good working order, with functioning brakes and gears. BMX bikes and other single-speed styles aren’t suitable for this program. The ends of the handlebars must be covered with handlebar plugs for safety. If you’re unsure whether your bike is suitable, feel free to contact us.
Drop Off & Pick Up Location
Participants may be dropped off and picked up at the Blackwood Football Club carpark on Craigburn Road (map here) at the nominated session times.
Facilities
There are public toilets and drinking water available at this venue.
Sports Vouchers
All South Australian children from Reception to Year 9 are eligible to claim the Sports Voucher offered by the Office for Recreation and Sport. You can use your voucher to save on this program by completing our online form after you make your booking.
Register Now
This terms program has already started, but if you are interested in joining we may still be able to help. Please contact us and we will do our best to fit you in!
Unfortunately, bookings for the current terms program have closed. Book now for next term, or add your email address to our mailing list and we will keep you in the loop with other options.
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Head for the Hills Off Road Cycling
72 Corconda Street
Clearview, South Australia
5085
| P: | 0402 697 398 |
|---|---|
| E: | info@headforthehills.net.au |
| W: | headforthehills.net.au |
Help
Head for the Hills offers many programs to riders with a wide range of interests and abilities. We categorise our programs using particular terms that are outlined below.
Interest - Why do you ride your bike?
| Recreation (Rec): | I ride for fun and/or fitness. |
|---|---|
| Competition (Comp): | I race, want to race or simply like to push myself on the bike. |
| High Performance (HP): | I want be the best racer I can be and will sacrifice nearly anything to achieve my goals. |
Ability - What do you know how to do?
| Basic: | I know nothing. I can ride confidently on two wheels but that is about it. |
|---|---|
| Beginner (Beg): | I have a little bit of experience riding off road, but not much. I can use my gears & brakes and ride on trails about 1 meter wide so long as they are relatively smooth. |
| Intermediate (Int): | I ride trails fairly regularly and feel confident at least some of the time. I can go a little bit fast, but usually only when the trail is fairly straight and smooth. I don't do jumps or drop-offs. |
| Advanced (Adv): | I am quite confident in my abilities and ride rough trails regularly. I can do (or nearly do) small jumps and drop-offs. |
| Expert (Exp): | I am very confident in my abilities and ride extremely rough & technical trails regularly. I can do large jumps and drop-offs safely. |
Discipline - What style of mountain biking does the program focus on?
| General: | General mountain biking skills that can be used in all disciplines. |
|---|---|
| Gravity: | Skills to help you descend hills with more control. |
| Trail: | Skills for riding up & down hills over longer distances. |
| Cyclocross (CX): | Skills for Cyclocross Competitions. |
| Cross Country (XC): | Skills for Cross Country Competitions. |
| Gravity Enduro (GE): | Skills for Gravity Enduro Competitions. |
| Dowhnill (DH): | Skills for Downhill Competitions. |
If you are still unsure if a program is right for you, feel free to contact us.
Head for the Hills Off Road Cycling
72 Corconda Street
Clearview, South Australia
5085
| P: | 0402 697 398 |
|---|---|
| E: | info@headforthehills.net.au |
| W: | headforthehills.net.au |
