Develop a wide range of mountain biking skills in a fun, supportive environment across a full season of weekly coaching. Riders learn and refine key techniques while building confidence, trail awareness, and the ability to ride safely without supervision. Sessions also develop soft skills like decision-making and risk management that help riders navigate the trail with control and independence.
Ability/Experience: Beginner ‑ Intermediate
Pathway Level: Development
Ages: 10 ‑ 14
Heads Up!
We also have an After School Skills program just for girls! More Info
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 provides a structured and supportive environment for young riders to grow their skills, build confidence and develop a genuine love for mountain biking.
Program Information
After School Skills consists of weekly 1.5 hour coaching sessions delivered during the summer (terms 4 & 1) and winter (terms 2 & 3) school terms. The program follows a consistent, coach-led format that helps riders develop 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 over the course of two terms, 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.
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.
Program Details & Registration
This seasons programs have 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 seasons programs have closed. Book now for next season, or add your email address to our mailing list and we will keep you in the loop with other options.
Please select a venue for details and to register:
Cobbler Creek
| Available Days: | Wednesday Afternoons |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Cobbler Creek Recreation Park (map) |
| Booking Deposit: | $50 * |
| Programs delivered at any location managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia will have a mandatory visitor use fee added upon booking | |
* Booking deposit is non-refundable.
Register Now – Cobbler Creek
Available dates indicate the first session of the next available program.Searching Availability…
Drop Off & Pick Up Location
Participants may be dropped off and picked up at the carpark accessed via Bridge Road (map here) at the nominated session times.
Facilities
There are public toilets and drinking water available at this venue.
Craigburn Farm
| Available Days: | Tuesday Afternoons or Thursday Afternoons |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Craigburn Farm Trails, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park (map) |
| Booking Deposit: | $50 * |
| Programs delivered at any location managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia will have a mandatory visitor use fee added upon booking | |
* Booking deposit is non-refundable.
Register Now – Craigburn Farm
Available dates indicate the first session of the next available program.Searching Availability…
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.
Glenthorne National Park
Please Note: This program is only delivered at this venue during the summer period.
| Available Days: | Wednesday Afternoons |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Glenthorne National Park (map) |
| Booking Deposit: | $50 * |
| Programs delivered at any location managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia will have a mandatory visitor use fee added upon booking | |
* Booking deposit is non-refundable.
Register Now – Glenthorne National Park
Available dates indicate the first session of the next available program.Searching Availability…
Drop Off & Pick Up Location
Participants may be dropped off and picked up at the Sam Willoughby BMX Track carpark accessed via Majors Road (map here) at the nominated session times.
Facilities
There are public toilets and drinking water available at this venue.
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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 |
