FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT AGES IS THE BLUE TAILED SKINKS MTB CLUB FOR?
The Blue Tailed Skinks is focused on kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Older siblings are welcome to come and be ride helpers as well. We have had younger kids come and we're happy to help you get an under 5 Skinks group together. If that's something you're interested in, please reach out.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DOES MY KIDDO NEED?
The bike they already have is of course best. That being said, a bike with gears is pretty important to keep it fun. No one loves pushing their bike up hills. Please reach out if you have more questions about this, and we're happy to chat with you more to try to get your kiddo out on the trail.
WHERE DOES THE CLUB RIDE?
Each season the Skinks ride a progression of trails which include locations such as Riverfront Park, Ragle Ranch Park, Foothill Regional Park, Howarth Park, Stafford Lake Bike Park among other special locations.
WHAT ARE THE RIDES LIKE?
It depends, we're constantly looking for new kid-friendly trails, so if you know of some please pass them along. It's not uncommon for us to split the group depending on rider ability.
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY GOOD WEBSITES OUT THERE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS?
There are a lot of great resources out there. One we like and use is The Bike Dads.
I DON'T RIDE, IS THAT OKAY?
Yes. If you're a riding family, then parents please join in. If your kiddo is itching to get out and you don't ride, that's okay. Please plan to stay at the location during the ride.
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION.
Great, reach out and we'll chat.
I LIKE RIDING WITH MY KIDDO BUT IT DOESN'T ALWAYS END WELL. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
Getting your kiddo outside and on the trail is all about exploring, adventure and fun! Bring special snacks (we call them trail treats), and ensure they are properly hydrated and have food in their tummies. Keep it positive and always a bit shorter than what you know your kiddo can do. A good experience where your kiddo wants more is much better than a melt down when you're still 1/2 mile from the car!
THIS IS ALL WELL AND GREAT BUT I'M LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE ACTUAL LIZARD CALLED A BLUE-TAILED SKINK, YOU KNOW, AKA PLESTIODON SKILTONIANUS.
Great, here's a start for you. :-) https://fishbio.com/field-notes/wildlife-ecology/blue-caboose
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DOES MY KIDDO NEED?
The bike they already have is of course best. That being said, a bike with gears is pretty important to keep it fun. No one loves pushing their bike up hills. Please reach out if you have more questions about this, and we're happy to chat with you more to try to get your kiddo out on the trail.