Thank You For Another Great Summer...And, Stop at Those Stop Signs!

Representin' at the Fairfax Festival Parade. L to R: JJ, Mitch, Eileen & Matt

Though our sixth, and most successful, summer of mountain bike camp is becoming memory, we still find a few "fruity snacks" lingering in our packs. We'd like to share a few highlights with you and thank you for your continued support and interest before the summer's fruities are all gone!

Improving balance and gettin' rad on the teeter totter.

This summer, we: got 100+ local kids out in nature, exercising and away from screens; gave away 7 full weeks of camp to local schools and non-profits; partnered with YES; provided 10 full and partial scholarships to kids in need; ran our first girls only group; played games which strengthened campers' connections to others; increased campers' skills and coordination by biking on structures built by our leaders (teeter totters, bridges, etc.), and by playing games which enforce crossing the midline and brain/body integration; & trained, mentored and employed 10 local bike racers. It was an awesome undertaking, and we couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you all for another wonderful summer. We are honored to have been entrusted with your child/ren!

And, finally, remind your camper to stop at those stop signs on their way to and from school! :)

See you on the trails!

Bike - the amazing world of cyclists...

Just came across this hilarious film made in Utrecht, The Netherlands, which you and your child might enjoy watching together. 

Utrecht was the "grand depart" city in this year's Tour de France, and this film shows the streets bustling and burgeoning with everyday folks using their bikes to get around town.

It is a must see for bike lovers, and gives a great example of how much better our bike infrastructure could be here in the Bay Area!

Disclaimer: there are very few helmets (and little spandex) in this film. In some parts of the world, cycling is as safe as walking, and used primarily for transportation. 

Girls' Group Rocked!

We are still smiling after concluding our first two weeks of camp. We always enjoy watching campers grow as riders and as young people as they make new friends, play games, and challenge themselves on the bike. Last week was special, as we had our first girls' only group, which went swimmingly!

Nicknames were bestowed, and customized motivational rock songs were sung as girls aged 7-14 proved their toughness on the trails, weathering hills, dust and hot days.

Don't take our word for it, check out these sweaty, smiling faces!

Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to seem more awesome pics!

Mentorship Training was Awesome!

We are still smiling after our Counselor training last weekend. We are so pleased with the quality of people we have the privilege to work with - the vibe was supportive, positive and fun. We have known many of these kids for years (including our son!), and our new additions fit right in. We even have a brother-sister combo on our counseling team this year! The ride was followed up by lunch at Perry's Deli, a perennial favorite!

Matt, Eileen, Mitch and JJ

The whole crew atop pine mountain

Race Tamarancho Dirt Classic this Weekend!

Come to Fairfax this weekend for two fun-filled days of racing in the Tamarancho Dirt Classic! Events include a downhill race, cross-country and a dirt short track race for all ranges of ages and abilities. You can even camp out and have meals provided. The Tamarancho Dirt Classic is a fundraiser for NorCal High School MTB League, Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Access4Bikes. Click Here to register and find out more.

Summit Shorty Races Happening Now!

We recently interviewed Emile Mulholland about a local mountain bike race for kids and adults, called the Summit Shorty Series. Emile is a local middle school mountain biking coach (San Domenico and Lagunitas), and employee of Sunshine Bicycles in Fairfax.

What is the Summit Shorty Series?

The Summit Shorty Series is a series of short track cross country races, on Wednesday afternoons, that Acme bikes has organized for the last eight or nine years (click here to read more from Acme). Local racers use the Shorty Series to get a good hard workout in the middle of the week and, at the same time, build on their racing skills, like a sparring match for a boxer. The course is a little over a mile long. Racers do multiple laps with most races lasting just under a half hour. There are multiple races held for people of different skill levels so that most of us can find a group where we can be competitive.

For our local middle school cycling enthusiasts the Shorty Series is special. Starting last year, the shorty series includes a race for middle school students at three of its six races. This gives our local mountain bike clubs a reason to come together and kids from schools without a mountain bike club, a place to meet other kids who ride (Younger kids are also welcome to race!).

Who should register?

For most of us, the Shorties are great for anyone who wants to get some racing in without having to travel or pay an arm and a leg. Middle Schoolers should register if they want to experience racing, represent their school's mountain bike club, encourage their school to start a mountain bike club or just have some fun and meet other middle schoolers who ride bikes.

How do I register my child?

Registration for the races is done on site before the start of the race. Kids can come without their parents but they need to have their parents sign the race waiver. The race waiver can be online. Here is a link. 

How much does that cost?

Each race costs $10

Does that include insurance?

All questions about race insurance should be directed to Acme Bikes. I know that they do have some liability coverage but I don't know the details.

Who are you, Emile? What's your background, what do you do? 

I'm the son of a life-long cyclist who was the first American journalist to be a part of the Tour De France press caravan and wrote the first nationally published article about mountain biking. As a kid, I mostly rode with my dad and always wished that I could ride with more people my own age
As an adult, I've been happy to help build on our local youth cycling community, when given an opportunity. For the last four years, I've volunteered to coach Lagunitas' middle school mountain biking club. This year San Domenico hired me to start a mountain bike club for their middle school. I've, also, coached for a couple high school teams.
I've been proud to coach high school kids to top places in the NorCal league and now watched graduates from my Lagunitas middle school club become successful high school racers. I've been even more proud to watch kids that I have coached develop a love for the outdoors and exercise. Middle school seems to be a great age to teach these qualities and that is why I'm so excited about helping middle schoolers get into biking.

Thanks, Emile!!

Tips for Biking Safely with Your Child

The following blog originally appeared in MarinMommies.com

Heading out for a fun day of camp!

From cargo bikes laden with young children, to parents and kids on their own bikes, the popularity of biking is growing in Marin and nationwide. This is something to  celebrate! The health benefits of biking are numerous, and consuming less gas gives the earth a little extra breathing room. As cyclists and owners of Fairfax Cycling Camp, we are happy to share some tips and resources to help you bike more safely with your child. We teach our campers these skills every week during our summer mountain bike camp. 

Helmets, Helmets, Helmets!

Helmets are required by law for all children under 16 in California. Helmets protect your child’s developing brain from trauma which could come from even a seemingly small bump.

Just like on an airplane when you are told to secure your own oxygen mask prior to helping another, make sure your helmet is on properly before biking with your child. This does two things; first, you are protecting your brain and doing your best to make sure you’ll be around to take care of your child in the event of an accident; second, you are modeling appropriate behavior for your child. Research consistently shows that children learn by watching what the adults around them are doing. You are setting an example for your child, one that you hope they will follow long after they’ve begun riding on their own.

Please, wear your helmet, and make sure your child does too. 

Check out our blog to see a great photo showing how to properly fit a helmet. Also, watch this fun video with your child, brought to you by the Province of Manitoba.

General Tips

Talk with your child about the rules of the road before you ride, and make sure they stop at all stop signs looking both ways, staying on the right side of the road.
When riding with your little one, have them ride in front of you. That way, you can keep an eye on them to see how they are riding and what they need help with. 
Scan ahead and look for obstacles asking your child, “Ok, what do you see?” Or, “Do you see that there is a driver in that parked car?” 
Avoid “the door zone” by leaving enough room between you and any parked car, as the door may swing open without warning. 
Pick a line. Safe cyclists pick a relatively straight line and try to stick to it. This makes the rider more predictable for cars and other cyclists.
Get that bike tuned up! Kids have been known to crash due to their bike not being properly maintained. Bikes have lots of moving parts which need regular maintenance!
Check out Marin County Bike Coalition’s Safe Routes to Schools Program for more information on biking safely with your child/ren!

Announcing the launch of our Mentorship Program!

A crew of mentors teaching campers.

At FXCC, we understand that healthy connections are critical for children (and adults!) to safely learn, grow, and develop self-esteem - this is true in the classroom, and on the bike. This year, all of our Counselors will get more training and guidance via our Mentorship Program. 

When our regular campers reach high school, they are given the opportunity to become counselors, and our community grows bigger and stronger. We select our Counselors because of the innate capacities they have, and enhance those through sharing our years of expertise working with children in a variety of educational, athletic, and therapeutic settings. Because we value our Counselors, we are making a greater commitment to provide them with training which will serve them throughout their academic and vocational careers. 

Graduates of our Mentorship Program gain experience with:  

• Responsibly caring for groups of children
• Safety & First Aid  
• Understanding and managing group dynamics (we teach specific techniques)
• Social/Emotional Development
• Building Curriculum
• Successfully managing a variety of personalities and abilities

We get to know our Counselors pretty well over the course of their participation and happily draft recommendation letters for all participants to use as they enter college and the workforce. Please email us if you have additional questions.

Volvo Lifepaint? Thanks!

We just came across this YouTube vid about Volvo Lifepaint. Apparently, those Swedes have decided that, even though they're a car manufacturer, they care about the safety of everyone on the roads. They put some R&D into creating LIfePaint. Available only in the UK for now, the paint is water based and highly reflective. 

Watch this video and be amazed! 

Epic Ride on President's Day!

We are all about providing campers with fun adventures which bring out their grit and challenge them in just the right ways. Yesterday was no exception!

We covered 25 miles and climbed 3,500 vertical feet as we led a group of riders up to the West Point Inn and (the best part) back down on a beautiful President's Day. This was our first day-long ride during a school holiday, and we decided to break away from our typical summer camp curriculum. It was a lot of climbing (!), but that gave us time to chat and get to know our cool campers. 

We were so impressed! Not only was this a group of talented riders, but they were kind and supportive, with hugely positive attitudes. The kids kept on truckin' and we enjoyed our lunches, and a spectacular view from atop Mt. Tam! After spending 5 hours (with breaks) getting up the mountain, we cruised back into Fairfax in one hour, enjoying an exhilarating downhill, including watching four river otters frolicking in Bon Tempe Lake! It was a truly magical day.

Upon arriving back in town, smiles and high fives ensued, along with some amazed expressions from the parents. After re-fueling on ice cream, smoothies and slices of pizza, everyone went on their way, and, we are certain, slept very well.

Marin City & Safe Routes to School

James, from Safe Routes, teaches the riders about safe riding.

We spent Valentine's Day volunteering with Safe Routes to School in Marin City, teaching kids how to bike safely. Turning Wheels for Kids donated brand new bikes for kids in grades 2-5, while Safe Routes showed up to help get them rolling with confidence and skill.

We helped with a playground skills course, and their first neighborhood ride - practicing stopping at stop signs, riding single file, and most importantly, sharing the road with cars. We loved seeing the excited smiles on all of those cute faces, and hope to return to Marin City to continue this important work with Safe Routes!

Weekend, Summer & President's Week Rides Open for Registration

We are again offering weekend rides, which are calendared through April on our Kids' Weekend Rides Page. Read more about it there, and register online.

We also have our Summer Mountain Bike Camp dates and registration form now up and running. Check it out and enjoy our early bird special now through April 15. All campers receive a t-shirt with registration.

We are assembling our team for mountain bike camp in Fairfax, and are excited to have many returning staff, and some new folks we are excited for you to meet. Stay tuned!!

Stolen Bikes Recovered

In case you missed it, the SF Chronicle recently reported on the recovery of many stolen items in Santa Rosa, including several bikes. Check out the article and pictures to see if a long lost bike was found!

Join us at Biketoberfest!

We really hope we can ride this again!

We had so much fun last year at Biketoberfest, and we want to make sure you know about this fun for all ages event, as well as what we're up to! It takes place on Saturday, October 11, from 12-5, in the Good Earth parking lot in Fairfax. We will be sharing space with our logo designers and friends, Eric Read and Rob Meserchik (who will be selling their always cool shirts).

Biketoberfest is a gathering of bicycle manufacturers, bicyclists, bike organizations and beer enthusiasts put on by Marin County Bicycle Coalition, our local bike advocacy group. If you haven't yet joined MCBC, we urge you to do so. Check out the above links to learn more about what will be going on that day, but we always enjoy riding the round, 6-person bike, the cargo bike parade, and the live music. The beer gardens (and most adults) are on the post office side of the parking lot, and we will be on the Good Earth side, near the Java Hut.

In honor of Biketoberfest, we will be leading one of our half-day rides for kids from 9:00-12:00, just prior to Biketoberfest. The ride is $60, or $110 if you purchase two rides. Check our registration page for more information, and know that we will email registrants with specifics as the date approaches.

We'll also be offering for sale more t-shirts and stickers, and maybe some jerseys (fingers crossed). Even if you can't ride with us that day, stop by and say hello. We'd love to see you!

It's Tour Time!

Fabian "Spartacus" Cancellara. 

It's July, and around our house, that means it's Tour de France time! Mornings are now begun with a cup of coffee or tea and the day's stage. As fans of racing and advocates for safe biking everywhere, we were delighted to see that People for Bikes is now partnering with Trek Factory Racing, by co-sponsoring Trek's pro team.

People for Bikes is a national/international bike advocacy group which serves as a "big tent" for riders, advocates, grandparents and industry - anyone who cares about making bicycling safer. 

Elevating bicycling safety to the international stage by partnering with Trek's professional team is an exciting development - not saying we're cheering for them, but that logo does make us smile. :)

Had a Bike Stolen Lately?

Trove of recently recovered bikes.

If you've been in the unfortunate position of having a bike stolen, you might be interested in this article from the Marin IJ. Apparently, police busted a local stolen bike ring. There is a link to a slideshow showing photos of all of the recovered bikes. Good luck!

First Two Weeks of Camp Were Awesome!

Hitting the trails.

We have just wrapped up our first two weeks of camp, and we had a blast! 

Some highlights were:

1) Watching campers ride up hills they've never been able to ride up before;

2) Watching campers make technical sections for the first time;

3) Lots of laughing!

Lunch Circle

Sporting the new t's.

4) Playing in the pool;

5) Sitting in a circle eating lunch together and sharing stories;

6) Watching our counselors grow into their leadership role;

7) Seeing the counselors do a jump, followed by a few intrepid campers!

8) Getting many compliments from hikers who said our group was very polite - we hope we are teaching the kids to be respectful trail users;

9) Getting to know old friends better and making new friends; 

The dreaded line at The Scoop.

10) Getting laughed at and schooled by our counselors after apparently breaking every unwritten rule of etiquette pertaining to Instagram (Sorry - we were just trying to share photos with you all at home!);

11) And, as always, the biggest highlight is watching the growth of confidence and skill in each camper after a week spent on the bike.

How to Properly Select, Fit and Wear a Helmet

A helmet is crucial for anyone riding a bike. Check out this short and fun video from the Canadian Province of Manitoba on why to wear a helmet, and how to fit a helmet properly.  We know Canada is really far away, but these folks did a great job making an easily understandable video for kids and adults! 

A few takeaways:

1)Make sure you have the proper helmet for your sport.

2)The helmet should fit so snugly on your head when unbuckled, that it doesn't move when you shake your head.

3)The helmet should be adjusted so that you have two finger widths of space between your eyebrows and the front of the helmet.

4)The helmet should be snug! Only one finger should fit comfortably under the chin strap (we've also heard two fingers, but it should be much more snug than most riders, including children, wear theirs).

At Fairfax Cycling Camp, we review safety and talk about how to properly wear a helmet at the beginning of each week. In case you can't make it to camp, or you're wondering why your child's helmet fits differently after they've been at camp, check out the video, or read more at helmets.org. Safe riding!

Safety Tips for Biking with Your Child

Former Manor School principal, Jason Richardson, leads a pack of kids to school on International Bike and Walk to School Day.

On school days in Fairfax, the streets are full of kids and parents biking to school. We love that! At Fairfax Cycling Camp, in addition to having fun with our campers, we teach important safety skills. There are a few things parents can do to make the ride safer for their child/ren: 1)advocate for safer infrastructure; 2) teach your child how to ride safely ; and 3) most importantly, model safe biking yourself.

As a teacher and psychotherapist, we understand that one of the most powerful modes of teaching is through modeling. What is modeling?  In a nut shell, it is teaching others through your own actions. Research has shown it to be much more effective than lecturing. 

Modeling how to safely ride in traffic, as well as sharing how fun and invigorating it is to get around by bike is something we all should celebrate and support. Modeling the regular use of a helmet is a vital part of riding safely. Don't just listen to us, check out what the folks at helmets.org have to say about the value of protecting your brain.

More Physical Activity is Best for Kids (and Adults?)

Campers working on skills.

There was an interesting article in NPR yesterday linking good motor skills and academic success.  While the researchers are quick to point out other possible causes, the case for more physical activity both in school and out of school is irrefutable. Brains function best when they're happy, and brains tend to be happiest when they're getting plenty of exercise. Researchers believe this may have to do with increased levels of oxygen in the blood,  we also know that exercise helps reduce anxiety and depression levels in adults and kids.  In short, exercise is not just great for your body, but great for your mind and mood, too!

As an elementary school teacher and psychotherapist, we understand this. Our campers are active and engaged all day. Our days are structured to include a developmentally appropriate and skill-level based ride in the morning, followed up with a variety of games in the afternoon, which include running, throwing and having serious fun! Our campers leave us with increased skill and confidence on the bike, as well as joy which comes from being outside, exercising and playing with engaged adults and other kids.