MTB 101 Online
Are you Mountain Bike Curious? Get started the smart way with our MTB 101 Online Course — designed for new riders in Maine who want to learn the essentials, build confidence, and join a friendly community.
What you’ll get
3 x 1.5hr Virtual Workshops via Google Meet (April 8, 15 and 29 7-8:30PM EST)
Access to Online Course Material
What you’ll learn
What mountain biking really is, how it differs from road and gravel riding, and what to expect on singletrack.
Types of riding and bikes: Downhill, cross-country, trail, bikepacking, gravel crossover — explained simply so you can choose the right style and the right bike for your goals and budget.
Maine-focused trail guide: Overview of the best beginner-friendly areas across Maine — Portland-area trail systems, Bangor region rides, greater Acadia access, western mountains, and quiet local favorites — including difficulty, typical trail conditions, and seasonal tips.
How to find people to ride with: Practical strategies for joining group rides, local clubs, meetup tips, and how to approach group skill levels so you ride safely and have fun.
Starter equipment checklist: Bike selection basics (frame, wheel size, suspension), essential clothing, helmet fit and types, gloves, basic shoes, hydration packs, lights, and a prioritized list so you spend only on what increases safety and enjoyment.
Basic bike maintenance and safety: How to check your bike before a ride, fix a flat, basic drivetrain care, and a simple pre-ride checklist to avoid common problems.
Why this course works for new riders in Maine
Built for Maine conditions: Trail selection, seasonal cautions (mud, ice, spring closures), and local gear advice make it relevant from coast to mountains.
Bite-sized lessons: Short virtual workshops and access to online content make learning manageable between work and family life.
Community focus: Guidance on finding local groups and a roadmap to join community rides safely and respectfully so you never have to head out alone.
What you’ll be able to do after the course
Confidently choose a first mountain bike and essential gear within your budget.
Identify nearby beginner-friendly trails and plan rides appropriate for your skill and fitness.
Join group rides and connect with local riders.
Perform basic maintenance and pre-ride checks that prevent common mishaps.
Perfect for
Newcomers who are curious but overwhelmed by gear, trail choices, or where to find ride buddies.
Road or gravel riders transitioning to singletrack.
Visitors or new residents in Maine who want to explore mountain biking safely.
Sign up now to turn curiosity into confidence. Start with clear, Maine-centered instruction that gets you on the trail sooner, safer, and with people who share your enthusiasm.
Are you Mountain Bike Curious? Get started the smart way with our MTB 101 Online Course — designed for new riders in Maine who want to learn the essentials, build confidence, and join a friendly community.
What you’ll get
3 x 1.5hr Virtual Workshops via Google Meet (April 8, 15 and 29 7-8:30PM EST)
Access to Online Course Material
What you’ll learn
What mountain biking really is, how it differs from road and gravel riding, and what to expect on singletrack.
Types of riding and bikes: Downhill, cross-country, trail, bikepacking, gravel crossover — explained simply so you can choose the right style and the right bike for your goals and budget.
Maine-focused trail guide: Overview of the best beginner-friendly areas across Maine — Portland-area trail systems, Bangor region rides, greater Acadia access, western mountains, and quiet local favorites — including difficulty, typical trail conditions, and seasonal tips.
How to find people to ride with: Practical strategies for joining group rides, local clubs, meetup tips, and how to approach group skill levels so you ride safely and have fun.
Starter equipment checklist: Bike selection basics (frame, wheel size, suspension), essential clothing, helmet fit and types, gloves, basic shoes, hydration packs, lights, and a prioritized list so you spend only on what increases safety and enjoyment.
Basic bike maintenance and safety: How to check your bike before a ride, fix a flat, basic drivetrain care, and a simple pre-ride checklist to avoid common problems.
Why this course works for new riders in Maine
Built for Maine conditions: Trail selection, seasonal cautions (mud, ice, spring closures), and local gear advice make it relevant from coast to mountains.
Bite-sized lessons: Short virtual workshops and access to online content make learning manageable between work and family life.
Community focus: Guidance on finding local groups and a roadmap to join community rides safely and respectfully so you never have to head out alone.
What you’ll be able to do after the course
Confidently choose a first mountain bike and essential gear within your budget.
Identify nearby beginner-friendly trails and plan rides appropriate for your skill and fitness.
Join group rides and connect with local riders.
Perform basic maintenance and pre-ride checks that prevent common mishaps.
Perfect for
Newcomers who are curious but overwhelmed by gear, trail choices, or where to find ride buddies.
Road or gravel riders transitioning to singletrack.
Visitors or new residents in Maine who want to explore mountain biking safely.
Sign up now to turn curiosity into confidence. Start with clear, Maine-centered instruction that gets you on the trail sooner, safer, and with people who share your enthusiasm.