North Yorkshire Youth (NYY) have offered several Mountain Biking activity days, designed to engage young people on the Turnaround and Change Direction schemes with positive and structured outdoor activities. The days provided an introduction to mountain biking for those who had never been on a trail, alongside an opportunity to learn new bike handling skills such as cornering, braking and balance; whilst having fun and enjoying the excitement on the bikes.
The activities demonstrated to young people that mountain biking can provide an excellent alternative to anti-social behaviour, whilst offering a wide range of other physical and emotional benefits. The days provided an opportunity for young people to connect with the outdoors, nature, and other young people. Young people felt a sense of achievement and developed new skills and confidence on a bike.
Dalby Forest was the perfect venue, offering a skills course and a variety of trails suitable for different levels of riding abilities, from beginner’s trails to more challenging routes for experienced riders.
The young people came from various locations across North Yorkshire, which provided them with an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. The riders were provided with a Hardtail Mountain bike and a suitable clothing and safety equipment.
The riders started each day in the morning with a warm up on an easy trail, followed by the skills course which allows the young people to learn individual skills, before heading back to the Cycle Hub for lunch! The afternoon sessions were based on the higher level of skill and ability of riding. This involved a 6-mile ride with some climbing, switchbacks, and some fast descents. The young people had several fantastic days out on the trails and were incredibly lucky with the weather. Everyone remained safe and had plenty of fun and enjoyment. All the young people that came on each of the sessions achieved something; from riding a mountain bike on a trail for the very first time to completing a full route with a well-deserved fast descent at the end of the long ride.
It was a privilege to be able to offer these activities for young people on Turnaround and Change Direction.
Happy Riding for those who brave the chilly weather in the winter months.
Chris Scott, Change Direction Youth Mentor Hambleton & Richmondshire.