Saturday mornings at 9:30 at Cutler Park Needham, IBC puts on a NEMBA Explorers ride for kids ages 8-12. It's about an hour and a half ride down fire roads, carriage paths, and a small amount of singletrack. We take time to stop and work on skills like log hopping, riding up and off a curb, and getting started on uphills in the right gear. Post-ride we discuss the best parts of the day over chocolate milk and Kids Clif bars.
Above: On a rather eventful ride we came upon a large snapping turtle who had just nipped a German Shepherd puppy's nose (thankfully not too badly). Explorer rider Cole looks on as a brave gentleman transports the prehistoric beast back to the water. Don't worry, no children were eaten.
Above: The Gods of cycling shine a light on Sonya, giving her the power to hop over huge logs in a single bound. Log hopping is a key element of mountain biking, the less time you spend getting off your bike for obstacles and the more time you spend rolling, the more of a real mountain biker you become.
Above: Colin and Linnea (or "Colinnea" as the Papparazi calls them) come out to support a sunny ride on Saturday morning. Miriam, Alexandra, Brendan and the crew portage their bikes over an enormous log. Explorer rides are always an adventure. Riding down the flower lined boardwalks of Cutler is always a highlight.Check our ride calendar for future Explorers ride dates.
