Six checks before camp.
The bike fits the rider
Your child can stand over the bike, reach both brake levers, turn the bars freely and get on and off without adult help.
Both hand brakes work
Front and rear brakes engage firmly before the lever reaches the grip. The rider knows how to use both brakes.
Gears shift predictably
The chain moves through the usable gears without repeatedly skipping or dropping, and the rider can select an easier gear.
Tires suit off-road riding
Tires have visible tread, hold air and show no cuts, bulges or exposed casing. Smooth road-only tires are not suitable.
Wheels and controls are secure
Wheels are properly fastened, bars and seat do not twist, pedals turn and nothing contacts the wheel unexpectedly.
The helmet fits and is undamaged
The helmet sits level, the straps form a V around each ear, the buckle closes and there are no cracks or crushed areas.
What each rider carries.
- Enough water for the session.
- Nut-free snacks; riders in the 9:30 AM–3:30 PM camps also bring lunch.
- A rain jacket suitable for changing North Shore weather.
- A spare inner tube that fits the bike’s wheel and tire.
- Any prescribed medication the rider must carry.
A small, comfortable backpack works best. Gloves, knee pads and elbow pads are optional unless a family chooses to use them.
Practise the controls, not just the checklist.
A mechanically sound bike is only part of readiness. Before camp, ask your child to demonstrate a controlled stop using both brakes, shift into an easier gear before a short climb and start again without being pushed.
If those basics are inconsistent, practise in a quiet, traffic-free area before deciding whether camp is the right next step.
Compare rider readinessWhen to use a bike shop.
Seek qualified mechanical help if the brakes feel weak, the wheel moves side to side, the chain repeatedly falls off, the gears skip under pressure or you are unsure whether the bike fits. Shore Bike Camps coaches perform a safety check, not a repair or tune-up service.