PCBC Youth Academy is where riders come together to build their skills and share a love for mountain biking. Our mission is simple: foster a passion for the sport and pass it on to the next generation.

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UPDATE 1st Feb 2024:

Happy 2024! We hope you have had a great summer holiday and managed to get out on your bike.

It’s nearly time for Tuesday shredding again. Fingers crossed we get some drier sessions again!

The first Academy session will be on Tuesday 13th February 5-7pm and then at the same time every Tuesday for the rest of term 1.

All rider groups are the same as term 4, unless you are informed otherwise. Meeting places are also unchanged. Please look out for further communication about your group on email and Whatsapp.

If you or anyone you know can commit to riding with us on Tuesdays 5-7pm for the dates below please get in touch via the email link to the right and let us know as soon as possible!

If you missed the deadline for registration but are still interested, you can still complete the Expression of Interest form to join the waitlist and we will let you know if any spaces become available.

Season dates

Term 1 riding is about to start! First ride is 13th February. See you on the trails! Check back again soon for more updates.

Weekly rides

Tuesday, 5-7pm

2023 - 10th October to 12th December

2024 - 13th February to 26th March

(Note we do not ride on public holidays)

You can find our PCBC Youth Academy Agreement HERE

Scroll on down the page to see details of upcoming mountain bike events you might be interested in.

Coaches and Volunteers are always welcome at the Academy.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer or Coach get in touch!

We welcome both riders and non-riders to join our team.  Coaches and volunteers receive valuable benefits, including free coaching and instruction training, as well as incident response and medical training.  Volunteers who can commit to the season also enjoy free rider registration and special discounts.

Registration FAQs

It says registrations are full, how can I join the academy?

If you would like to get on our waitlist, please complete an Expression of Interest form here.  Once you are on the waitlist we will contact you if a space becomes available.

I have completed the Expression of Interest form, when will I know if I have a place in the Academy?

Expressions of interest close on the 16th September and we will confirm registrations on the 17th September. 

We have a limited number of spaces available and an overwhelming demand and registrations will be prioritised in the following order:

Priority 1 - Riders with a parent volunteer commitment for the term

Priority 2 - Previous season riders and existing waitlist 

Priority 3 - New applicants

What are the fees for joining the Academy?

Fees for the 23/24 season are below, registration fees are waived for the children of committed volunteers.

Please note - all riders and volunteers must be members of Pohutukawa Coast Bike Club.

PCBC Academy membership: $140, (or free for children of committed volunteers)

PCBC 23/24 Membership: Single $75, Family $150

*We have options for offsetting the registration and membership costs for those interested.  Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more.

I am new to mountain biking, can I join the Academy?

We welcome riders age 8+ with suitable equipment who are able to meet the skills and fitness below. After reading below, if you are unsure about whether you meet the criteria, please get in touch.  We can connect you with other riding groups or courses if you are not yet ready for the PCBC Academy.

Skills

Grade 3 Track Proficiency: Riders must demonstrate the ability to ride grade 3 mountain bike tracks safely, even if they are developing confidence and may ride at a slower pace. Basic skills and control are essential. This includes:

• Maintaining control over the bike.

• Negotiating obstacles with care.

• Descending safely and under control.

The emphasis here is on safety and the willingness to learn and improve on grade 3 tracks. Riders who may be slower but can ride safely and show the potential to develop their skills and confidence will still be considered.

This adjustment ensures that riders at different stages of their mountain biking journey are welcome to join the academy while prioritizing safety and skill development.

Fitness Criteria:

Uphill Endurance and Positive Attitude: Prospective academy members should have a positive attitude toward climbs and be willing to develop their fitness throughout the season. We understand that riders may be at varying fitness levels, but a commitment to improvement is essential.

Minimum Climbing Requirements: Our beginner riders should be able to successfully climb the tracks Waiho Elevator and Mallow Puff during an average evening ride (approximately an hour and a half).  

By emphasizing a positive attitude and the opportunity for development, we ensure that riders of varying fitness levels can participate while also setting clear minimum standards for their progression.

If you are new to the club, we suggest you come out for a ride.  We strongly recommend all new members to ride at Maraetai Forest before the start of the season.  Here are tracks an entry level group may ride on an average evening:

Waiho Elevator>Eastern Spice>Mallow Puff>Sweet As>Western>Ground Zero