Youth Community Rides

Small, supportive and invite-only mountain bike rides helping young people build confidence, friendships and connection through riding together outdoors.

What are Youth Community Rides?

Youth Community Rides are a gentle next step for young people who have already engaged with Boundless Trails through Trails to Wellbeing, school sessions, family rides, or other supported pathways.

The aim is simple:
to help young people continue riding, feel part of a positive community, and gradually build confidence riding alongside others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

These rides are not focused on performance, competition, or formal coaching. The emphasis is on:

  • enjoyment

  • connection

  • confidence

  • inclusion

  • supportive peer relationships

  • spending time outdoors

“Since joining the Youth Community Rides, Callan has grown in confidence, independence and belief in himself. He now rides more regularly, cycles to school and activities, and feels more connected to others and the outdoors through his bike.”
— Parent feedback

A Community-Led Approach

The long-term vision for Youth Community Rides is to create a supportive riding community where young people, parents, carers, and experienced riders can connect and ride together naturally.

Many rides are parent-supported and community-led, helping create a sustainable and welcoming environment that is not dependent on structured sessions alone.

Young riders benefit from:

  • riding alongside experienced mountain bikers

  • informal encouragement and mentoring

  • developing trail confidence at their own pace

  • building friendships and social connections through shared experiences outdoors

Invite Only

At this stage, Youth Community Rides are available by invitation only.

This helps ensure that:

  • groups remain small and supportive

  • riders are matched appropriately

  • young people are ready for a community ride environment

  • the atmosphere remains safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone

Young people may be invited following participation in:

  • Trails to Wellbeing

  • school-based sessions

  • family/community rides

  • other Boundless Trails activities

Parental Involvement

Parental or carer involvement is an important part of the Youth Community Ride approach.

Parents and carers are encouraged to:

  • attend rides where appropriate

  • support transport and communication

  • help create a positive and supportive group culture

  • become part of the wider riding community

Some rides may involve parents riding alongside the group.

Light-Touch Support from Boundless Trails

Youth Community Rides are designed to encourage independence and community connection rather than ongoing intensive support.

Dimitris and Boundless Trails provide light-touch support through:

  • helping facilitate connections

  • supporting ride organisation where needed

  • ensuring the environment remains welcoming and inclusive

  • offering guidance and encouragement

From time to time, additional coaching sessions, skills sessions, or supported rides may also be offered to help young riders continue developing their confidence and mountain bike skills.

If you would like to learn more about Youth Community Rides please get in touch.