10 Tips for Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

1. Save the date!

• Clear your calendar for a few hours on Saturday, October 1, 2011

2. Find a kid.

• Neighbors, co-workers, relatives, friends - take their kids for a ride!
• Contact your local YMCA or other youth group to arrange a ride.

3. Get 'em a bike and helmet.

• If you need mountain biking gear, simply visit your local bike shop a month early and talk to the manager. Explain the program and ask them to donate a bike and helmet for your ride. Most stores will happily honor such a request.

4. Select a ride.

• Be sure to choose a ride that is fun, safe and not too long or difficult.
• The ideal route will have options where the group can head home or continue for more adventure.

5. Contact your local club and bike shop.

• Many IMBA clubs will host National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day events. Bring some kids to their event and join them for a ride!
• Encourage local bike shops to get involved.

6. Be prepared.

• Bring extra water and food - including a tasty treat for the kids.
• Don't forget other essentials such as extra tubes, pump, tire levers and a multi-tool.

7. Ride!

• Take it slow at first. Match your pace to the slowest rider.
• Ride safely. Aim for no more than three kids per adult.

8. Have fun.

• Don't be afraid to goof around! Keep the conversation fun and play a few bike games along the ride. Visit imba.com for creative ideas.

9. Take photos.

• Share stories and photos about your day with parents, community leaders, local press and IMBA. Post your photos on IMBA's facebook page.

10. Make it a tradition!

• Make every day a Take-a-Kid day and plan for the first Saturday in October next year to celebrate how Kids+Bikes=FUN!.

IMBA National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day celebrates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker from North Carolina who passed away in 2002.