Mini RIPAs — Play on Pedals: A one-hour, kid-sized bike takeover at Dess’s RIPA Bike Hub

DESS PEDAL PUB FIELD GUIDE

Mini RIPAs — Play on Pedals: A one-hour, kid-sized bike takeover at Dess’s RIPA Bike Hub

Monthly sessions that close the bike hub to set up adventure trails, treasure hunts and games so 4–6-year-olds can build confidence and bike control under instructor supervision.

Mini RIPAs — Play on Pedals: A one-hour, kid-sized bike takeover at Dess’s RIPA Bike Hub.

Duration
1 hour
Location
Dess
Operator
Ride in Peace Adventures
Category
Pedal Pub
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Once a month Ride in Peace Adventures closes the RIPA Bike Hub at Deeside Activity Park in Dess and turns the space over to the Mini RIPAs: a compact, deliberately playful hour of adventure trails, treasure hunts and bike games designed for children who are already pedalling. Expert instructors introduce the courses, options and equipment, remain on hand throughout the session to offer help and tips, and run activities that focus on fun while building confidence and control on the bike.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FORMAT

A monthly, child-first bike session

These sessions happen once a month and run for one hour, during which the bike hub is closed off and set up with mapped trails, games and challenges tailored to small riders.

THE SKILLS

Playful drills that build confidence

Activities—treasure hunts, bike games and short trails—are designed to improve control and confidence on the bike for children in the target age group while keeping the emphasis on enjoyment.

SUPERVISION

Instructors on hand; guardians stay nearby

Trained instructors introduce the course and equipment at the start of each session and remain available throughout; guardians are asked to stay on site for the duration.

What the day feels like

What the hour feels like

The session is compact and energetic: an instructor-led briefing, then short, supervised circuits of imaginative trails and games where children chase clues, tackle small technical features and celebrate each small success—an environment built to make riding feel like play while gently extending skill and confidence.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this session suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Young Learners (Ages 4–6)This program is intended specifically for children aged 4–6 who are already pedalling; activities and pacing are matched to that age range.
2
Guardians & ParentsGuardians are asked to stay on site throughout the session, making this a family-present offering rather than a drop-off program.
3
Beginner PedallersChildren who can pedal but are still gaining confidence will find the mix of gentle trails and games ideal for skill-building in a supervised setting.
4
Not suitable for non-pedalling toddlersThe sessions require participants to be pedalling; children who cannot pedal yet do not meet the program’s basic participant requirements.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Instructors provide an introduction to equipment and options at the start of each session, so plan to bring the child’s bike and helmet if requested; exact equipment options are explained by staff on arrival.

On-the-day Gear

Staff will outline available gear and any short-term equipment adjustments during the instructor briefing at the hub.

Supervision

An instructor is on hand throughout the session to offer help and tips; guardians are asked to remain on site.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages is Mini RIPAs intended for?

The sessions are designed for children aged 4–6.

How long is each session?

Each Mini RIPAs session runs for one hour.

How often do the sessions run?

The operator runs these sessions once a month, closing the bike hub for a morning of activities.

Do instructors provide help during the session?

Yes—an instructor gives an introduction to the courses and equipment and remains on hand throughout to offer help and tips.

Can guardians leave the site during the session?

No—guardians are asked to stay on site for the duration of the session.

Where do we meet for Mini RIPAs?

Meet at the RIPA Bike Hub within Deeside Activity Park in Dess (Aboyne), at the location listed by the operator.