Adventure brief
Spring | Women | 5-Week Series
A five-week, women-only mountain bike coaching series in Kelowna that builds core trail skills and confidence. Small groups, certified coaches, starts April 27 — perfect for beginners and intermediate riders.
Spring | Women | 5-Week Series is a five-session mountain bike coaching program centered at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) above Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Designed for riders aged 16 and up, the series runs every Monday beginning April 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and pairs progressive instruction with real trail time across the Okanagan's varied singletrack. Coaches focus on balance, braking, gear timing and body position so riders graduate with confidence to tackle both flowy berms and technical rock-and-root sections.
The curriculum begins on the world-class trails of Myra-Bellevue (Crawford), a network of mixed dirt, pine-swept slopes and compact granite outcrops that expose riders to typical Kelowna trail textures. As the group progresses, sessions may move to Lake Country Bike Park and Smith Creek to practice looser dirt, constructed features and short downhill pitch—all chosen to reinforce specific skills in a controlled, supportive setting. Class sizes are intentionally small (maximum six) so certified coaches can deliver targeted feedback and adapt drills for beginners and intermediate riders.
Expect skill drills, short guided laps, progressive line-choice coaching and situational bike-handling exercises rather than full endurance rides; the two-hour window balances instruction, warm-up and repeated practice on feature-specific segments. What to bring is practical and precise: a reliable mountain bike with functioning disc brakes and front suspension at minimum; a properly fitted helmet and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Coaches recommend knee and elbow protection and a hydration pack; April evenings in Kelowna can be changeable—pack a lightweight water-resistant layer.
This series is notable for its focus on learning the 'why' behind technique: coaches teach how trail features behave and how small adjustments change outcome. That pedagogical approach, combined with Kelowna's accessible trailheads, makes this program a standout way to build a seasonal riding habit and connect with a women-only cohort in an ego-free environment. Riders should plan to attend all five sessions—the material builds week to week—and be prepared to ride in light rain; cancellations only occur under unsafe conditions.
Meeting logistics vary by week; initial check-in is listed as Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) and participants will receive weekly location confirmations. A signed School of MTB waiver is required before the first session. Whether you’re learning to link turns, control speed on descents or read a line, this focused five-week series offers a fast, safe route from hesitant singletrack to competent trail riding across Kelowna’s signature terrain.
The program accepts riders age 16 and up, groups are capped at six, and certified coaches emphasize safety, gradual exposure and measurable progress through drills and repeated runs; participants leave with clearer decision-making, faster recovery from mistakes and the confidence to join mixed-ability rides around Okanagan singletrack. Sign-ups begin now—expect confirmations and week-by-week meeting details by email and consent.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Bring a mechanically sound bikeessential
Disc brakes and at least front suspension are required; have a quick pre-ride check on brakes, bolts and tire pressure before each session.
- 02Arrive hydrated and fueledinfo
Two hours of mixed riding and drills demands water and a light snack—use a hydration pack for hands-free sipping between laps.
- 03Wear protective gearwarning
Helmet is mandatory; knee and elbow pads reduce fear of falling and speed up skill progression—consider them essential for confidence.
- 04Expect variable spring weatheressential
Bring a thin, water-resistant jacket; coaches ride in light rain but sessions cancel for unsafe conditions like lightning or extreme saturation.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Mountain bike (disc brakes, front suspension)
Required for safety and to practice real trail techniques on Kelowna's mixed dirt and technical sections.
springEssentialHelmet (properly fitted)
Mandatory for all sessions and close coaching feedback.
EssentialHydration pack or water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during drills and short climbs in variable spring temperatures.
springEssentialKnee & elbow pads
Recommended for confidence-building when practicing technical moves and descents.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Stewart Road East access for quick warm-ups and quiet singletrack, Lake Country Bike Park pump track for focused skill practice
Local fauna
deer, red-tailed hawk
Historic heritage
Myra-Bellevue is part of the Okanagan region of British Columbia and provides classic Kelowna trail types used by local riders for decades.
Mindful exploration
Ride only on designated trails, avoid sessions on muddy trails to prevent damage, and pack out any trash to protect fragile dry-summer ecosystems.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Myra-Bellevue ridge for valley panoramas, Lake Country Bike Park berms for action shots, Smith Creek bridge or creek crossings for dynamic foregrounds
- Subjects
- riders on berms and technical features, close-ups of bike handling and wheel contact, Okanagan valley landscape views
- Best times
- Golden hour (late afternoon), Early evening, Overcast for even light
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
What is the minimum age to join?
Participants must be 16 or older to enroll in the series.
Do I need a specific type of bike?
You need a mountain bike with functioning disc brakes and at least front suspension; good working gears are strongly recommended.
What happens if a session is cancelled?
The program only cancels for unsafe conditions (lightning, high winds, extreme trail saturation); you’ll be notified and offered a refund or alternative date if minimums aren’t met.
Is prior riding experience required?
No prior experience is required—coaching groups are split by ability so beginners and intermediate riders get appropriate progression.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, a signed School of MTB waiver is required before the first session.
Can I miss a week?
Attendance is strongly recommended for all five sessions since each week builds on prior skills; partial absences may limit progression.