This program gives youth cyclists a structured way to build skills and enjoy riding in a fun, supportive setting. It welcomes a wide range of abilities and goals, from recreational riding to racing. The program includes progressive streams in road, mountain biking, and cyclocross, so riders can grow step by step.
Program Objectives
Build a leading youth cycling program that teaches riding, racing, basic maintenance, and safety skills in a fun environment, so riders develop a lifelong love of cycling.
Help youth riders challenge themselves and reach their potential, so they can achieve and celebrate their progress.
Create team-based experiences in training, touring, and racing, so riders grow together in fitness, health, character, and self-discipline.
Road Program
Our spring and summer road sessions teach youth how to handle their bike, ride safely in a group, and build traffic awareness and fitness. We keep sessions fun, so riders stay engaged while they improve.
Starting in May, youth riders can also challenge themselves in supported touring and racing events throughout the spring and summer.
2026 Program Details
- Sessions: Spring (Apr 18–Jun 27) and Summer (Jul 8–Aug 29)
- Schedule: Saturdays 9:00–11:00 AM (Centre Asticou) and Wednesdays 6:30–8:00 PM (Central Experimental Farm)
Fees (plus HST):
Single session (Spring or Summer): $85 (Ages 7–8, born 2018–2019) | $120 (Ages 9–18, born 2008–2017)
Spring + Summer: $150 (Ages 7–8) | $220 (Ages 9–18)
Spring + Summer PLUS (Central only): $350 (Ages 9–12, born 2014–2017)
Notes
First, check our FAQs for answers to common questions.
Parent/guardian support:
Ages 6–8: a parent/guardian must ride with the program to support the coaches.
Older riders: parents may ride to help, but we do not require it.
If a parent/guardian rides with the program, they must register as an OBC member (insurance requires it).
If a parent/guardian does not ride, they do not need an OBC membership.
Bike requirement (ages 13+): riders must use a road, gravel, or cyclocross bike with curved “drop” handlebars.
Cancellations: if we do not get enough registrations or coaching support, we will cancel that session. In that case, you can choose a full refund or transfer to another available session.
Youth Development Program Plus (ages 9–12, born 2014–2017): this option adds extra weekly training for riders who want to compete and eventually move into the Youth Racing Program. It includes additional sessions on Tuesdays for Road and occasional Sundays for Mountain Bike. Contact the Youth Program Director for details.
Registration reminder: when you register, you will also purchase an OBC club membership ($15) and, for insurance purposes, an Ontario Cycling membership, in addition to the program fee.
Mountain Bike Program
Our spring and summer mountain bike program is for riders ages 9–18. It builds skills and fitness through fun sessions on a variety of trails across the National Capital Region.
2026 Program Details
Spring session: April 20–June 28
Time: Mondays 6:15–8:00 PM and Thursdays 6:15–8:00 PM
Locations: most sessions start from Centre Asticou. However, we will sometimes use other locations in the region, for example while we wait for Gatineau Park trails to open.
Program fee (plus HST)
Individual spring session: Ages 9–18 (born 2008–2017): $120
Notes
First, check our FAQs for answers to common questions.
Parent participation:
Parents are welcome and encouraged to ride with the program to support the coaches.
However, any parent who rides must register as an OBC member (insurance requires it).
If a parent does not ride, they do not need an OBC membership.
Bike requirement: you need a mountain bike with at least front suspension and disc brakes. If you are unsure, contact the Youth Program Director.
Cancellations: if we do not get enough registrations or coaching support, we will cancel the session. Then you can choose a full refund or transfer to another available session.
Registration reminder: when you register, you will also purchase an OBC club membership ($15) and, for insurance purposes, an Ontario Cycling license, in addition to the program fee.
Summer Camps
In partnership with Ontario Cycling, OBC offers two 1-week HopOn summer cycling camps for children ages 7–12 (born 2014–2019). HopOn is a game-based program that builds strong on-bike skills and follows a national standard for teaching fundamental cycling skills, so kids learn while having fun with our trained club coaches.
Dates: July 6–10 or August 10–14
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (drop-off 8:30–9:00 AM, pick-up 4:00–4:30 PM)
Location: OBC Office, 170 Booth Street
Fees: $250 + HST, plus OBC membership ($15), plus Ontario Cycling membership ($20 under 8, $26 ages 8–12)
Fall Cyclocross
Come autumn, our focus moves to cyclocross which involves riding on a variety of different terrains including pavement, wooded trails, grass, hills, twists, turns and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount and carry the bike while navigating an obstruction and remounting.
2026 Program Details
Session: September 9–October 8
Locations: rotating parks across Ottawa, including the Central Experimental Farm, Arboretum, Vincent Massey Park, and Britannia Beach
Fee: $60 (plus HST) for all ages
Times:
U12 (born 2015–2018): Thursday 6:00–7:30 PM and Sunday 9:00–11:00 AM
Ages 12+ (born 2008–2014): Wednesday 6:00–7:30 PM and Sunday 9:00–11:00 AM
Notes
Parents are welcome and encouraged to ride with the program to support our coaches. However, any parent who rides must be an OBC member.
Any bike with gears that can fit wider tires will work. For best results, use a cyclocross, mountain, gravel, or road bike with tires at least 30 mm wide and with some tread.
Additional Notes
First, check our FAQs for answers to common questions.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to ride with the program to support our coaches. However, any parent who rides must be an OBC member. If a parent does not ride, they do not need an OBC membership.
When we have enough riders, we will offer an all-girls group.
You need a mountain bike with at least front suspension and disc brakes. If you are unsure, contact the Youth Program Director.
If we do not have enough registrations or coaching support, we will cancel the session. Then you can choose a full refund or transfer to another available session.
Youth Development Program Plus (ages 11–18): this option adds one extra mountain bike training session per week on Sundays (9:00–11:00 AM) at rotating locations. Contact the Youth Program Director for details.
During registration, you will pay the program fee and also purchase an OBC club membership ($15) and, for insurance purposes, an Ontario Cycling membership.
Registration Information
Registration opens at the beginning of February. When it opens, the link here will take you through the online process. First, you will purchase an OBC membership ($15). Next, you will purchase an Ontario Cycling membership ($20–$72, based on age and whether you plan to race). Then, you will select your program session option(s).
Contact Information
For questions regarding any aspect of the Youth Program, please contact the Youth Program Director at youth@ottawabicycleclub.ca.