This program provides a structured environment for youth cyclists to develop cycling skills and take part in riding activities that encourage a lifelong passion for cycling. This is an inclusive program, suitable for a wide range of cycling abilities and interests, from recreational riding to racing. Below are descriptions of the program streams in road, mountain biking and cyclocross that are each progressive and complementary in nature.
Program Objectives
- To provide a premier youth cycling program that develops riding, racing, maintenance and safety skills in a fun setting that builds a lifelong passion for the sport.
- To provide the opportunity for youth riders to push their limits so as to achieve and celebrate their full potential.
- To provide opportunities to experience being part of a team that works together whether in training, touring or racing so as to grow together in fitness, health, character and self-discipline.
Road Program
Our spring/summer road sessions teaches youth to handle a bike, ride in groups, traffic safety, improve fitness, and have fun doing so. Youth will also have the opportunity to push their limits in supported touring and racing events starting in May and continuing through the spring and summer.
2024 Program details
- Spring session: April 20 – June 22
- Summer session: July 3 – August 24
- Time: Saturdays 9-11am and Wednesdays 6:30-8pm
- Locations:
- Central: Experimental Farm (Wed) and Centre Asticou (Sat)
- West (spring only): Sacred Heart High School (Wed) and All Saints High School (Sat)
- East (spring only): Carine Wilson High School (Wed) and St. Peter’s High School (Sat)
- Program fee:
- Individual Spring or summer sessions
- Ages 6-8 (2016 to 2018 year of birth): $85 (plus HST)
- Ages 9-18 (2006 to 2015 year of birth): $120 (plus HST)
- Combined spring and summer session
- Ages 6-8 (2016 to 2018): $150 (plus HST)
- Age 9-18 (2006 to 2015): $220 (plus HST)
- Combined spring and summer session PLUS (Central only)
- Ages 11-18 (2006-2013): $350 (plus HST)
- Individual Spring or summer sessions
Notes:
- Check out our FAQs for responses to common questions.
- Interested parents are invited and encouraged to ride with the program to provide additional support to our coaches but are required to be members of the OBC to do so. Parents who are not riding with the program do not need to be an OBC member.
- For riders 13-years of age an older, a road, gravel or cyclocross bicycle with curved “drop” style handlebars is required.
- Sessions for which there are insufficient registrations or coaching support available will be canceled with the option for either full refund or transfer to another available session.
- For those riders (11-18 years of age) with a particular interest in competition, and eventually progressing to the Youth Racing Program, a Youth Development Program Plus registration option is available that includes, in addition to the above, one further training session per week (Tuesdays, 6:15-8pm, Asticou). Contact the Youth Program Director if you would like more details.
- Through the registration process, in addition to the program fee, one must also purchase a club membership ($15) and, for insurance purposes, an Ontario Cycling license.
New* Summer Camp
In cooperation with Ontario Cycling, we are exited to offer a 1-week HopOn summer camp for children between the ages of 7-12
Like our regular programming, HopOn is a game-based activity program for youth to develop on-bike skills. This program is considered the “national standard” when teaching fundamental cycling skills. The program will be led by our Youth Program Director, a Trained HopON instructor, and supported by some of our regular trained club coaches.
When: July 8-12 from 9:00am-4:00pm
Where: 179 Primrose Ave, Ottawa ON
Registration fee: $210.00
Mountain Bike Program
Our spring and summer mountain bike program, for cyclists 9-18 years of age, focuses on having fun developing mountain bike skills and fitness using a variety of bike terrain in the National Capital Region.
2024 Program details
- Spring session: April 21 – June 30
- Summer session: July 4 – August 25
- Time: Mondays 6:15-8pm and Thursdays 6:15-8pm
- Locations: most sessions will run from Centre Asticou but other locations in the region will occasionally be used (e.g. while we wait for the Gatineau Park trails to open)
- Program fee:
- Individual Spring or summer sessions
- Ages 9-18 (2006 to 2015 year of birth): $120 (plus HST)
- Combined spring and summer session
- Ages 9-18 (2006 to 2015): $220 (plus HST)
- Combined spring and summer session PLUS
- Ages 11-18 (2006-2015): $350 (plus HST)
- Individual Spring or summer sessions
Notes:
- Check out our FAQs for responses to common questions.
- Interested parents are invited and encouraged to ride with the program to provide additional support to our coaches but are required to be members of the OBC to do so. Parents who are not riding with the program do not need to be an OBC member.
- A mountain bike with at least front wheel suspension and disc brakes is required. If uncertain, please contact the Youth Program Director.
- Sessions for which there are insufficient registrations or coaching support available will be canceled with the option for either full refund or transfer to another available session.
- For those riders (11-18 years of age) with a particular interest in competition, and eventually progressing to the Youth Racing Program, a Youth Development Program Plus registration option is available that includes, in addition to the above, one further training session per week (Sundays, 9-11am, various locations in the area). Contact the Youth Program Director if you would like more details.
- Through the registration process, in addition to the program fee, one must also purchase a club membership ($15) and, for insurance purposes, an Ontario Cycling license.
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. Registration will open in summer 2024.
2024 Program details
- Session: September 4 – October 10
- Times:
- Ages U12 (2011-2016 year of birth); Thursday 6:00-7:30pm and Sunday 9:00-11:00am
- Ages 12+ (2006-2012 year of birth); Wednesday 6:00-7:30pm and Sunday 9:00-11:00am
- Locations: various parks in Ottawa including the Central Experimental Farm, Arboretum, Vincent Massey Park and Britannia Beach
- Program fee: $60 (plus HST) for all ages
NOTES:
- Interested parents are invited and encouraged to ride with the program to provide additional support to our coaches but are required to be members of the OBC to do so.
- Any bicycle that has gears and fits larger tires is suitable. A cyclocross, mountain, gravel or road bike with tires measuring at least 30 mm with some tread will be best.
Registration Information
Registration for our spring and summer road and mountain bike programs is open. Through a single online registration process you will purchase an OBC membership ($15), purchase an Ontario Cycling membership, and select the desired program session option(s).
Contact Information
For questions regarding any aspect of the Youth Program, please contact the Youth Program Director .