Radical Rippers
Seasonal Programs
Radical Rippers is an after-school mountain bike program for youth ages 8-18 that builds confidence, strength, and community—on and off the bike.
Through small groups, professional coaching, and progressive trail riding, riders grow skills, resilience, and friendships in a fun, supportive environment.
No experience required. Just a bike, a helmet, and a willingness to learn.
What Riders Can Expect:
Radical Rippers blends skill-building and trail riding to create confident, capable riders who love being on their bikes.
Each session includes a mix of:
Bike handling skills and drills
Trail rides designed for progression
Group challenges and confidence-building activities
Skills covered may include:
Foundations & bike control
Cornering, braking, and shifting
Climbing and technical descending
Pumping, jumping, and wheel lifts
Sessions rotate locations around Bellingham to give riders diverse terrain and learning opportunities.
Professional Coaching & Small Groups:
Radical Rippers is led by a team of experienced, professional coaches who prioritize safety, encouragement, and individual growth.
Low student-to-coach ratios (rarely over 4:1)
Coaches trained to manage mixed abilities within a group
Emphasis on positive coaching, communication, and respect
Small groups allow our coaches to meet riders where they are - supporting nervous beginners and challenging experienced riders in safe, thoughtful ways.
Inclusive & Welcoming:
A note about who this program is designed for
The Radical Rippers after-school program welcomes riders ages 8–18 of all genders who are excited to learn, ride, contribute to a supportive community, and have a whole lot of fun.
Our program was created to intentionally support girls, women, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse riders because these communities have historically been underrepresented in mountain biking. Creating a space where these riders feel confident, supported, and empowered remains a core part of our mission and is one of the things that makes our program unique.
At the same time, we believe everyone benefits from riding in an inclusive, respectful environment. That's why we warmly welcome boys and young men who value those same principles and are excited to be part of a community built on encouragement, kindness, and fun.
Ultimately, Radical Rippers is about helping young riders discover what they're capable of, celebrate each other's successes, and leave every ride with a little more confidence than they started with. If that sounds like your kind of crew, we'd love to ride with you.
If you’re unsure whether this program is the right fit for your rider, please reach out - we’re happy to help.
*Please scroll down to read more about how we sort groups and requirements to join
Radical Rippers After-School Program
Ages: 8–18
When: Mondays or Fridays
Session Length: 2 hours, once per week
Season Length: 8 weeks (Spring & Fall)
Time: 4:15–6:15 PM
Cost: $280 per session | $40 drop-in
Location: Trails throughout Bellingham (schedule sent before Week 1)
Coach Ratio: Rarely over 4:1
More About Our Program:
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Mountain Biking (MTB) is the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially designed mountain bikes.
AKA: FUN!
This can look different for every rider. Levels help us create safe, fun groups - not exclude anyone.
Level 1: New/Novice = Little to no mtb/off-road experience, probably no formal mtb coaching or instruction. If your rider is Level 1 and in 4th or 5th grade - consider registering for Flying Squirrels.
Level 2: Beginner/Early Intermediate = Some experience biking off road, or rides a mtb less than three times a month on average, little to no mtb coaching or instruction
Level 3: Intermediate = Consistent mtb riding experience, some previous mtb coaching or instruction, rides once or twice a week on average
Level 4: Advanced = Plenty of mtb riding experience to make it down most trails, previous experience getting mtb instruction (like Radical Rippers), rides twice a week or more on average, athletic riders that might have fitness and experience from other sports too
Level 5: Pro = Getting paid to ride? You should probably apply to join our coaching team -
Before the season begins, families complete an intake survey covering age, experience, goals, and preferred practice day (Mon/Wed/Fri).
Our goal is to:
Group riders with similar ages, interests, and expectations
Keep riders with the same coaches and peers for the full 8 weeks
Create consistency that builds trust, friendships, and confidence
While ability levels vary (especially on climbs vs. descents), our coaches are trained to manage group dynamics so every rider progresses safely.
If a rider is placed in a group that isn’t a good fit, we’ll work with families to find a better option when possible.
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To ensure a safe and fun experience, riders should come prepared with:
A well-fitting mountain bike in good working order
Front & rear hand brakes
Gears suitable for climbing
Knobby off-road tires
Dropper post recommended
No kickstands or bar ends, please
A properly fitting helmet in good condition
Need help? Let us know—we have a few spares
Comfortable riding clothes and layers for changing weather
An open mind and positive attitude
Riders should be ready to learn, try new things, and treat coaches and teammates with respect.
What Riders Need
To ensure a safe and fun experience, riders should come prepared with:
A well-fitting mountain bike in good working order
Front & rear hand brakes
Gears suitable for climbing
Knobby off-road tires
Dropper post recommended
No kickstands or bar ends, please
A properly fitting helmet in good condition
Need help? Let us know—we have a few spares
Comfortable riding clothes and layers for changing weather
An open mind and positive attitude
Riders should be ready to learn, try new things, and treat coaches and teammates with respect.