PCC Dirt Squad Programs (2025)

Dirt Squad
Recreational Focus

The Dirt Squad program is designed to teach young people mountain bike skills and enable them to safely and successfully enjoy mountain biking. Mountain biking is about fun, adventure, adrenaline, and discovery.

• Open to young riders ages 6-17 who must be able to ride on bumpy grass independently. 
• Participants require a mountain bike with a well-functioning gear system, hand operated rim/disc brakes (no coaster brakes), and kickstands removed.  Please make sure your bike is in safe working condition prior to the beginning of the program. 
• Riders will be grouped according to skill and fitness.

Dates & Times:

Monday May 5 to June 23 (7 weeks) starting at 6pm.  No practice on Monday May 19, 2024.  Youngest groups are 6-7pm, Older groups are 6-7:30pm.

Locations: 

• May 5 @ Hamilton Park 
• May 12-June 23 @ Harold Town Conservation Area, Old Norwood Road

Cost for program:

$125 plus Ontario Cycling Community Membership (Insurance)* 

Required for Program: Mountain Biking Jersey ($45).  This purchase is only required for new participants or if you need another size of jersey. *Please try on your jersey from last year to make sure it fits* 

*Ontario Cycling Community Membership is only for recreation program members.  The cost of this membership varies based on age.  ($20 for ages under 8; $25 for ages 8-18)

PARENTS — PRIOR TO YOUR CHILD’S REGISTRATION, PLEASE REVIEW  THE DIRT SQUAD FAQ DOCUMENT (click to download or scroll down).

Registration Process

1. Registration opens on Wednesday April 9, 2025 @ 7pm. See link below
2. Registration Application (and Wait List) will be created through a time stamped Google Form - Parent Name, Email Address and Number of interested Youth.
3. The registration is first come first served with priority given to past youth member participants that complete the Google Form within 24 hours of the registration opening. 
4. Successful Registrants through the Google Form will be sent a code to proceed with program and insurance registration on CCN. Registration is not complete until program and insurance registration are complete on CCN. 

Dirt Squad FAQ

What type of skill level does my child need to have?

Participants can comfortably ride on dirt trails, grass fields or gravel conditions, can use hand brakes and can physically change/reach gear shifts.

What type of bike does my child require?

Participants require a mountain bike with a functioning gear system, hand operated rim/disc brakes (no coaster brakes), and kick stands removed. Please make sure your bike is in safe working condition prior to the beginning of the program.

What other equipment does my child require?

Mandatory: Bike Helmet (CSA,CSPC, ASTM Approved, Water (mounted bottle or hydration back pack), Closed-Toed Shoes
Recommended: Riding/Clear Glasses, Bike Gloves

What if we are late to the ride?

All rides start promptly at the designated time. Due to the nature of riding in the forest, latecomers are unlikely to join their group. Please arrive at least 15 mins prior to the start of the ride.

Where can I get updated information about the weekly rides?

We will use an app-based software to handle all communications and manage attendance called "Cycle Club App".
Please download it here from App Store or use website below.

Website - https://www.cycleclubapp.com/

You are able to create one parent account and set up multiple dependants under your one login. The process is quite simple but does take a little setup time.

We will use the app's Message board for general info and updates throughout the 2 months. Each individual session will have its own date on the calendar and will be broken down into your child group. In each of the events, you will be able to post comments to talk with your child's coach. You will also find out about cancellations or changes here on the calendar.

We will take attendance for each session using the app. If you can mark your child as planning to attend leading up to each session it really helps. This attendance is for safety reasons to ensure safety info is on hand and all children are accounted for.

For any questions or issues getting set up on the app please email jeff@cycleclubapp.com

Do we ride in inclement weather?

YES! We ride in the rain. Dress for the weather! Multiple days of rain/extreme duration rain can affect trail quality if we ride. Cancellations may occur upon consultation with trail & conservation authorities and following the PCC Weather Policy. All program updates and information will be posted to the Cycle Club App. Please check for messages prior to going to all rides. 

What about lightning & thunder during a ride?

Should a storm occur mid ride, all riders will return to the main meeting location for parent pick up.

What about bike repairs, adjustments, tire air etc?

Please check your child's bike before EACH ride to ensure proper tire inflation, seat height, etc. It is not the responsibility of volunteers to help with bike repairs.

What about Poison Ivy?

Some forested areas in Harold Town have poison ivy. Stay on the trails & in parking lots to avoid contact. Long socks and or lightweight bike pants and biking gloves can help prevent contact. IF you may have come into contact with Poison Ivy, keep a bottle of DAWN dish soap in the shower and have your rider wash with it after the ride! Wash bike clothing after the ride.

We will not be able to make all the rides. Is a price adjustment available?

Our coach to participant ratio is very low to maximize your child's experience. PCC pre-plans based upon registration & demand. We usually have wait lists for our program. Unfortunately we cannot provide pro-rates or discounts on our programs.

My child loves MTB! Where can I purchase a bike and accessories? How about a tune up?

Support your local bike shops! Wild Rock Outfitters is a proud PCC Sponsor and big supporter of our youth programs. Please check out their shop for your bike and repair needs.