MEET THE TRAIL RANGERS

Georgia Cycling’s Trail Rangers program invites adventurous students in Grades 3-5 to dive into the excitement of exploring the great outdoors, enjoy the thrill of cycling, and experience the joy of building strong teamwork skills—all while making unforgettable memories on the trail!

Whether your child is in public school, private school, or homeschool, this program provides a welcoming environment for all young riders to develop their skills and confidence on two wheels. There are no tryouts to become a Trail Ranger. Students of all athletic abilities are welcome to join. However, all participants must be able to ride a bike without training wheels before joining a team.

What is the purpose of the program?

The Trail Rangers Program introduces young cyclists to cycling fundamentals in a safe, fun, supportive, and pressure-free environment. Our program is “challenge by choice” meaning a child works with their coach to set a personal goal. Then, together they develop a game plan to achieve that goal.

Participants will explore local trails while learning about:

  • Basic cycling techniques

  • Trail etiquette and safety

  • Respect for nature and the environment

  • Teamwork and sportsmanship

  • Personal goalsetting and achievement

Season Details

The Trail Rangers Program runs from March through May, offering kids almost three months of outdoor fun and learning. The program’s curriculum is progression-based meaning skills taught during Weekly Team Sessions build from week to week with the aim of preparing riders for the state-wide Expeditions. Your registration fee is all-inclusive, meaning your Ranger can attend local sessions and the Expedition Days.

WEEKLY TEAM SESSIONS

Local teams meet once a week for 10 weeks, during which Rangers develop life and bike skills through interactive, on-the-bike games and off-the-bike teamwork activities. The curriculum for each weekly session is the same for all Trail Rangers programs across the state. These sessions are all about fun, growth, and camaraderie!

Each session follows a similar format week after week, enabling Rangers to build skills as the season unfolds:

  • Meet & Greet: dedicated time for Rangers to build connections with fellow riders and their coaches

  • Off-the-bike Gameplay: skill games designed to foster the concept of teamwork

  • On-the-bike Gameplay: varied and progressively challenging games designed to enhance bike skills

  • Ride: each week, there will be a group bike ride on a local trail

  • Reflection: time spent, as a team, reflecting on what Rangers discovered about themselves and their teammates during the day’s activities

EXPEDITION DAYS

In late spring, Georgia Cycling will host four statewide "Expedition Days". These exciting events bring Trail Rangers from all over Georgia together for friendly competition that leverages the skills learned at weekly practice sessions. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet fellow riders, celebrate accomplishments, and experience new challenges.

Participation in the Expedition Days is included for all Rangers as part of their all-inclusive registration. Each Saturday includes:

  • Skills Zone

  • Activity Zone

  • Ranger Mountain Bike Race

Reasons to Become a Ranger

The Trail Rangers is a youth development program that uses a bike as a textbook and whose classroom is Georgia’s beautiful parks and trails.

  • Build Confidence: Learn to set goals and achieve them!

  • Stay Active: Engage in a fun, healthy activity that builds the foundation for an active life.

  • Make Friends: Connect with other young riders.

  • Explore Nature: Discover Georgia’s beautiful trails and parks.

  • Adventure Together: Participate in Expedition Days for a statewide celebration of biking and teamwork!

Who Can Join?

The program is open to all elementary-aged students in grades 3–5, regardless of their school type (public, private, or homeschool). All that’s needed is a bike, a helmet, and a love for adventure!

What is the Cost?

The all-inclusive $185 registration fee includes access to the following:

  • Local Sessions: ability to attend up to 11 weekly sessions held in a park inside the county where the program is based. Since this is an outside sport, weather can impact the local sessions. As such, we can’t guarantee 11 sessions but do guarantee a minimum of six local sessions.

  • Expedition Days: ability to participate in four statewide Expedition Days.

Georgia Cycling offers a need-based assistance program to help families supplement the registration cost. Applications for this program will open on January 15, 2025.

Registration Information

Registration will open on January 15, 2025.