See ride page HERE.
08-07-2025 - Skyline Ridge Park
Report by Glenn
We started with 5 kids and 1 extra adult. We joyfully headed down Secret Trail to Super Secret. Got to the bottom of Super Secret and started the climb up. Lots of protest at the very top. Several were ready to call it quits. I guess it was a longer and more elevation gain than what we have been doing over on Birch Hill. But if you ain’t climbing, you ain’t riding!
One of the parents said hey I’ll pick you up at the bottom near Moose Trail. After hearing that there was fun to be had with the remaining three riders (myself included in those three). We also picked up a guy who had a BMX background but just switched to MTB this week. Chris and I recognized the sweet purple Kona he was riding. We said he could tag along and ride with us. So now we were 8.
We headed down After Hours, to the connector. Paused to catch our breath and oh the horror the horror, into the Heart of Darkness we went. Those of use with wide bars had a few extra obstacles but it was good. Got to the bottom and 4 kiddos met up with their parents on Moose Trail. The remaining four started the long and steady climb up. Was a great way to end the JR MTB season.
07-31-2025 - UAF Trails
Report by Glenn
Decided to switch up the Jr MTB ride. Had three kiddos and almost three adults. We lost one adult just as we got started. Actually he lost us. We went clockwise and he went counterclockwise.
Started off on Himalayan. We hit the rooty top portion of commuter trail, then off to Bicycle Bumps. Went around T-field, hit exotic roots. Paused at the G marker. Then started on the Skarland 6-mile trail.
Did the detour around the now dry pond. Finished up back on Himalayan. No sooner had snacks been brought out the missing parent showed up. All in all a great ride.
07-24-2025 Jr MTB Ride
Report by Glenn
Wasn’t sure if anyone was gonna show due to the rainy weather the last two days. Ended up with three kids and one extra adult. Decided to change things up, so we rode up the Tower loops to the tower. Then headed to flow line.
The flow line was tight and needs to be brushed, but we survived. We cut across Birch Hill downhill area. Sadly, unlike the last two rides, no bald eagle, no sandhill cranes, just us.
Rode up Sonot Connector to Chinook. Chinook was fast and dry except for the couple of trees across the trail. Need to bring a chainsaw and clear them. Rode back and unfortunately had no snacks or drinks because Garrett couldn't make this ride.
Photo by Chris
07-24-2024: Jr MTB Ride
Report by Garrett (and some by Glenn)
The FCC Junior Mountain Bike Group moved fast to stay cool this week! The 8 kids and 2 parents and 2 ride leaders started by riding down into the Black Loops (just downhill from the lower parking lot). The riders enjoyed the fast descents, and stayed positive going uphill, because they knew there was usually a fun drop afterwards.
We also had time to pack in a trip on Rollercoaster and Medevac to finish off the ride. And we were able to squeeze in a discussion about the importance of wearing helmets while mountain biking.
Ride leader Glenn also accidentally demonstrated the need for carrying proper, functioning equipment while riding. He had a slow leak, and his electric mini pump was out of juice. Then he couldn't find his trail air pump in his bike bag, so he had to go back to the cars. Fortunately, it was early in the ride and he was able to pump his tire back up and catch up to the group.
Overall, it was a cool ride for a hot day!
Photos by Chris and Garrett
06-26-2024: Inaugural FCC JR MTB Ride
Report by Glenn
Great first iteration of the FCC Jr MTB ride!
Was very concerned the smoke/AQI wouldn’t get low enough but about two hours before the ride we had blue skies and a low enough AQI to ride.
We had one kid and one parent. Even though he was 8, he was already very skilled. So much so, we totally threw the plan out and went and rode two single track trails with him.
Ride was great. The dad had a mechanical about a half mile from the end, so he ended up kick biking it. Hung out and chatted a bit afterwards. Garrett and I will now be bringing chairs and snacks for post ride banter!
Next week is off, due to the Fourth of July happening the next day, but we'll be ready to ride again July 10!
Photos by Chris
