Learn To Ride A Mountain Bike

Verona students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to try out mountain biking in a free and fun “Try It Out” bicycle ride at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 13 at the Cedar Grove Pool parking area on Slattery Road. All registration is on site and free. Arrive before 9 with your bike and helmet or use one of the event’s free loaner bikes.

Cycling coaches will start with some fun bike skills and then take groups on a local trail ride to explore and otherwise enjoy some time riding.

The event is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association’s (NICA) New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League and its “Try It Out Program“. The rides introduce students to competitive mountain biking. For the last two years, many Verona middle school and high school students have competed in NICA races as part of the Essex Offroad Mountain Biking Team.

Rides are led by trained, certified, insured and background checked NICA coaches registered with the New Jersey League. Parents, school administrators and potential local team supporters are encouraged to attend the event and check out what NICA has to offer.

Says Geordie Smith, a Verona mountain biker and one of the organizers of the Essex Offroad team, “Kids on bikes, it’s all good!”