Our philosophy of Bike Camp is simple: we ride bikes, we learn how to be safe and confident road users, and we have a blast playing games at parks.

At Bike Camp, your child will build confidence, knowledge, and skills in a safe, creative, and supportive environment.

Campers will progress through our camps to learn the rules of the road, basic mechanical skills, advanced riding techniques, and will practice using their new skills.

New this year

• Our Cruisers and Advanced Cruisers camps have been divided into two age groups, 8-10 and 11-13, to give kids an opportunity to further develop their skills in an age-appropriate setting.
• Due to popular demand, we added more Coasters camps and our Girls Camp has been expanded to include more age specific options and an Advanced Girls Cruisers.
• Our curriculum has been updated to accommodate the needs of both new and returning campers, who can progress through our camps to deliver their riding and mechanical skills.

Each week-long camp session is currently offered at $275.00. Campers begin and end each day at the Community Cycling Center neighborhood bike shop on the corner of NE 17th and Alberta. Camp hours are 9am until 3pm.

Find out which camp below is the right fit for your child. We look forward to hosting your child for a summer of two-wheeled adventures.

Check out what people said about Bike Camp 2009

“You people are fantastic! Dedicated & wonderful. The kids loved this more than anything and I only hope we can get in next year! Excellent thing to teach kids how to city bike!” -Bike Camp parent

“This is the best camp I have ever been to in my whole life. You guys rock.” -Bike Camp participant

“The staff were very professional and I felt safe leaving our children with them!” -Bike Camp parent

“I am overjoyed at the success my child had in your camp. 17 miles a day! He can’t believe he did it and he can’t believe it was so fun to do. Thanks.” -Bike Camp parent

“We are a bike family and wanted our daughter to learn safe riding habits from professionals.” -Bike Camp parent.

2010 Bike Camps

Coasters

Ages: 6 – 8
Daily Distance Average: 1 – 6 miles depending on the skill level of the group.
Gear Requirements: Two wheeled bike. No training wheels.

Campers will build their bike skills on the road and enjoy awesome games at neighborhood parks. Coasters camp will enjoy bike related games and other activities that focus on enjoying the great urban outdoors. We begin riding on the road right away; campers should come to camp with basic skills including starting, stopping, and riding in a straight line.

Cruisers

Ages: 8 – 10 and 11 - 13
Daily Distance Average: 3-10+ miles, depending on the skill level of the group
Gear Requirements: Two wheeled bike. No training wheels

Cruisers camp will take campers on day-long bike explorations of different Portland neighborhoods. Campers will learn and practice the rules of the road and basic maintenance in between fun park adventures. Campers should come to camp knowing the basics, including starting, stopping, and riding in a straight line.

Girls Cruisers

Ages: 8 – 10 and 11 - 13
Daily Distance Average: 3-20 miles, depending on the skill level of the group
Gear Requirements: Two wheeled bike. No training wheels

Girls Cruisers is a fun opportunity to gain experience on the road and at the bike stand in a supportive, all-girls environment. In addition to rides, games at the park, and bike maintenance lessons, campers will have a chance to meet women who have helped to shape the local bike scene. Campers should come to camp knowing the basics, including starting, stopping, and riding in a straight line.

Advanced Cruisers

Ages: 8 - 10 and 11 - 13
Daily Distance Average: 5-20+ miles, depending on the skill level of the group
Gear Requirements: Handbrakes, multi-geared bike

Advanced Cruisers is a camp for riders who have the basic skills mastered and are ready for more challenges. We will enjoy longer rides and more in-depth lessons on sharing the road, map reading, and bike maintenance. Campers will have the opportunity to work as a group to choose the destinations and plan routes under the supervision of knowledgeable instructors. Campers should come to camp with the ability to ride longer distances and with basic road riding knowledge. Previous experience in our Cruisers camp is strongly recommended.

Girls Advanced Cruisers

Ages:11 - 13
Daily Distance Average: 10-20+ miles, depending on the skill level of the group
Gear Requirements: Handbrakes, multi-geared bike

Girls who have mastered the basics will have an opportunity to enjoy longer rides and more in-depth mechanical lessons in Girls Advanced Cruisers. Campers will have an opportunity to choose their destinations and plan routes under the supervision of knowledgeable female instructors. Campers should come to camp with basic road riding knowledge. Previous experience in our Cruisers camp is strongly recommended.

Urban Riders

Ages: 13 - 15
Daily Distance Average: 15-30+ miles
Gear Requirements: Multi-geared bike, handbrakes

Our Urban Riders camp offers a chance for older campers to gain the skills and knowledge to become more comfortable navigating Portland’s streets and transit network by bike. Under the guidance of our instructors, riders will explore Portland, practice loading their bikes onto the MAX, and gain confidence riding in different parts of the city. Campers will steer the activities based on what they want to practice and learn. Past Urban Rider camps have traveled to Sauvie Island, downtown Portland, and along the Springwater Corridor.

Advanced Riders

Ages:13-15
Daily Distance Averages: 15-35+ per day. Daily distances will vary depending on the interests of the group. Campers will work together and with instructors to pick appropriate routes.
Gear Requirements: Multi-geared bike, additional food and water for longer rides.

The Advanced Riders camp offers stronger cyclists a chance to learn how to balance long rides with safe riding techniques. This camp will give riders an opportunity to gain confidence riding in both urban and rural environments. No special equipment necessary, just a desire to explore different destinations in and around Portland. Past Advanced Riders groups have ridden to Sauvie Island, Blue Lake, Council Crest, and beyond! Campers should be prepared for at least two 35-mile rides in the week, with shorter rides in between. This year Advanced Riders is limited to 6 campers, so sign up today.

Consider joining us at OMSI! Camps are available at OMSI for 3rd - 6th graders. Registration and camp details can be found at www.OMSI.edu.

Register Here

Follow the registration link above to add your child’s name to any of the camp waiting lists.

2010 Bike Camp Scholarships

We are no longer accepting scholarship applications for the 2010 Camp season. All of the 2010 scholarships have been awarded and our wait list is full due to high demand for scholarship support.

Please visit our website in January for information about our 2011 Bike Camp offerings. We will begin accepting scholarship applications during the second week of February 2011.

If your child is in the 4th or 5th grade, he or she may be eligible for our Bike Club program at the following Elementary Schools:

• James John
• Woodlawn
• King
• Vernon
• Rigler
• Harvey Scott

More information about our youth programs can be found on our Programs for Youth page.

Donate to the Bike Camp Scholarship Fund: Your contributions help us offer Bike Camp registrations to children from low-income families. You can make a donation to the scholarship fund during the online registration process or call our administrative office. All scholarship donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated.

Policies

Schedule: All camps are one week long. Each day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm at the Community Cycling Center bike shop at 1700 NE Alberta St. We are not able to offer before or aftercare. If before or aftercare is a priority, consider our camp at OMSI.

Cost: $275 for a one-week session. Full payment is required in order to complete your registration. Scholarships are available (see below).

Registration: Registration will begin on February 1st. Register online or over the phone. All registrations will be processed through our office. Please note we will be unable to register you at the bike shop. To register over the phone or for all other Bike Camp inquiries call 503.288.8864. Due to limited camp availability and safety concerns, we will not be able to accommodate requests to place your child outside of his or her age group and skill level.

Waitlist: If the camp that you would like to register for is full, you can add your child’s name to the waitlist through the online registration process and we will contact you if a space becomes available.

Cancellations or Changes: The Community Cycling Center requires all camp cancellations and requests to change session dates to be submitted in writing via standard mail, fax, or email to Kim[at]CommunityCyclingCenter[dot]org. Cancellations will be assessed a $50 processing fee. We are happy to accommodate schedule changes, space permitting, up to 30 days prior to the start of Camp. There will be a $25 processing fee assessed for any schedule changes made between 30-60 days prior to the original start date. No refunds or changes will be issued within 30 days of the first day of camp. Refunds will be issued via credit card only. Registration date changes are limited to one change per registrant. Campers who repeatedly do not follow safety instructions will be asked to leave without a refund.

Staff: Our Bike Camp instructors are selected for their experience working with children and for their special interest and skills with bicycles. All of our staff have First Aid and CPR certifications and have received training on the unique safety and group management requirements of a bicycle program to ensure that your child has a fun ans safe camp experience. If your child has special educational needs or behavioral issues, please contact us to ensure that we are able to support your child’s needs. Our staff will assess the needs of each group and modify daily activities according to skill levels. Our instructors reserve the right to move your child to another camp based on availability, safety concerns, and skill level.

Riding Protocol: To maintain the safety of the entire group on the road, campers will be asked to ride in a line. Each camper will practice individual stops at every stop sign, unless otherwise noted by an instructor. Instructors will work together to ensure that your child is safe at intersections. Campers who repeatedly do not follow riding protocol put the entire group at risk and will be asked to leave camp without a refund.

Confidentiality: Information about participants will only be released to parents/guardians listed in the participant’s registration.

Getting Ready for Bike Camp: Campers should be prepared to bring the items below to camp. A more detailed list will be included with your Bike Camp registration packet that you will receive with the confirmation email.

• Properly functioning bike
• Completed Bike Safety Check form from a certified bike mechanic
• Backpack that can be worn while riding
• Sack lunch, a snack, and water
• Comfortable attire (no bike-specific clothing is necessary for our camps).
• Closed-toed shoes - no flip-flops or other sandals

Please email the Youth Program Coordinator, Kim Whitney, with questions or give us a call at 503.288.8864.