What is Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day?
IMBA’s Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day strives to encourage communities in the U.S.A. and around the world to join together and ride mountain bikes with kids. Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) events range in size from a few kids and families to several hundred gathering at a local park or trailhead. IMBA clubs and chapters, retail shops, Trips for Kids, schools, scouts and community groups are encouraged to host events. Last year over 15,000 kids and family members participated in 150+ community events in the U.S. Several events were registered in other countries including: Italy, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Malaysia, and Mexico. You, your family or your company are encouraged to join the fun and participate in IMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.
Check out photos and postings from past events on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram…and don’t forget to share your posts this year using #TKMBD!
When is #TKMBD?
Celebrate Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day on June 11, 2016 and October 1, 2016.
Come help us celebrate the first annual spring edition of TKMBD. The second Saturday in June is the official ride date, designated by the U.S. Congress. While we strive to celebrate Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day on this date, other dates may be acceptable depending on seasonal conditions and other events occurring in your region.
This year’s TKMBD theme is based on IMBA’s four tenants: Speak, Build, Respect, Ride. IMBA will provide an educational activity plan for participants to learn about what it means to be an advocate AND mountain biker.
Why should I host a #TKMBD event in my community?
Bicycling is good, healthy fun, and a gateway to healthy lifestyles. IMBA strives to develop a connection between kids, bikes and the natural world around them while touching on themes such as bike safety, skills, rider etiquette, nutrition, hydration and sun protection.
Informal or formal, one child or 100 children, TKMBD celebrates the joy of riding in the dirt.
Register your event with us by May 11, 2016, in order to receive a TKMBD care package (while supplies last).
CLIF Kid Z bars, a kid-friendly Rules of the Trail poster, IMBA icon stickers, and commemorative race plates are included in TKMBD care packages.
How do I organize a Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Event?
1. We require all host organizations or individuals have a current IMBA membership to register a TKMBD event. If you are a representative without a personal membership but looking to create an event for a supporting organization with a current membership, contactmembership@imba.com for assistance.
2. Make sure you are logged in to imba.com when registering your event. Click here to create a login account on imba.com.
(Register here for events in Canada)
Local Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Events
1. Save the date
Clear your calendar for a few hours on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Other dates are fine too, but you may not be eligible for IMBA-sponsored rewards.
2. Find Kids and Families
Coordinate with your local IMBA Chapter or club. Invite neighbors, co-workers, relatives, friends. Contact your local YMC and other youth groups. Promote your local event at local bike shops and community centers with IMBA’s TKMBD promotional poster and post reminders on Social Media and don’t forget to include the TKMBD logo.
4. Select a Route
Be sure to choose a ride that is fun, safe and not too difficult. The ideal route will have options where the group can head home or continue for more adventure. Visit Mountain Bike Project to find trails in your community.
5. Be Prepared
Make sure each participant has a bike, helmet, and proper footwear. Bring extra water and food, including a tasty treat for every child. Don’t forget other essentials such as extra tubes, pump, tire levers and a multi-tool
Recruit plenty of adult ride guides, and make sure someone is assigned to stay behind the last young rider.
If you’d like to invite kids that might not have their own gear, try contacting local bike shops about rental options.
Make sure every kids’ helmet is properly fitted! The helmet should sit level on their head and low on their forehead. The side straps, when properly adjusted, should make a V shape around the ear and the chin strap should be tightened until it’s snug. For more tips and guidelines on how to properly fit a helmet, please click here.
If you are an organization conducting a Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day ride (club, chapter, shop or other), IMBA recommends you have parents fill out your organization’s acknowledgment of risk and release of liability form for all participants. For more information on waivers and participation agreements, please click here (see sample waivers on the bottom of link).
5. Have Fun
Try incorporating skills games, point out interesting trail features, or take a few minutes to discuss trail safety and etiquette.
6. Take Photos and Videos
Post your photos on IMBA’s Facebook page or your own Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages and tag #TKMBD. Share stories and photos about your day with parents, community leaders, local press and IMBA.
7. Make #TKMBD a Tradition
Make every day a Take-a-Kid day and plan for the first Saturday in October next year to celebrate how Kids+Bikes=FUN!
Who can Participate in #TKMBD?
- Local IMBA Chapters and Clubs
- Family and friends
- Community bike shop
- Boy/Girl Scout Troop/YMCA/School
- NICA High School Teams, club teams or youth programs
- Trips for Kids Chapters
Interested in Sponsoring TKMBD?
Corporate sponsors are welcome to contact IMBA and join in support of this worthy effort. Check out IMBA’s TKMBD Infographic and contact Sallie Hoefer (sallie.hoefer@imba.com) for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
Share and tag your photos with @IMBA_US and #TKMBD on Twitter or on our Facebook page
