"Don't buy upgrades, Ride up grades." -Eddie Merckx, supposedly
2023 ride up grades by trek
bike camp
The much anticipated bike camp application is now live! Please note, we have changed our pricing structure to better serve young people in need.
Read all the details below before applying!
When is Camp?
Weekdays - Monday July 10th - Friday July 21st
10a - 5pm (failure to show up on time may result in missing camp that day)
Where is Camp?
Pickup and drop off happen at:
Trek Store at 96th and Broadway
231 W 96th St, New York, NY 10025
Rider's guardians will be able to sign waiver permitting their rider to go home on their own if so desired.
Who can participate?
Up to 20 Middle and High School Students who can pedal unassisted and ride in a (relatively) straight line. You do not need your own bike to participate, but you are welcome to bring it if you have one.
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Riders must be 12-18 years old
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Parents are welcome to supervise or join on specific rides of interest
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Legal guardian permission required for all participants
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Preference given to public high school students and riders in need.
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Child must know how to pedal a bike unassisted and have basic steering ability (if you need to learn to ride, contact us, we can help)
Why should young people do this?
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Unique Achievement for school applications
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Go from Sedentary to Cyclist, or Commuter to Competitor!
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Have Fun - Ride Bikes - Feel Good
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Meet friends and teammates for life.
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Experience the city in a new and exciting way.
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Achieve your potential on two wheels and qualify for the Ride Up Grades sponsor-shift or race team.
While progressing from sedentary or casual commuter, we will teach riders basic bike maintenance, safe cycling techniques and navigation, encourage healthy habits and self-sufficiency and introduce youth to the wide world of cycling for fitness, focus and fun.
***COST: Please note we have changed our cost structure.***
Camp in 2021 and 2022 was free for all our riders. However, the goal of Ride Up Grades as a non-profit is to provide opportunity to riders who would not otherwise try road cycling. To ensure our donor dollars go to riders who need them, we will now ask campers who have the means to pay a small stipend that covers their food and snack costs. Your support supports equity in cycling.
WHAT HAPPENS AT CAMP?
DRILLS:
Start/Stop Drills - Scanning Drills - Signaling Drills - Avoidance Weave Drills - Emergency Stopping - Emergency Turning - Shifting on the Flat - Shifting on the Hills - Safe Passing - Double Pacelines
MECHANICS:
Learn how to change a flat, fix a dropped chain, use a patch kit, and TONS of bike anatomy.
NUTRITION:
How to fuel your body on and off the bike to prepare for endurance riding or racing. Reading nutrition labels, shopping on a budget and hydration are all covered on nutrition day as well as periodic checkins to ensure riders are hydrated and fueled.
DESTINATIONS: Every year is a bit different. We have been to:
Randall's Island - Governors' Island - West Side Highway Bike Path - Central Park - Prospect Park - Putnam County Trail - City Island - Uppermost and Southernmost Tips of Manhattan Inwood and Battery Parks - Riverside Park (our drill home-base) - Marcus Garvey Park - Harlem Yoga Studio - AND MANY MORE LOCATIONS WITH ICE CREAM SHOPS & PIZZA!
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Self-determination, teamwork, finding your own self worth, goal setting and the ability to rise to the occasion are critical to our group rides. Rides progress in difficulty and technicality as the team progresses their skills. A positive attitude is a must - we are here to feel good, ride bikes, and have fun!