Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you are an intermediate rider wanting to broaden your existing bike skills, this is the clinic for you!

Class begins with an overview of rider fundamentals: Balance, Body Position, and Wheel Placement. You will learn which is your “Chocolate Foot,” why the mantra ‘Heavy Feet / Light Hands” is essential, and how to “Fly Your Head Like a Cheetah.”

Theory will always be followed by a cycle of demonstration, practice and feedback. Difficulty will be tuned for individual participants with levels for Beginner, Experienced, and Challenge. These riding techniques will be taught and practiced at the Mountain Bike Skills Development area.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

For the safety of all participants, this activity has an age requirement of 16 years old and above.

Requirements:

-Mountain bike with minimum wheel size of 26″

-Seat narrow enough that the rider can easily shift upper body backwards behind the saddle. Ability to drop saddle to low position required. Dropper Post or Quick Release highly recommended.

-Flat Pedals and “Sticky MTB Shoes” highly recommended (not Running Shoes).

-Front and rear brakes in good working order

-Front suspension fork

-Helmet, full fingered gloves and eye protection required. Elbow and knee pads recommended. Helmet with chin guard may be desirable.

-Age 16 to 17 must have a parent or guardian in attendance and participating with minor

-Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.

If participants’ equipment and/or bicycle are absent, or in poor working order, the activity leader maintains discretion to immediately deny participation for safety reasons.

This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.