St. Louis Mountain Bike Camps Get Kids Off the Couch and Into the Woods

As kids, we spent summer days on the backs of our bikes, exploring our hometown, surrounding ourselves in nature, and scripting our own adventures. It was a journey that could only be ended by a mom’s call for dinner.

Renowned cyclists and coaches Michael Flieg and Tom Herbig wanted to treat today’s kids to that sense of freedom, one that for many has disappeared due to parents’ safety concerns and the lure of electronic devices. Just as important, they wanted to crank up the excitement, showing kids just how amazing the world around them can be.

This year, withTom Herbig the launch of their St. Louis Mountain Bike Camps, Flieg and Herbig will help kids master the fundamentals of off-road cycling while encouraging them to build long-lasting friendships and a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

Said Herbig, who has 20 years of experience in many forms of cycling, “Mountain biking has given us an outlet into nature and helped us stay active and healthy throughout our lives. Biking has been a part of us since we were kids, and it will forever be our great escape from life’s little stresses. Not to mention the amazing friends we’ve made through the cycling community.”

The first camp of its kind in St. Louis

Starting June 1 and running through August 10, kids ages 8-14 can participate in a one-week session at St. Louis Mountain Bike Camps – or multiple sessions if they’re interested. Campers meet at Castlewood State Park in Ballwin where they can explore the trails alongside cycling experts and learn the basics of shifting, turning, pedaling techniques, trail safety, and more. At the same time, they learn how fun and exciting healthy living can be.

“Because of the passion we have for the sport and the positive effects it has on our minds and bodies, we know it is a good starting point to break the unhealthy habits we see throughout the United States,” remarked Flieg, a semi-professional cross country MTB racer.

 “The promotion of physical activity among children has become a major health concern because childhood obesity levels continue to increase worldwide and youth physical activity levels are down. We believe a program specific to mountain biking and outdoor adventure like ours is something the St. Louis community is missing.”

At camp, kids not only exercise their muscles, they exercise their minds. Campers who stick around after the ride can participate in additional activities at Castlewood, from arts & crafts and scavenger hunts to nature hikes and games, so they can get a traditional camp experience just miles from home. Said Herbig, “We’re the only camp we know of in St. Louis that takes place solely at a state park.”

The all-day outdoor program, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is $315 per week; for campers who just want to participate in the biking portion from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the cost is $195. Early drop-off and late pick-up is available for an additional fee. Kids who register by April 1^st can receive a 20% discount.

Giving every child the opportunity to ride

For kids unable to attend camp because of their families’ financial status, Flieg and Herbig have launched the Right to Ride program, in which they will match any donation given by an individual or business toward an underserved child’s camp fee. For kids living far from a trail system or without the means to participate, Right to Ride may be their only opportunity for a true mountain biking adventure.

“The Right to Ride program is our way of connecting children to mountain biking who otherwise would not get the chance to experience the amazing benefits due to reasons beyond their control,” explained Herbig. “Cycling changed our lives and helped shape who we are today. We want to share this and believe every child and adult deserves the opportunity to grow with cycling.”

Bike riding has long been synonymous with summer break. Through St. Louis Mountain Bike Camps, Flieg and Herbig will help the tradition live on for years to come, creating a new generation of cycling fanatics and nature lovers. To learn more about registering your child for camp or to donate to the Right to Ride program, visit www.stlmtb.com.