PCBC Youth Academy is where riders come together to build their skills and share a love for mountain biking. Our mission is simple: foster a passion for the sport and pass it on to the next generation.

Follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop with the latest updates and events.

UPDATE:

Expressions of Interest for Riders for Term 1 are currently open. Please email the club if you are interested in joining for Term 1. Rider places are finalised once payment and club membership is confirmed.

Season dates

Term 1 starting 11th Feb 2025. Last day of academy is 1st April 2025.

Weekly rides

Tuesday, 5-7pm

Group shuttles are on a roster. Please refer to Whatsapp.

Term 1 2025 - Tuesday 11th February 2025 - Tuesday 1st April 2025

(Note we do not ride on public holidays)

You can find our PCBC Youth Academy Agreement HERE

Scroll on down the page to see details of upcoming mountain bike events you might be interested in.

Race dates for academy riders interested in racing for the club.

Coaches and Volunteers are always welcome at the Academy.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer or Coach please contact the committee on the email address below.

We welcome both riders and non-riders to join our team.  Coaches and volunteers receive valuable benefits, including free coaching and instruction training, as well as incident response and medical training.  Volunteers who can commit to the season also enjoy free rider registration and special discounts.

Registration FAQs

It says registrations are full, how can I join the academy?

If you would like to get on our waitlist, please complete an Expression of Interest form here.  Once you are on the waitlist we will contact you if a space becomes available.

I have completed the Expression of Interest form, when will I know if I have a place in the Academy?

Coach/TEC Expressions of interest - OPEN UNTIL 4th Feb 2025

Rider Expressions of Interest - OPEN UNTIL 4th Feb 2025

We have a limited number of spaces available and an overwhelming demand and registrations will be prioritised in the following order:

Priority 1 - Riders with a parent volunteer commitment for the term

Priority 2 - Previous season riders and existing waitlist 

Priority 3 - New applicants

What are the fees for joining the Academy?

Fees for the jTerm 1 of the 24/25 season are below.

Please note - all riders and volunteers must be members of Pohutukawa Coast Bike Club.

24/25 TERM 1 ONLY plus PCBC Academy membership: $100*, (or free for children of committed lead coaches and 50% discount for committed TEC)

PCBC 24/25 Membership: Single $75, Family $150

*We have financial hardship arrangements available on request. Please contact the PCBC Academy on pcbcmtbacademy@gmail.com to discuss.

I am new to mountain biking, can I join the Academy?

We welcome riders age 10+ (via approval if aged 8-10) with suitable equipment who are able to meet the skills and fitness below. After reading below, if you are unsure about whether you meet the criteria, please get in touch.  We can connect you with other riding groups or courses if you are not yet ready for the PCBC Academy.

Skills

Grade 3 Track Proficiency: Riders must demonstrate the ability to ride grade 3 mountain bike tracks safely, even if they are developing confidence and may ride at a slower pace. Basic skills and control are essential. This includes:

• Maintaining control over the bike.

• Negotiating obstacles with care.

• Descending safely and under control.

The emphasis here is on safety and the willingness to learn and improve on grade 3 tracks. Riders who may be slower but can ride safely and show the potential to develop their skills and confidence will still be considered.

This adjustment ensures that riders at different stages of their mountain biking journey are welcome to join the academy while prioritizing safety and skill development.

Fitness Criteria:

Uphill Endurance and Positive Attitude: Prospective academy members should have a positive attitude toward climbs and be willing to develop their fitness throughout the season. We understand that riders may be at varying fitness levels, but a commitment to improvement is essential.

Minimum Climbing Requirements: Our beginner riders should be able to successfully climb the tracks Waiho Elevator and Mallow Puff during an average evening ride (approximately an hour and a half).  

By emphasizing a positive attitude and the opportunity for development, we ensure that riders of varying fitness levels can participate while also setting clear minimum standards for their progression.

If you are new to the club, we suggest you come out for a ride.  We strongly recommend all new members to ride at Maraetai Forest before the start of the season.  Here are tracks an entry level group may ride on an average evening:

Waiho Elevator>Eastern Spice>Mallow Puff>Sweet As>Western>Ground Zero

Little Rippers

If you have a child under 10 and currently riding but may not have the fitness or keen to get into riding little rippers maybe for them. These are group rides alternating between shuttles and fitness rides i.e. one week a fitness ride, the next shuttles. These rides are free (apart from the purchase of shuttle passes) but require an adult to accompany their child(ren). Rides start at 4pm. Fitness rides and shuttles will be on a Monday starting back on 3rd Feb. Please contact the PCBC Academy on pohutukawabike@gmail.com to discuss.