Learn to mountain bike at Tuscazoar
It will be a summer of mountain biking for newbies at Camp Tuscazoar with an introductory how-to series of classes aimed at beginners on Monday evenings, starting June 19 at 6 p.m. The classes are free, but helmets are required.
“The classes are a chance for people to learn,” organizer John Kelly said. “People may be afraid they are going to crash and get hurt, but the beginner trail is easy for anyone to ride. I wanted to give people an opportunity to learn about mountain biking.”
Spearheaded by The Dirt Line organization, a local group of outdoor enthusiasts including mountain bikers, kayakers, runners, hikers and canoers, a grant was obtained to create the new trails at Camp Tuscazoar. A professional company was hired to do the work. The beginner trail was completed last fall, and work is still continuing on another section for an intermediate trail.
The camp also has trails for advanced riders that encompass the hillier areas of the park. “There is more climbing in Camp Tuscazoar than all the other parks in Northeast Ohio combined,” Kelly said.
At the end of the beginner trail is a skills section featuring logs, rocks and wooden platforms to ride on. “It’s really a lot of fun,” Kelly said.
The beginner trail is located on the east side of Boy Scout Road, and all ages are welcome to attend. “The beginner trail is not as hilly and is wider, about 4-feet wide,” Kelly said.
The class is sponsored by The Dirt Line, Ernie’s Bike Shops and Camp Tuscazoar.
Helmets are required to attend the classes, and participants should bring their bike and water. Gloves and sunglasses also are suggested if participants have them.
“For the class, a mountain bike is best, but a BMX bike would work,” Kelly said.
For the beginner trail a child as young as 4 or 5 years old could participate on a BMX bike, but children must come with a parent to the class.
Kelly will focus on a different aspect of bicycling safety each week including how to adjust one's helmet, adjusting one's brakes and how to shift gears. The classes will last approximately 30-60 minutes and run through mid-August.
Mountain biking is growing in popularity at Camp Tuscazoar with the new trails going in. “Families are bringing their kids to ride,” Kelly said. “And we are really excited about the Tow Path trail connecting the park to other cyclists.”
The Tow Path section along Camp Tuscazoar has not yet been completed.
“With the opportunity to have new trails, I decided to [have the class] as a way to promote outdoor recreation,” Kelly said. “I’m looking forward to sharing the fun.”
Kelly has mountain biked for 30 years and teaches a spinning class at the YMCA in Dover in addition to working full time at another job.
For more information on the class, read the Beginner Mtn Bike Rides event on The Dirt Line's Community Facebook page.