SMBA Riding Levels

Stowe Mountain Bike Academy Riding Levels

Wondering what SMBA level your rider is? Look no further than the descriptions below! For each level there is a description of what skills are required for that level and what the goals of each level are. For the higher levels there are example videos to show what kind of riding that level should be able to ride.

If still unsure, please email info@stowemtb.com with a video of your rider or schedule a 1 hour rider evaluation.

Fun with Fundamentals

For Ages 5-9

Rider’s Current Skill Achievements:

  • Rider is confident riding a bike, and is just getting started with using their gears and hand brakes correctly

  • Rider can ride comfortably on the road or smooth off-road trails such as rec paths or gravel roads

  • Rider can participate in physical activity for at least two hours (with breaks) and is enthusiastic about learning to ride (some nerves are okay!)

Program Goals:

  • Grow confidence on the bike and cultivate a love for cycling while playing a variety of on-bike skill games and beginner trail riding

  • Gain comfort with standing on balanced pedals

  • Safe braking practices

  • Appropriate gear use for the terrain

  • Fluid movement between ‘neutral/ready’ bike positions

  • Learn how to remain stable and neutralize body over bumps and undulations on the trail



Ripper Level

For Ages: 5-10

RIDER’S CURRENT SKILL ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Rider is comfortable with the basic mountain bike skills of braking, standing with level pedals, and shifting 

  •  Rider has experience riding introductory singletrack mountain bike trails

  • Rider can participate in physical activity for at least two hours (with breaks) and is enthusiastic about learning to ride (some nerves are okay!)

PROGRAM GOALS:

  • Review and master Fun with Fundamentals learning Goals

  • Equal braking on varied terrain

  • Learn to stabilize bike/body through sharp bumps varied beginner/intermediate trail features

  • Arms and Legs engaged in active riding and using proper bike/body separation

  • Gain trail awareness by learning the names of trail features and proper trail etiquette

  • Learn to keep your eyes up and scanning your environment

  • Learn the movements for ‘pumping’ the bike through terrain

  • Begin learning the bike/body alignment for riding berms at controlled speeds

Shredder Level

For Ages: 7-11

RIDER’S CURRENT SKILL ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Shredder Current SkillRider is comfortable riding a variety of singletrack trails 

  • Rider is building confidence negotiating rocks, roots, and logs. Riders should also have a strong grasp on skills such as: controlled braking, front wheel lift, standing climbing, and leaning the bike into corners

  • Rider can participate in physical activity for at least three hours (with breaks) and is excited to progress their riding

PROGRAM GOALS:

  • Rider has a strong grasp of the Ripper Level Learning Goals

  • Review and master Rippers learning goals

  • Improve carrying momentum on the trail through; line choice, proper gearing, ratchet pedaling, and pressure control

  • Introduce aspects of pressure control to lead to skills such as; front wheel lift, rear wheel lift, bunnyhop, and jumping

  • Understanding and applying the different skills for berm and flat cornering

  • Learn to ride small drops safely and in control

  • Beginner bike mechanics

  • Learn what to carry in your pack on a mountain bike ride

  • Introduction to trail/feature risk analysis

Huckster Level

For Ages: 9-14

RIDER’S CURRENT SKILL ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Riders in the “Huckster” category should be comfortable riding most of the trails in Cady Hill from getting both wheels off the ground on Florence jumps, to clearing rooty sections of trail on Bridgey or Schween Haus. 

  • Riders should also have a strong grasp on skills such as: track stand, roll downs, pumping, berm and flat cornering, and rear wheel lifts. 

  • Rider can participate in physical activity for at least three hours (with few breaks) and is excited to progress their riding

  • Rider is ready to ride more difficult terrain

  • Rider has a strong grasp of Shredder Level Learning Goals

 PROGRAM GOALS:

  • Review and master Shredders learning goals

  • Through games and on trail application, riders will learn and improve skills such as; track stand, bunnyhop, high speed cornering, drops, and jumping

  • Riders will learn various ways of ‘seeing’ the traill and interpreting it through their riding ability and style

  • Learn to lift your front wheel off the ground to clear features by finding grip, balance, and appropriate speed

  • Master techniques for riding tight switchbacks, berms with speed, and riding flat corners

  • Learn line selection on larger features like steep and loomy trail sections or rock faces

  • Take off and landing larger drops

  • Trail-side repairs

  • Reading the trail and trail/feature risk analysis

Freeride Level

Ages 12-18

RIDER’S CURRENT SKILL ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Riders in the 'Freerider' category should be comfortable riding every trail in Cady Hill from technical features like 'chainring rock' to clearing the jumps on 'Florence'. 

  • Riders should have confident front wheel lifts, rear wheel lifts, bunnyhops, advanced brake control, advanced pressure 

  • Riders have advanced cornering skills - flats and berms with speed

  • Riders experience riding lift serve gravity terrain including drops, and air awareness while taking larger jumps at higher speeds

  • Rider has a strong grasp of Huckster Learning Goals

  • Rider can participate in physical activity for at least three hours (with few breaks) and is excited to progress their riding

PROGRAM GOALS:

  • Review and master Hucksters learning goals

  • Expand on advanced skills of high speed cornering and trail craft

  • Explore personal riding styles and creativity on the trail

  • Master rear wheel lift, bunny hops, track stands and reinforce correct techniques for jumps and drops

  • Go bigger, while riding smooth and with ultimate style

  • Master a wide variety of technical terrain such as rocks, roots, rock faces, ladder bridges, and steep roll downs

  • Focus on line choice at race speeds 

  • Carry and judge speed for medium jumps, table tops, and drops

  • Bike mechanics and trail side repair

  • Heavy focus on “spotting the line” in advanced terrain