JUNIOR RIPPERS MANAGEMENT TEAM:

  • Kurt Dorshimer, Head Coach
  • Kent McMullen, Team Director
  • Jessica Rogers, Programs Coordinator, Coweta County Parks & Recreation

DESCRIPTION:

Founded in 2021, SWAY MTB Club and Coweta County Parks and Recreation have jointly developed the Junior Rippers mountain bike team specifically for younger riders in the Southwest Atlanta area. This group is designed to get kids between ages 6 and 12 outdoors having fun riding bikes with their friends in a structured manner.  There are no tryouts, no cuts and the only requirement is the rider must be able to ride a pedal bike independently (without training wheels).

Registration for our Spring 2024 season will open on December 5th through Coweta County Parks and Recreation webpage.

 

 

 

PRACTICE LOCATION:

  • Brown's Mill Trails ~ Newnan, GA

SCHEDULE:

Practice time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm

Practice Dates: 1/21, 2/4, 2/11, 3/3, 3/17, 4/14 and 4/28. 

 

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

  • Good working pedal bike (no training wheels). Hand brakes and gears are encouraged but not required. Wheel size is not a factor as long as the bike fits the rider.
  • Riders must have a properly fitting, approved helmet (CPSC, ASTM, or Snell) that’s in good condition with no cracks, dents, or other damage. We recommend helmets be replaced at least every 2 years.
  • Riders must wear closed-toed shoes. Either flats or clipless pedals are acceptable.
  • Riders must have a water bottle with water for every ride. Suggest a water bottle cage on the bike frame.
  • Riders must have appropriate clothing for the season

PROGRAM GOALS:

  • To have fun riding with friends.
  • To build strong minds and bodies through the sport of mountain biking.
  • To foster team camaraderie regardless of differences in ability among teammates.
  • To develop basic skills to encourage a lifelong passion for cycling.

Communication:

  • All communication pertinent to the Rippers is handled through our TeamSnap app. TeamSnap provides all information to include a roster, contact information for riders and coaches, messaging, schedule availability, practice plans, and more. Once a coach or rider is registered for the team, our staff will send an invite through email for the application.

REGISTRATION / COSTS

  • Registration is managed through the Coweta County Parks and Recreation website and the cost is $60 per rider.
  • The team is limited to maintain program coach/rider ratio requirements.
  • All riders will receive a Junior Rippers t-shirt with registration.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM:

  • Skills games (limbo, ride the plank, slow race (track stand), drag race, cone course, water balloon pop (tracking), etc.)
  • Teach basic bicycle components and their purposes.
  • Teach basic bicycle care from how to lay your bike down to cleaning after a muddy ride.
  • Teach essential mountain bike skills  (starting, shifting, braking, cornering, climbing and descending, reinforce trail etiquette, and encourage proper balance on two wheels standing out of the saddle with level pedals).
  • Group rides on Brown's Mill singletrack. Every group will be led by an experienced coach and swept (followed) by another coach. 
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