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Mountain Biking Summer Camp

Ride farther. Ride smarter. Ride together.

Built for campers who love to ride

Mountain Biking Camp

  • Ages: 14-17

  • One Week: $1,920

  • Focus: Bike skills, trail riding, independance

  • Experience: All experience levels welcome

Mountain Biking Summer Camp is designed for teens who want to spend their summer on the trail. This high-energy specialty program blends skill development, trail exploration, and backcountry adventure into a week built around riding.
 

Campers ride daily, explore a mix of Basecamp trails and off-site routes across the Blue Ridge Mountains, and learn to care for themselves and their bikes. Whether a camper is new to mountain biking or already confident on the trail, they’ll grow as riders and teammates.

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Enrollment is open

2026 Dates

2026 Dates:​

  • Ages 14-17

    • July 26 - Aug 1​

Everything you need to ride stronger

Ride. Learn. Explore

  • Daily trail rides on varied terrain

  • Skill-focused riding sessions and technique coaching

  • Bike maintenance and repair basics

  • Trail safety and riding etiquette

  • Off-site trail systems and shuttle-supported rides

  • Team challenges and group rides

  • Bike-packing and backcountry camping fundamentals

 

Each day balances riding time with instruction, helping campers build confidence, endurance, and control on the trail.

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Independance on and off the bike

More than just riding

Mountain Biking Camp isn’t just about pedaling. Campers learn to prepare for long days outdoors—organizing gear, managing nutrition, troubleshooting on the trail, and supporting one another as a group.

Along the way, campers develop outdoor skills such as knot-tying, water purification, Leave No Trace principles, and campcraft, building self-reliance that extends beyond biking.

Between rides, campers cool off with swims, play games, relax at camp, and share stories around the campfire. Evenings bring time to unwind, connect, and recharge for the next day’s adventure.

It’s a week that balances challenge with fun—and hard-earned miles with well-earned laughs.

Our staff is WA-some

Safety & Supervision

All rides and activities are led by experienced instructors hired for their expertise and trained in Wilderness First Aid. Campers receive thorough safety briefings, complete bike checks, and ride with close supervision and clear expectations.
 

An on-site infirmary, proper safety equipment, and strong risk management allow campers to push themselves while staying safe on the trail.

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The WAEL difference

Core values

For more than 30 years, Wilderness Adventure has been guided by four core values:

Respect · Attitude · Work Ethic · Communication (RAWC)
 

Mountain Biking Summer Camp brings these values to life on the trail—encouraging campers to ride responsibly, support each other, and take pride in how they show up every day.

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A Week of Mountain Biking

Sample Itinerary

*This is an example itinerary based on past years' trips. For exact information on this year's itinerary, please contact us!

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1

Roll-in and Get Ready

Campers arrive, get settled, and meet their riding group for the week. The afternoon focuses on bike setup, safety checks, and getting familiar with gear before a relaxed warm-up ride around Basecamp. The evening includes a hearty dinner, group orientation, and conversations about expectations, trail etiquette, and what it means to ride as a team.

2

Skills Before Speed

The week starts with focused skills sessions on Basecamp trails. Campers work on body position, braking, cornering, and obstacle management, with instructors offering personalized coaching. The afternoon includes trail rides designed to practice technique, followed by downtime at camp and a relaxed evening around the fire.

3

Trail Progression

Campers head off-site to ride longer, more varied trail systems. The focus is on flow, endurance, and decision-making on the trail. Along the way, campers learn how to manage pacing, nutrition, and trail awareness before returning to camp for swimming, games, and recovery time.

4

Bike Care & Backcountry Skills

The morning focuses on bike maintenance—fixing flats, adjusting brakes, tuning gears, and taking care of equipment. In the afternoon, campers put those skills to use on the trail, tackling technical sections with growing confidence. Evening activities include campfire stories and group reflection.

5

Big Ride Day

This is the highlight for many campers. Groups head out early for a longer ride on some of the area’s best trails, putting the week’s skills to the test. Campers work together to navigate challenges, support each other, and enjoy the freedom of a full day on the bike. The evening is all about relaxing, celebrating miles ridden, and sharing stories.

6

Ride, Celebrate, Reflect

The final full day mixes favorite trail rides with camp-wide fun. Campers take part in group challenges, revisit skills they’ve worked on all week, and enjoy time off the bike to swim or relax. The day wraps up with a closing campfire, laughter, and reflection on growth—both as riders and teammates.

7

See You Next Year!

After breakfast, campers clean and return gear, say goodbye to their riding crew, and head home tired, proud, and already planning their next ride.

Is my camper ready?

More info on Mountain Bike Camp

Mountain Bike Camp is a great fit for campers who:

  • Enjoy riding bikes and being active outdoors

  • Want to improve skills and confidence on the trail

  • Are comfortable with full, active days

  • Like working as part of a supportive group

Challenge/fitness level

  • All riding levels are welcome

  • Instruction is tailored to experience and ability

  • Trails and challenges are scaled appropriately

  • Challenge by choice: campers are never required to ride beyond their comfort level

Included in tuition (no hidden fees here):

  • All lodging and meals

  • Guided activities

  • All biking equipment and activity gear

  • Transportation throughout the program

  • *Campers are welcome to bring their own mountain bike if it is in good working condition

Not included in tuition:

  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled campers)

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Let's find your adventure.

Got questions or ready to dive in? The WAEL team is here to help - you're in good hands.

Request Summer Camp Information (or call us at 540-864-6792)

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