Shasta Gravity Adventures – Strengthening Family Relationships and Building Community

“We have a strong belief that outdoor recreation builds and strengthen relationships among young and old,” says Monique Monmonier-Birch, co-owner with her husband, Christian Birch, of Shasta Gravity Adventures in Mount Shasta. “We believe in the relationship component that comes from being challenged outdoors together. It’s a sweet opportunity and experience to witness in young people. It’s what keeps us going.”

Monique and Christian both grew up in families that relished outdoor adventures in biking, hiking and camping. They continued that tradition with their three sons, traveling to bike trails throughout the US. After establishing summer bike camps at Kidder Creek Camp and biking throughout Yreka and Etna, they realized they had a passion for teaching kids how to ride a mountain bike. They decided to start a business to expand the opportunities for children and families to learn to bike and moved to Mount Shasta five years ago to found Shasta Gravity Adventures, because, as Christian says, “It’s a beautiful area and there are lots of established family-friendly trails on Mount Shasta.”

Youth development is focus of Shasta Gravity

With an emphasis on youth programming and guiding families on mountain bike trails, Shasta Gravity conducts afterschool bike camps for more than 60 children in local schools. They bring around 30 bikes for kids to use who don’t have bikes of their own, teach lessons at the schools and take the students on trails if any are close to the school. Kids can continue their bike lessons into the summer break through Shasta Gravity’s school summer camps.

In addition to their robust school programs, they also offer shuttles to local bike trails, private lessons, guides and coaches for hire and six-week spring and fall Gravity Grom bike clinics. “Gravity” because, as Christian says, “children like riding downhill, not so much uphill.” “Grom,” based on a term for young surfers, refers to kids who love outdoor adventure. About 100 children attend the once-a-week clinic to learn mountain biking skills in age groups: Cubbies (ages 3-6), Bruins (ages 6-9), Black Bears (ages 10-14) and Gravity Team (ages 10-18). The spring clinic this year is full, but check the Shasta Gravity Adventure website this summer for fall Gravity Grom clinic registration.

“One of our passions and the driving force in the youth programs like Gravity Groms and the school programs is to develop young leaders by hiring and training young people as Junior coaches,” says Monique. “Young people who enjoy the outdoors together, collaborate and experience teamwork on the trails are catalysts for a thriving community. It’s a heartfelt message at the core of all we do.”

They believe a key component to training future leaders and building strong communities is to make bike lessons and outdoor biking adventures accessible to all, regardless of income. Every year they team up with Youth MTB Collective to sponsor Shasta Gromduro Youth Race. This fun competition raises funds for Youth MTB Collective to purchase bikes for kids to use in all Shasta Gravity youth programs, clinics, camps and races. Funds raised also help to offset youth bike coach certifications and the costs of clinics for families in need of scholarships. Kids ages 8 to 18 can participate in this year’s race June 16, which includes a celebratory party afterward in Shastice Park featuring a hot dog lunch provided by the Mount Shasta Elks Lodge. Visit Shasta Gravity Adventure website for details and tickets.

Shasta Gravity Adventure free bike nights

Monique and Christian continue their dedication to building community through their partnership with Youth Empowerment Siskiyou and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Shasta.

But they are most excited about their latest project, Friday Family Bike Nights. In partnership with the Siskiyou Community Resource Collaborative and Bike Shasta, these free bike nights will be held once or twice a month starting in May and include free food, free shuttles to bike trails and a bike course in Shastice park with a jump ramp and air bag. Kids must be with a family member to participate. Check the Shasta Gravity Adventures website for dates and times.

Shasta Gravity offers fun family adventures

If you and your family are looking for a fun, exciting outdoor experience this summer, Shasta Gravity Adventures has the answer with their guided family bike rides. They can show families the best trails for kids. “Sometimes it can be scary to go down a trail you don’t know with young children,” says Monique. “If you have a guide, it gives time for parents to sit back and relax without the worry of having to know where they are going and what is a safe trail for kids.” Christian says. “All our guides are great. All Shasta Gravity guides and instructors are certified through the Nationwide Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP), with certifications for local trails and trails throughout California.”

Information on guided family mountain bike trail rides, camps, classes, free Friday Night Family Bike events and more can be found on their website. shastagravityadventures.com.