Page 28 - North State Parent July 2020

Family Biking in the North State
Gravity Adventures (shastagravityadventures.com) in Mt. Shasta comes to the rescue. The company offers private mountain-biking skills clinics for kids and entire families. “Many parents who are good mountain cyclists find their kids need someone other than their parents to teach them,” co-owner Christian Birch says with a laugh. “We give the fundamentals: balance, eyes, how you move the bike and what to look for on the trail.” After a thorough lesson, Gravity Adventure students take to the trails with a guide who can choose the best trail for success.
Thanks to bike suspension technology that absorbs more shock on rough terrain, Christian explains that mountain cyclists can enjoy faster, easier rides. Even so, there are practices for those just getting into the sport. “I think the biggest key to starting kids with mountain biking is riding downhill more than uphill, so they gain confidence and experience instead of getting discouraged,” says Christian.
Gravity Adventures offers shuttle services, including along the Gate- way Trail System, so families with all skill levels can enjoy the downhill
slopes together.
27
Jenna Christophersen grew up biking to school in Chico, CA, and cycled through her English major at UC Davis, a campus built for biking. Now, back in her hometown, she loves bike-commuting, especially through Bidwell Park.
Tours • Mini-Farm Coaching Overnight Farm Stays
Wonderful Family Bonding Time in Mount Shasta
(530) 925-6752 | maagicmtnfarm.com
28 North State Parent •
Serving Upper California Since 1993