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Kindergarten (Bear Cubs)

Bear Cubs should have a solid basic understanding of their bike and the system involved. These include a complete mastery of braking and starting/stopping pedaling. This group is expected to understand information in a teaching setting more readily than the preschool group, and lessons should be tailored to this difference. This age group may or may not ride our off road trails, with the goal being to teach riders the skills needed to practice over the summer to get ready for the next group level. While some may only ride the fire road, this is the age to start building a love for riding our local trails.

1st Grade (Coyotes)

As our riders grow, they will begin to develop the strength to incorporate more skills previously unavailable to them. These skills include climbing, pumping, and bike/body separation. The Coyotes will work towards these skills in a progressive setting, and have an opportunity to practice these skills through more trail riding days than the preceding groups.

2nd/3rd Grade (Cougars)

DEVO offers two options for 2nd/3rd Grade riders:

*Important Note: Both options are focused on FUN! Please sign up your rider for the class that most adequately describes their CURRENT skill level. Some riders will benefit from multiple semesters in the skills group, while some will progress to the trails group. Some riders may not want to tackle the climbs that the trails group completes, even if they have the skill. To keep your child stoked on riding bikes, carefully consider the ramifications of putting them in a group too hard for them.

The Skills Group is the group for riders new to DEVO, where focus will be on developing skills required to ride trails safely and confidently. Some of these skills include standing while riding, pumping, cornering, trail scanning, braking, trail etiquette, and climbing/shifting. Some riders will benefit from multiple skills group sessions – those who don’t ride as much outside of DEVO, those who don’t enjoy climbing, and those who have a solid peer network in the skills group would all be examples of riders who would benefit from this choice. It is also an appropriate choice if there is no room in the trails group.

The Trails Group focuses a bit more on trail riding than skills then the Skills Group. One semester of skills group AND, starting in Fall 2023, a recommendation from their coach from the previous semester is required for the trails group. It is the next progression once the rider is confidently and safely riding singletrack trails by exhibiting skills such as standing when riding, level pedals, confident braking/stopping with both brakes, and fully riding BTI and Jabberwocky without walking any parts. Skills will still be a big part of this class, but focus will be on slightly longer rides and more climbing than the skills group. Some of these skills include standing while riding, pumping, cornering, trail scanning, braking, trail etiquette, and climbing/shifting. Introducing jumps, drops, and roll downs will also be included.

4th/5th Grade (Jr. Vultures)

DEVO offers two options for 4th/5th Grade riders:

*Important Note: Both options are focused on FUN! Please sign up your rider for the class that most adequately describes their CURRENT skill level. Some riders will benefit from multiple semesters in the skills group, while some will progress to the trails group. Some riders may not want to tackle the climbs that the trails group completes, even if they have the skill. To keep your child stoked on riding bikes, carefully consider the ramifications of putting them in a group too hard for them.

The Skills Group is the group for riders new to DEVO, where focus will be on developing skills required to ride trails safely and confidently. Some of these skills include standing while riding, pumping, cornering, trail scanning, braking, trail etiquette, and climbing/shifting. Some riders will benefit from multiple skills group sessions – those who don’t ride as much outside of DEVO, those who don’t enjoy climbing, and those who have a solid peer network in the skills group would all be examples of riders who would benefit from this choice. It is also an appropriate choice if there is no room in the trails group.

The Trails Group focuses a bit more on trail riding than skills then the Skills Group. One semester of skills group AND, starting in Fall 2023, a recommendation from their coach from the previous semester is required for the trails group. It is the next progression once the rider is confidently and safely riding singletrack trails by exhibiting skills such as standing when riding, level pedals, confident braking/stopping with both brakes, and fully riding BTI and Jabberwocky without walking any parts. Skills will still be a big part of this class, but focus will be on slightly longer rides and more climbing than the skills group. Some of these skills include standing while riding, pumping, cornering, trail scanning, braking, trail etiquette, and climbing/shifting. Introducing jumps, drops, and roll downs will also be included.

All 5th grade riders in both groups will be invited to participate in our Rogue Composite Vultures team, either as a team rider, or through the Fall Ospreys program which exposes them to the team, but without the commitment the team requires.

3rd-5th Trail Riders (Rattlesnakes)

While DEVO is focused on progressive skill development, there are riders out there who have demonstrated these skills above and beyond, and are riding at a higher level than normal for their age. These riders comprise the Rattlesnake group. Rattlesnakes are comfortable with all blue trails in the watershed, many black trails, and will focus on more advanced skill development. Some of these skills include front and rear wheel lifts, jumping, drops, cornering, pumping, and controlling a slide. Rattlesnakes are encouraged to try our DEVO DH series, and many graduate to our Gravity/XC/Vultures programs when they’re old enough. A semester of DEVO, adequate program space, and a coach recommendation is required to ride in the Rattlesnake group.

Middle/High School (Ospreys)

Our Osprey group is geared towards all 6th graders, and 7th/8th graders who are new to the sport of mountain biking. The Ospreys will spend a lot of time riding trails and fire roads, getting used to dirt and practicing skills drills along the way. For those interested in our middle school Gravity/XC programs, the Osprey program will act as a prerequisite for entry. Building skills during a semester or two of the Ospreys will ensure riders are ready for the more intermediate/advanced groups, or Rogue Composite Vultures in the Fall. 

NEW for Fall 2023, the Osprey group will take place in conjunction with our Vultures team practices – Ospreys will start and finish practices at the same locations as the team, but practice with their own coaches and group. This is intended to expose Osprey riders to the Vultures team without the larger commitment of joining, in the hopes that some will decide to participate in the next season.

*Spring Only* DEVO XC

DEVO XC is for middle and high school riders who want to improve their riding in the discipline of cross country. Riders will learn how to prepare for longer rides, proper nutrition/hydration, how to be self sufficient on the trails, how to pace during long distance rides, and ride trails outside of our normal Ashland Watershed loops. Riders must have at least one semester of Ospreys or NICA in the preceding semester to be eligible for this program. Riders will meet once per week for 3 hours. All skill levels welcome, growth mindset and dedication to physically challenging riding required!
XC rides above the clouds

DEVO Gravity

DEVO Gravity is a 10-week program for middle and high school riders interested in building skills in the disciplines of Enduro and Downhill mountain biking. Riders can expect to learn cornering techniques, pumping, jumps/drops, technical terrain, and racing techniques. Venues will include the Ashland Watershed, Mountain of the Rogue, Forest Park, and at least two private property airbag sessions. Classes will coincide in-season with DEVO DH races, and will culminate in a final weekend at the annual Shasta Youth Enduro. Riders must have at least one semester of Ospreys or NICA in the preceding semester to be eligible for this program. Riders will meet twice per week for 2 hours in the Spring. This program will be offered in the Fall once per week. All skill levels welcome!

*Fall Only* Rogue Composite Vultures Team

Join our Rogue Composite Vultures NICA team that competes in the OICL (Oregon Interscholastic Cycling League). The team is open to riders of all abilities 6th-12th grade. Practices are twice per week, and riders learn how to participate in group rides, be self sufficient on the trails, bike repair techniques, racing techniques, and team building activities. Riders are encouraged to participate in the statewide race series, but racing is NOT required. The OICL also offers summer skills camps and other events. Check out our more detailed program description by clicking the button below.
For more info on Rogue Composite click here

DEVO DH Series/Timed Training

Join Ashland DEVO for season three of DEVO DH, Wednesday nights this Spring. We’re scheduling 6 races in Ashland, Medford, and Mountain of The Rogue, with the goals of building community, teaching, introducing our riders to downhill/enduro mountain bike racing, and having fun. Following racing, we’ll bring the party to our local sponsors’ establishments where we will tabulate results and bask in post-race glory. 

Details including dates, times, format, and rules can be found found in our Race Book.

Registration is going LIVE Tuesday, 2/27, via League Apps for Race #1. DEVO Riders and coaches, will receive a discounted entry price.

Interested in volunteering? We can use your help! Email Casey at [email protected] if you’re available.

All volunteers receive a free race entry for themselves or their child.

We’ll see you between the tape!

**Due to a scheduled logging project in the Ashland Watershed, dates are subject to change and may be rescheduled for Fall as needed.**

DEVO DH Race Book

Community

DEVO Riders, coaches, and families participate in a myriad of community events throughout the year. Examples include movie nights, all girls group rides, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Mountain of the Rogue, repair clinics, trail work days, and volunteer community days. DEVO also helps the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association by offering advocacy through letters of support, and volunteer labor from our Vultures race team. If you are interested in partnering with DEVO for a community event, send us a message!
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*Winter Only* DEVO Fitness

Our DEVO Fitness program is a great opportunity to stay connected with your bike buds through the winter, learn the basics of proper weight training/injury prevention from local crossfit coaches, and commit to a training plan in preparation for the local Shasta Gravel Hugger race each March. 6th/7th graders participate once per week, 8th and above 2x per week. Classes are at Iron Haven Fitness in Ashland, with some group rides mixed in closer to the event. The program is open to any Vulture or DEVO Gravity Riders 6th-12th grade.