PCBC Youth Academy is where riders come together to build their skills and share a love for mountain biking. Our mission is simple: foster a passion for the sport and pass it on to the next generation.

Follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop with the latest updates and events.

Registrations for the 2025/26 season have now closed. We are preparing riding groups and will be in touch soon with details. Season dates are outlined below.

Note: there is a new rider assessment and new coach induction evening on Tuesday 9th September. This is NOT an Academy evening and is only for those new riders and coaches. If you have not received an email about this directly, please do not attend.

We reviewed the feedback from last season and we’re going to make a few changes to how the groups are going to work for 2025/26.  Almost all the riders said they enjoyed the academy because it was fun, they liked riding with friends and getting some exercise. Eighty percent of riders said they enjoyed being challenged and improving.

To provide an opportunity for more development for those who want or are already competitively racing, we’re introducing the Cross Country (XC) and Gravity (Enduro/Downhill) programme.

Gravity and XC Programme

This programme will still have a strong ‘having fun’ focus but there will be more structure with an emphasis on improving race skills and timed runs. If you are unsure what the differences are between the racing formats, this link has a good overview. The programme will be run by a team of experienced riders/coaches who have racing experience.

When you fill out your registration form, you can indicate whether you would be interested in the programme either XC, gravity or both. Spaces are limited so the groups will be by invitation only. Kids selected in the gravity programme will need to have the skills to ride grade 5 in the forest and be generally fit. The XC requirement is generally fitness and skill to ride at least grade 4 or the enthusiasm to get there. Both formats require kids to be committed to racing this season.

Recreational and Progressive Groups

The recreational and progressive groups will follow a similar format to last year, but with the addition of a qualified coach(s) rotating through these groups to provide them with more structured skill sessions. Each group should get 2-3 skills sessions in the season.

Season Details

The 25/26 season will start on 7th October. Rides will be from 5.30pm-7.30pm each Tuesday in terms 4 and 1, to allow everyone a bit more time to get organised after school and work.

Shuttles are staying. Each group should get a shuttle evening each term, which will start at 5pm.

New starters - will have an additional session before the season starts so we can get them in the correct riding group. The new starter session will be on 9th September so save that date if your new to the academy.

Registration - OPENING 18 AUG 2025

This year the rider registration is a bit simpler: just pay on the website and then complete the form link provided in the link. Note that your place is only confirmed once we have received all your detais on the form. Please make sure you submit your registrations by 31st August 2025, so that we can prepare for assessment days, coach/TEC training and organising groups before the new season starts.

Communication

This information and future updates on the Academy will be posted on the Academy page of the PCBC website here.

You can find our PCBC Rider and Parent Agreement HERE

Scroll on down the page to see details of upcoming mountain bike events you might be interested in.

Coaches and Volunteers - we need you for the 25/26 season!

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Coach please fill out the 25/26 registration form here.

If you were a coach/TEC/volunteer for the 24/25 season please check your email for further details.

If you have any questions, you can contact the committee on the email address below.

We welcome both riders and non-riders to join our team.  Coaches and volunteers receive valuable benefits, including free coaching and instruction training, as well as incident response and medical training.  Volunteers who can commit to the season also enjoy free rider registration and special discounts.

Registration FAQs

When can I register for the 25/26 season?

Registrations are now closed. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further details before the season starts. If you have any questions or follow up information you need to provide, please email the Academy Committee on pcbcmtbacademy@gmail.com

We have a limited number of spaces available and an overwhelming demand and registrations will be prioritised in the following order:

Priority 1 - Riders with a parent volunteer commitment for both terms

Priority 2 - Previous season riders and existing waitlist 

Priority 3 - New applicants

What are the fees for joining the Academy?

Fees for the 25/26 season are below. Head to the Buy Passes page to purchase.

Please note - all riders and volunteers must be members of Pohutukawa Coast Bike Club.

25/26 PCBC Academy membership for Terms 4 & 1: $250, (or free for children of committed lead coaches and 50% discount for committed TEC)

PCBC 25/26 Membership: Single $75; Family $150

*We have financial hardship arrangements available on request. Please contact the PCBC Academy on pcbcmtbacademy@gmail.com to discuss.

I am new to mountain biking, can I join the Academy?

We welcome riders age 10+ (via approval if aged 8-10) with suitable equipment who are able to meet the skills and fitness below. After reading below, if you are unsure about whether you meet the criteria, please get in touch.  We can connect you with other riding groups or courses if you are not yet ready for the PCBC Academy.

Skills

Grade 3 Track Proficiency: Riders must demonstrate the ability to ride grade 3 mountain bike tracks safely, even if they are developing confidence and may ride at a slower pace. Basic skills and control are essential. This includes:

• Maintaining control over the bike.

• Negotiating obstacles with care.

• Descending safely and under control.

The emphasis here is on safety and the willingness to learn and improve on grade 3 tracks. Riders who may be slower but can ride safely and show the potential to develop their skills and confidence will still be considered.

This adjustment ensures that riders at different stages of their mountain biking journey are welcome to join the academy while prioritizing safety and skill development.

Fitness Criteria:

Uphill Endurance and Positive Attitude: Prospective academy members should have a positive attitude toward climbs and be willing to develop their fitness throughout the season. We understand that riders may be at varying fitness levels, but a commitment to improvement is essential.

Minimum Climbing Requirements: Our beginner riders should be able to successfully climb the tracks Waiho Elevator and Mallow Puff during an average evening ride (approximately an hour and a half).  

By emphasizing a positive attitude and the opportunity for development, we ensure that riders of varying fitness levels can participate while also setting clear minimum standards for their progression.

If you are new to the club, we suggest you come out for a ride.  We strongly recommend all new members to ride at Maraetai Forest before the start of the season.  Here are tracks an entry level group may ride on an average evening:

Waiho Elevator>Eastern Spice>Mallow Puff>Sweet As>Western>Ground Zero

Little Rippers

If you have a child under 10 and currently riding but may not have the fitness or keen to get into riding little rippers maybe for them. These are group rides alternating between shuttles and fitness rides i.e. one week a fitness ride, the next shuttles. These rides are free (apart from the purchase of shuttle passes) but require an adult to accompany their child(ren). Rides start at 4pm. Fitness rides and shuttles will be on a Monday starting back on 3rd Feb. Please contact the PCBC Academy on pohutukawabike@gmail.com to discuss.