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.

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The 24/25 season is over, but we will be running some Sunday group rides through winter. They will be every other week, starting on 4th May. Rides will be from 9-11am.

These rides are optional and free, with the aim to give everyone an opportunity to keep riding with friends and sharpen their wet and muddy bike-handling skills!

The ride will be led by members of the academy committee, but we will not be able to supervise in the same way as the summer Tuesday sessions, so we ask that all riders 13 or younger be accompanied by a parent/guardian on the rides. We will provide support where required when riders are with the group, but are not able to provide close supervision.

If you want to receive updates and join us on these rides, you will need to join the Winter Rides Whatsapp group via this link.

We will not be adding anyone to groups as a committee - it is purely on a self-serve basis. We will keep track of riders each week through a poll in the chat, so you will not be able to join the group ride unless you are in the chat.

This information and future updates on the Academy will be posted here.

We have put together some guidelines and tips for winter riding here, so please have a read to prepare yourself and your bike for the wet and the mud!

You can find our PCBC Youth Academy Agreement HERE

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

Race dates for academy riders interested in racing for the club.

Coaches and Volunteers are always welcome at the Academy.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer or Coach please 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 will open on 1st August 2025. Please check back again then!

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 the term

Priority 2 - Previous season riders and existing waitlist 

Priority 3 - New applicants

What are the fees for joining the Academy?

Fees for the 24/25 season are below.

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

24/25 TERM 1 ONLY plus PCBC Academy membership: $100*, (or free for children of committed lead coaches and 50% discount for committed TEC)

PCBC 24/25 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.