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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We are back and excited about the up and coming academy season.

Recreational Groups

Recreational groups are all about having fun and learning on the way. Some of our coaches have been busy getting qualified for this coming season so they can provide tailored training to their groups. Recreational groups will be collated based on friendships, skill level and fitness.

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.

Season Details

The 26/27 season will start on 13th 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.

Communication

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

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.

Key Academy Dates:

Registrations open - 24th August 2026

Registrations Close - 7th September 2026

Pre-ride for all new starters - 15th September 2026

Academy Starts Term 4 - 13th October 2026

Xmas celebration shuttles and BBQ - TBC (late Nov/Early Dec)

Last day of academy for Term 4 - 15th December 2026

Academy starts back in 2027 (Term 1) - 9 February 2027

Academy finishes - 30th March 2027

Registration FAQs

When can I register for the 26/27 season?

Registrations will open on 24th August 2026 for two weeks only. It is first in first serve, with priority given to those with parents who have volunteered to be coaches, TECs or shuttle drivers.

Please keep an eye on your inbox for further details before the season starts or on this site. 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 26/27 season are below. Head to the Buy Passes page to purchase when registrations open (24th Aug to 7th September).

26/27 PCBC Academy membership for Terms 4 & 1: $250, (or free for children of committed lead coaches and 50% discount for committed TEC).

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

PCBC 26/27 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 8+. Riders aged 8-10 will be placed in our little rippers programme that does require an adult to ride with their child. The reason being, kids starting out and that age do not have the stamina for the hills in Maraetai so having a parent present allows a child to leave if they have had enough. We do however understand that there are some kids who are skilled and very fit at this age and we will consider requests to join the main academy but the child will need to demonstrate they have the skill level and fitness.

All kids must have suitable equipment - bike, helmet, shoes. All kids should be able to meet the skills and fitness below. After reading below, if you are unsure about whether your meets the criteria, please get in touch. 

We do have a pre-ride requirement for all new starters to the academy this is to allow us to put riders in the right group based on their fitness and skill set. This pre-ride will be for all new academy riders.

We understand that some kids may want to ride with their friends but there maybe times this is not possible if the level of skills are vastly different. It is our job to keep kids safe and health and safety will be our priority.

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 improve 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 expectations 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