How do I know if these trips/camps are for me?

Our day trips and camps are designed for intermediate-to-advanced youth riders looking to level up their skills and confidence. We recommend that you are comfortable riding all trails/features in and around Mpls/StP before you join us. If you’re still not sure, feel free to reach out and we can help you figure out where you should be.

We currently collaboration with the Loppet Cycle Works program based out of the Trailhead at Theo Wirth. Dustin Schiltz, Owner/Lead Guide, is the LCW Gravity Team Head Coach and runs a twice a week program that introduces, develops and prepares riders for the intermediate to advanced technical riding found across the region and country. If you are interested in the LCW Gravity program that directly feeds into the destinations of DrtPdlrs day trips and camps please check check them out. Loppet Cycle Works - Gravity

What are the differences between intermediate, intermediate-advanced and advanced.

Trail rating systems are not uniform between cities, counties, states or countries. What is a double black trail here in the Twin Cities is a blue trail in Duluth and would be considered a green trail out West. Since we all have the metro trails to self-assess our skill level we’ve used local trails/features as a benchmark for how to appropriately self-evaluate where you fit.

Intermediate: If you can ride all of Theo, Elm Creek, Murphy and Lebanon with confidence and have ridden a few times at places like Battle Creek, Cuyuna, Duluth Traverse, CAMBA trails and/or Levis-Trow, we consider this intermediate. The three essentials (eyes scanning, index finger covering the brakes and eyes scanning) are second nature to you. You understand the concept of bike-body separation, proper braking, gear shifting and are committed to refining these skills as needed to further your riding abilities.

Intermediate-Advanced: You can ride all of Lebanon and Battle Creek at speed or with such confidence you are comfortable taking alternate lines. You’ve maybe ridden Piedmont, Giants Ridge, Tioga and/or Redhead MTB Park and while not riding at a high, confident pace you were comfortable enough to ride most, if not all, features. You’ve also maybe taken a trip to Copper Harbor or out West. You’re starting to work on cornering at higher speeds, looking for the faster/more fun lines on technical features and have a basic understanding of how’s and why’s of hitting jumps.

Advanced: Lapping Goat, The Wall and Express Lane at Battle Creek is the only way you can get your stoke fix here in the Twin Cities. Lebanon is fun but you squash everything with ease. You can ride Piedmont, Giants Ridge, Tioga and Redhead MTB Park at speed. You are ready to fine-tune the details of hi-speed cornering, braking technique, hitting gap jumps and exploring drops that have the potential for consequence.

If you have any questions regarding the above definitions, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you figure out where you land and what day trips and/or camps are right for you.

My rider is under 12 can they ride with you?

We’ve come across some absolute monster young riders in the area. If your rider happens to be under 12 but has the desire and skill we suggest sending us an email to setup an technical evaluation.

What type of bike should I have?

A full suspension mountain bike that is designed for aggressive trail, enduro riding is preferred with a fork that is ideally between 140-180mm and a rear shock that is between 130-180mm. At minimum your bike should have a 130mm fork up front and 120mm in the rear. Hard tails can work though it will limit some lines choices and capabilities and will demand a higher degree of bike handling for some terrain.

Aluminum or carbon? Air shock or coil? Each have benefits and drawbacks depending on what you want to get out of your rig. Both are fine with us.

What should I bring on a day trip?

Bike helmets (both half shell and full face if you have them), bike shoes, pads (knee pads are mandatory for some trips/camps), riding shorts + chamios, riding jersey, hydration pack to carry; any spare parts (tubes, rear derailleur hangers, tire) and multi-tool, eye protection, water bottle.

In addition to bike specific gear, we suggest packing a small bag with a spare set of clothes, towel for changing, money or debit card, any regular medications or such for allergic reactions, sunscreen.

We’ll provide you a formalized list based upon the current season and forecast weather outlook via emails once you’ve registered.

What should I bring on a Camp?

Bike helmets (both half shell and full face if you have them), bike shoes, pads (knee pads are mandatory for some trips/camps), riding shorts + chamios (x2), riding jersey (x3), hydration pack to carry; any spare parts (tubes, rear derailleur hangers, tire) and multi-tool, eye protection, water bottle.

In addition to bike specific gear we suggest packing clothes for a range of weather. Proper layers can go a long way in keeping comfortable so pack some t-shirts, a hoodie or two and a light jacket with a few pairs of shorts and a pair of pants. Also recommended money or debit card, any regular medications or such for allergic reactions, sunscreen.

Typically we will have immediate access to a washer & dryer or will locate a laundry mat when necessary.

We’ll provide you a formalized list based upon the current season and forecast weather outlook via emails once you’ve registered.

What we expect of those who attend our camps.

Rider expectations are that they will be an active participant in the group and bring a positive attitude to the table. All riders should be familiar and comfortable with managing their own person hygiene and be respectful of others and the shared space of the team. Respect others and they will respect you.

It is expected that if any medications are needed the rider is capable of managing intake on their own. Coaches can carry the medicine and present them at the necessary times but it is ultimately the responsibility of the rider to administer.

Please make sure you and your rider understand this and they are capable of what is expected. If there is any question we’d suggest waiting for them to attend a camp until they have this sense of responsibility.

What type of TIRES WORK BEST FOR the places DRTPDLRS will go?

You will definitely want something more sturdy for the type of terrain we will encounter. Your typical cross country tire will not last long on the rock slabs and chunder fields. Maxxis has Double Down casing and EXO specifications, WTB has a Tough rating, and each brand has their own special sauce so look into what you have available. Tires designed for more cross-country use will wear extremely fast and will not hold up in some situations. If you’d like some recommendations feel free to shoot us an email.

What if something on my bike breaks?

Our guides/instructors carry a pack with spare tubes, pumps, various tools and a first aid kit in case something happens on-trail. In the van we will have some spare tires, chains, and additional small parts. We will try to accommodate as best we can but cannot guarantee we will have the specific component/part on hand because there are too many component options out there for us to carry them all. Most locations have a local bike shop that can fulfill most needs in a pinch. Our guides and instructors will be available to assist to help and demonstrate on-trail repairs/problem-solving as needed.