Tarpon Coast MTB Team

At Tarpon Coast MTB Team, our mission is simple: Getting More Kids on Bikes.
With the help of training, resources, and support from NICA and the Florida Interscholastic Cycling League (FICL), we’re proud to give young riders the skills and confidence to enjoy every ride—safely, smoothly, and with a big smile on their face.

Mountain biking isn’t just about speed or competition—it’s about learning control, confidence, and teamwork through solid fundamentals. That’s why, early in the season, we dedicate time to practicing on-bike skills. These are the building blocks of everything our riders do, from their first corner to the finish line.

When we practice fundamentals, we’re not just checking boxes. We’re helping riders develop habits that make them smoother, safer, and more efficient on the trail. Here’s a look at some core On-Bike-Skills we teach, and why each one matters:

1. Neutral Position

This is the rider’s “home base.” It’s a relaxed, centered stance used when the trail is smooth. Neutral position helps with balance and traction, so riders can stay in control and ready for whatever comes next.

2. Ready Position

When the trail gets rough or starts to drop, riders shift to the ready position. It gives them the best balance, control, and shock absorption—basically, it’s how they stay stable while the bike moves freely underneath.

3. Bike-Body Separation

This skill teaches riders to let the bike move under them instead of fighting it. It keeps traction through corners, roots, and rocks, improving handling and control while helping riders stay loose and confident.

4. Pedal Position

Keeping pedals level while coasting or rolling through obstacles improves stability and clearance—and helps avoid those “ouch” moments when a pedal clips a rock or root.

5. Eyes Forward

Just like in other sports, where you look is where you go. Keeping eyes forward helps riders anticipate changes in the trail, improving reaction time and flow. The bike follows your gaze, so look where you want to end up!

6. Braking

We teach riders that braking is about control, not panic. Smooth, even braking with both hands helps slow down without skidding, maintaining traction, confidence, and safety—especially on descents.

7. Steering

Good steering isn’t just turning the bars—it’s using your whole body. Leaning and shifting weight through corners leads to smoother turns and better balance.

8. Speed Control

Speed is exciting, but control is everything. Learning how to manage speed through corners and descents builds confidence and consistency, letting riders stay in charge instead of reacting to the trail.

9. Gear Selection & Cadence

Proper shifting is one of the most underrated skills. Finding the right gear helps riders maintain their cadence, conserve energy, and keep momentum rolling, which means better efficiency and endurance on longer rides.

10. Timing, Coordination, & Pressure Control

This is where everything comes together. Knowing when to add pressure to the pedals, brakes, or handlebars helps riders handle bumps, turns, and jumps with rhythm, flow, and precision.


Our Team Approach

At the start of each season, our practices focus heavily on these skills. We work on cornering, braking, level pedals, and eyes forward until they become second nature. This not only keeps riders safer but also builds confidence early—something that carries into every ride that follows.

Repetition is key. Every time riders practice these skills, they’re building muscle memory—that automatic response that takes over when things get challenging. When fatigue sets in or the trail gets unpredictable, their body knows what to do without overthinking it. Just like a basketball player perfecting a free throw or a skier learning balance, consistent repetition makes these movements instinctive.

As the season goes on, it’s amazing to see how those same fundamentals show up everywhere—on climbs, in races, and during fun group rides where teammates encourage one another. The progress is real, and the smiles say it all.

At the end of the day, that’s what youth mountain biking is all about: fun, growth, and confidence. With a foundation built on NICA’s and FICL’s training and support, our riders aren’t just learning how to ride better—they’re learning to love the ride itself.