 Trips for Kids Twin Cities (TFKTC) introduces kids to the joys of bike riding in wide-open spaces. As a chapter of Trips for Kids National, it is our mission to help young people gain life skills by having the time of their lives on bikes. Kids and teens from across the Twin Cities metro area learn to ride on paved and mountain bike trails, perform basic bicycle maintenance, and build a sense of teamwork and environmental awareness. In the process, they increase personal fitness, develop valuable new skills and gain self-confidence. Open to kids from ages 11 to 17, TFKTC works with schools, community organizations and churches to offer rides on a variety of trails throughout the Twin Cities.  How long is the ride? The average ride is about two hours. We’ll end back where we started. What should I bring? Nothing but a willingness to learn and have fun. TFKTC loans every kid a size-appropriate bike, helmet, sunglasses and gloves. We even supply energy bars and water. We do recommend that kids wear sneakers, shorts and a comfortable t-shirt. Jeans, while comfortable are not good for cycling.  Do I have to be an expert cyclist? While it helps to know the basics of bike riding, you don’t need to be an expert to participate in our rides. Our trained ride leaders teach you everything you need to know, including techniques for shifting and braking and how to signal. Mountain bike adventures will focus on climbing and descending small hills, as well as hopping rocks and small logs. You’ll also learn the dos and don’ts of the trail, how to fix a flat tire, and a few things about the natural world as seen from the seat of a bicycle. |
Are there fees to enroll kids in the TFKTC program? Where do TFKTC biking adventures take place? Ride Leaders |
TFKTC takes groups of up to 15 kids, aged 11 to 17, across the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding suburbs. Our young cyclists come from public schools, alternative schools, community recreation programs, scouting groups, churches, and other youth organizations. Administrators from these sources should contact TFKTC to find out more about available dates and locations.