The Grand Rapids Dirt Dawgs is a mountain bike organization focused on inspiring kids to have adventures outdoors. Our focus is building self-esteem, teaching the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle, and teaching trail stewardship. The number one goal of the Grand Rapids Dirt Dawgs is to HAVE FUN while riding bikes!!!
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
The Grand Rapids Dirt Dawgs are a 501c3 mountain bike organization dedicated to teaching kids trail stewardship and healthy living through mountain biking.
During practices, Dawgs and coaches ride on trails and skills-courses to become more comfortable while on the bike. Instruction is focused on building self-esteem and learning skills at an appropriate pace for each Dawg.
While enhancing bicycle skills is an important part of our mission, that is only part of our goal. Dirt Dawgs will learn a variety of skills that reach far beyond the trail such as respect for their local environment, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and the values that come along with being part of a team. The coaches that work with the children aim to provide a safe learning environment by creating a structured program that is age and ability specific, while still being FUN!
Membership
Non-Renewal Memberships will be offered through a lottery system for the 2026 season. Join our communication waitlist today to stay informed by emailing dirtdawg@cannonsburg.com!
What’s Included?
Which Dawg Are You?
Strider
A first step riding program for kids building confidence on balance bikes.
Striders are our youngest group and ride on bikes with no pedals. Even though they are small, they are fierce. We usually stride for a half hour. Parents are required to stay onsite and be available for bathroom breaks. We have different skill levels within the strider group, and that is ok! Some striders hit the ground striding while others prefer to push their bikes. By the end of the season we usually can't keep up with any of them!
Brand New Pedaler
A next step riding program for kids moving from strider bikes to pedals.
Brand New Pedalers are Dawgs who have recently graduated from striders and are just beginning to ride with pedals. This group is designed for younger riders or first time pedalers who are still building confidence on their bikes. Practices run for a shorter half hour time slot to keep things fun and manageable. Riders will work on basic pedaling skills, starting and stopping, braking, balance, and riding over grass and light uneven terrain. Parents are required to stay onsite and be available if needed. If you have a Dirt Dawg that just graduated to pedals, we would recommend trying this new category, prior to moving up to the Big Dawg time slot (until they are confident pedaling over grass and uneven terrain). There's a pretty big difference between pavement and grass/trail.
Big Dawg
A skill-building riding program for riders building speed, skills, and confidence.
- Beginners can ride on uneven terrain that is mostly flat and they have the stamina to ride the majority of the hour practice time slot (with water and rest breaks of course). Beginners work a lot on the basics such as spacing, learning trail etiquette, dismounting and mounting a bike, braking, climbing, etc.
- Intermediate riders can handle riding single track, but also are confident on some downhills and uphills. They will work on building stamina and focus on areas of the trail that will challenge them.
- Advanced riders can push the pace and handle riding over technical areas like rocks, roots, etc. They will work on endurance, speed, improving technical skills, and more! Advanced riders can easily ride an hour with minimal stops. Groups ride on average 5 miles per practice and they will participate in a time trial for Advance team placements on the first night of practice.
Membership Availability
Due to a high number of participants, membership is currently available for renewal only. If you had a membership last year, you will be emailed a link to renew. We will have a lottery for new families to enter to be a part of the 2026 season, spaces are limited.
Please email dirtdawg@cannonsburg.com with any membership questions!
Volunteer
We are lucky to have an amazing group of volunteers who are committed to helping our future generation of mountain bikers and trail stewards. Without volunteers, our program would not be possible.
If you are interested in helping out please fill out the form below. We will contact you shortly and let you know what volunteer opportunities are available.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!
