6th – 8th GRADE

Description: The Devo U14 Boys group is for middle schoolers interested in continuing to build skills and ability on the bike. Riders will be introduced to many different facets of mountain biking, including gravity, XC, and racing, although racing is never mandatory.

Goals: The overall goals of the team are to build fundamental bike handling skills and instill a sense of community among riders. Riders of all ability levels are encouraged.

Requirements: Riders of all abilities are encouraged to join this co-ed/boys group! There are no prerequisites for this group.

Description: The Devo U14 Girls group is for middle schoolers interested in continuing to build skills and ability on the bike. Riders will be introduced to many different facets of mountain biking, including gravity, XC, and racing, although racing is never mandatory.

Goals: The overall goals of the team are to build fundamental bike handling skills and instill a sense of community among riders. Riders of all ability levels are encouraged.

Requirements: Riders of all abilities are encouraged to join this ALL GIRLS group for female-identifying riders! There are no prerequisites for this group.

Description: This is a group for middle school riders who are interested in building fitness and are looking for more pedaling at practice. The team will aim to cover more ground, at a faster pace, and with less stopping. Riders need not be interested in racing, but many riders in this group are aiming to join the racing teams in high school.

Goals: Riders will aim to build fitness and efficiency while covering miles on XC trails. Riders will also learn about proper fueling and nutrition.

Requirements: This is an advanced group. Riders should have ridden at least one season of regular U14 first, or have a coach recommendation in order to join this group. Contact Rob at robnichols@durangodevo.com with any questions.

Description: The Ramblers is all about exploration and bikepacking! In Ramblers, we will teach the methodology of bike packing as well as some basic survival skills. Each practice will focus on mountain bike skills as well as skills to be self-sufficient on an overnight bikepacking trip. The season will culminate in an overnight bikepacking trip as a team. Read our latest Updates post about the Explorers programs!

Goals: Riders will learn the skills to be self-sufficient on an overnight bikepacking trip, including packing their gear on their bike, finding water, starting fires, setting up shelter, and preparing food.

Requirements: Riders of all abilities are encouraged to join this co-ed group. There are no prerequisites for this group.

Each Spring and Fall semester runs for 8 weeks, followed by a 9th week to make up for any weather-related cancellations. U14 Girls and Boys practice twice per week, while Pedalers and Ramblers are on day per week. Practices are 2 hours. Practice locations are TBD, and will be announced by the coach before practice each week. 6th-8th Grade teams also have the option to attend an out-of-town trip each season!

Feel free to mix and match all our different U14 offerings. For example, you could register for one day of U14 Boys as well as a Pedalers, Ramblers, or Senders day! Programs are scheduled so that your “core curriculum” is on Tues/Thurs, and “extracurriculars” like Senders, Ramblers, or Pedalers on are Mon/Weds. Contact Rob Nichols at robnichols@durangodevo.com for more details about combining/mixing/matching our different U14 options.

• Bikes with hand brakes and gears are required. Wheel size must be 26 inches or bigger.
• Helmet
• Close-toed shoes
• A backpack or hib pack with enough room to carry water and a healthy snack.
• Your own tools to fix a flat, including your own tube
• A MTB specific multitool
• Clothing appropriate for the weather
• Riding gloves are encouraged but optional