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 group! There are no prerequisites for this group.

Note: Riders of all gender identities are welcome to ride with this “boys” group. If you meet the age requirements and want to ride with this team then we want to ride with you! If you have any questions, please contact Nate.

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 and have a coach recommendation in order to join this group. Contact Martin at martin@durangodevo.com with any questions.

Description: The Ramblers is all about exploration and bikepacking! In Ramblers, we will teach the methodology of bikepacking as well as some basic backcountry camping 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 optional overnight bikepacking trip as a team. Read our latest Updates post about the Explorers programs!

Goals: This group will cover the basic 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. Note: Bikepacking gear is not required — Devo has plenty to loan!

Description: This is a group for femme identifying middle or high school riders who want to learn the skills of bikepacking with a group of incredibly rad ladies! This group is led by Sarah Tescher. The focus of this group is to ride and explore, with the option to go on a bikepacking trip, all in an all-girl setting! Read our latest Updates post about the Explorers programs!

Goals: Riders will practice bike handling skills as we explore the area around Durango via bike. Along the way, we’ll cover the skills to be self-sufficient on an overnight bikepacking trip, including: packing gear on a bike, finding water, starting fires, setting up shelter, and preparing food.

Requirements: Riders of all abilities are encouraged to join this all-girls group. There are no prerequisites for this group. Note: Bikepacking gear is not required — Devo has plenty to loan!

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, Exploras, and Ramblers are one day per week. Practices are 2 hours. All U14 groups meet at the Rec Center playground for practice; for other groups (Pedalers, Exploras, and Ramblers), 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 as well as a Pedalers, Exploras/Ramblers, or Senders/Sendas (more information here) day! Programs are scheduled so that your “core curriculum” is on Tues/Thurs, and “extracurriculars” like Exploras/Ramblers, Pedalers, or Senders/Sendas on are Mon/Weds. Contact Martin at martin@@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 hip pack with enough room to carry water and a healthy snack
• Clothing appropriate for the weather
• Your own tools to fix a flat, including your own tube (optional)
• A MTB specific multitool (optional)
• Riding gloves and eye protection (optional)