News Check Out BREC’s New Mountain Biking Program for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Baton Rouge, LouisianaAug 17, 2026BREC’s new mountain biking clinics give children and adults an opportunity to learn the basic skills and safety techniques needed to successfully navigate BREC’s mountain biking trails. 

No previous mountain biking experience is necessary. Everyone starts as a beginner, and BREC offers trails for a variety of skill levels, making the clinics an opportunity for participants to try something new in a welcoming environment. 

Two clinics remain this fall. Mountain Biking 101 will be held Aug. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Intermediate Mountain Biking Jr. will be held Sept. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. The courses are offered twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. 

Youth classes are open to participants ages 10-15, while the adult class is open to those 16 and older. The program provides all necessary equipment, including bikes, but participants are welcome to bring their own mountain bikes. 

BREC Outdoor Adventure Recreation Manager Alex Rhodes developed the program to ensure more people would learn about the mountain biking trails BREC offers and how to safely travel them. 

“I have previous mountain bike instruction experience and wanted to share my knowledge with others through mountain bike programs. It is something that can become a new hobby for people and a great way to enjoy the parks,” Rhodes said. 

While many people are familiar with riding bicycles, mountain bikes are designed differently to handle the demands of off-road terrain. They are equipped with suspension systems, specialized gearing and other features that help riders navigate hills and uneven surfaces unlike a regular bike. 

“The 101s will start with the basics from the parts of the bike, how to properly wear a helmet, etc., and then go into various drills working on braking, shifting and body position. We’ll then move to the trail to put it all together. The intermediate class will pick up where the 101 leaves off, and activities will be based off the skill levels of the group,” Rhodes said. 

BREC has two mountain biking trails. The 101 classes will take place at Sharon Hills Park, while the intermediate class will be held at Comite River Conservation Area. 

Each class will have two instructors, including an assistant instructor who will provide additional guidance during activities. 
The two remaining courses are $15 per person and participants can register at webtrac.brec.org.  

Trying something new can be intimidating, but it can also be the start of a new passion! 

For those looking for a new way to get outside, explore BREC’s parks and challenge themselves, mountain biking could be the next adventure. 

More information about the classes can be found here.