Jumping for Oldies
For the experienced rider, age 30+, who didn’t get around to hitting jumps when youth was on their side. Two days of jump specific training
Duration: 1/2 Day
Mountain Bike Skills Instruction in Oakridge
Cog Wild’s professional mountain bike coaches are trained to help you become a more confident, safer, and skilled rider. Oakridge has great terrain for skill building.
Scheduled group clinics are great ways to learn fundamentals or push your flow and technical skills. Private lessons are available daily for individuals and small groups.
Find A Skills Session
Private Skills Lessons
Mountain biking becomes more fun as skill improves; take a private lesson with one of our PMBI certified coaches. Choose from full or half day options for individuals and small private groups.
Our coaches have experience instructing all skill levels. Lessons focus on what the client needs, which typically includes fundamental skills or advanced skills such as technical trail riding, jumps and high speed cornering. The content from our downhill, flow or e-bike clinics can be the focus of a private lesson.
Fundamental Skills Clinic
Get down with the fundamentals of mountain biking from a PMBI certified instructor. Recent converts and long time mountain bikers can benefit from a skills clinic.
Downhill Clinic
Dive into the nuances of riding with speed. Gain confidence to ride faster in technical situations, down fast flow trail and through tight switchbacks.
Flow Clinic
Flow trails are more fun when you feel confident in the corners, can carry momentum and know the fundamentals of riding berms, rollers and jumps.
E Bike Skills Clinic
E-bikes are similar to regular bikes, but with their extra weight and some extra pedal power, they require unique techniques.
Oakridge Mountain Bike Coaches
Eugene Cathcart
Eugene is a long time Oakridge rider and loves to ride all kinds of bikes from gravel to e-bikes. He is a talented rider and has competed in cross country, endurance events, enduro races and loves to share his passion for mountain biking with riders of all levels, including the Oakridge NICA composite team.
Qualifications
- PMBI Level 1 Instructor
- NICA Level 2 coach
- Wilderness First Aid certified
Lev Stryker
Lev is Cog Wild’s head skills coach. Lev loves going fast downhill, and as a high level skills coach, he can break down the nitty gritty of becoming a faster/smoother rider.
Qualifications
- PMBI Level 2 Instructor
- PMBI Level 1 Coach Course Conductor
- Wilderness First Aid certified
Dennis Sibilia Young
A major passion for Dennis is introducing people to mountain bike skills-and introducing them to the joy of riding Oakridge trails. His focus is on fundamentals and intermediate skills for new riders, families and seniors.
Qualifications
- PMBI Level 1 Instructor
- NICA Level 3 coach and National Trainer
- Wilderness First Aid certified
Wade Beauchamp
Wade AKA Vulture is a legend in mountain biking. He is a kind and gentle individual who will help you discover a passion for riding bikes in beautiful places
Qualifications
- PMBI Level 1 Instructor
- Wilderness First Aid certified
FAQ
Can I use my own bike?
Yes! Your own mountain bike is best because you are used to it, but we can get you a mountain bike if needed.
I have been riding for a long time, what can you teach me?
Our coaches have lots of experience with all skill levels. For more advanced riders, we can work on technical trail riding, jumps and high speed cornering.
I would like more than a one-day clinic. Do you offer anything?
We recommend doing more than one skills clinic or add day tours to enhance your riding experience. If you are in town for a few weeks, check out our skills progression sessions.
Guided Mountain Bike Rides in Oakridge, Oregon
Guided rides with Cog Wild are a great way to get some epic riding and an insiders view of this bucket list mountain bike destination.
With a shuttle assisted guided ride, we figure out the logistics and take you to the goods; you spend less time grinding up, and more time shredding down. Ride the classic trails: Alpine, Dead Mountain, Hardesty and Lawler, and some of the lesser known gems including Timpanogas, Moon Point, Bunchgrass, Grasshopper, Tire Mountain, Cloverpatch and Eula.
Guided Ride Options:
Coming to Oakridge with a big group? Book a van and guide for a full or half day. Traveling solo or with four or fewer riders? Consider a half or full day guided ride to show you trails appropriate to your level and learn about what trails to ride next.
Half Day Guided Ride
Full Day Guided Ride
Van and Guide for a Half Day
Van and Guide for a Full Day
Oakridge Region Multi-day Adventures
Let us host you on our home trails in the West Cascades for a few days. We’ll maximize the shuttle runs and explore some lesser known gems. Choose camping or lodge based stays from our list of preset dates or set your own dates and bring your riding crew for a private adventure.
What to Expect
MTB Skills Instruction in Bend
Are you new to mountain biking, or want to learn new skills? Or are you a regular rider and ready to take it to the next level?
Cog Wild has professional mountain bike coaches to help you become a more confident, safer, and skilled rider. Everyone benefits from mastering the fundamentals, getting personalized feedback, and working with the coaches to enhance your skills!
Private Skills Lesson
Our PMBI certified skills coaches are available for you, your family or small group for full or half day lessons. For riders of all abilities.
Progression Sessions
Group skills progressions over several weeks make learning fun.
Jumping for Oldies
For the experienced rider, age 30+, who didn’t get around to hitting jumps when youth was on their side.
Mt. Bachelor Bike Park Lessons
For experienced riders, our PMBI certified skills coaches are available for you or your small group to work on advanced skills at the bike park.
Junior & Youth
Check out Cascadia Junior Cycling for junior-specific summer camps, mountain bike clubs & race teams.
FAQ
Can I use my own bike?
Yes! Your own mountain bike is best because you are used to it, but we also have DEMO BIKES for rent.
If doing a downhill lesson at Mt. Bachelor, please contact Mt. Bachelor directly to reserve a rental.
What can you teach me?
Our coaches have lots of experience with all skill levels: beginners and intermediate riders really learn a lot from our skills lessons and tours. For more advanced riders, our instructors ensure your fundamentals are solid, then move into more advanced skills like drops and jumps, and maneuvers on technical terrain like rock gardens and higher speed corners.
I would like more than one-day clinic
For locals, we recommend our Progression Sessions and Signature Series for multi-week clinics, otherwise we can schedule multiple private lessons or full day tours with a guide or skills instructor to enhance your riding abilities.
Bend Mountain Bike Shuttles
Shuttles to Wanoga will begin around Memorial Day 2023. Swampy and Dutchman shuttles will be available as the snow melts off the trails.
Shuttle schedule: 9AM 10:30 Noon
Cog Wild shuttles are a great way to maximize your time on the bike. With about 3,000′ of elevation gain between town and Mt. Bachelor, visitors and locals can take advantage of a shuttle ride to access higher elevation terrain and ride single track all the way back to Bend.
Meet at Cog Wild on the edge of town. Jump on the shuttle, which travels up the Cascade Lakes Highway to Wanoga, Swampy or Dutchman Trailheads.
Shuttle riders need to be self sufficient: bring a map and have a route in mind, have a tool kit and first aid kit. Carry enough food, water and clothing to support your time in the woods.
Bend Trails and Trail Forks are great sites for researching trails and ride options. Maps are available to purchase at Cog Wild and we are happy to look at the map with you and suggest routes.
Please stay off middle Flagline until August 15 to give the elk ample time to raise their babies.
Traveling with an E-bike? Please read:
The Deschutes National Forest does not allow e-bikes on the non-motorized trails. This includes the vast majority of mountain biking trails that we guide and shuttle.
- Check Bend Trails for e-bike legal trails in central Oregon
- If you are traveling with an e-bike, please consider our Oakridge location where e-bikes are allowed on many trails.
Daily Bend Shuttles
Park at Cog Wild for a shuttle up Century Drive to these locations:
Bend Shuttle Season Pass
Take advantage of shuttles with Cog Wild’s shuttle season pass. With unlimited Bend shuttles, ride as much as you can. Like riding in Oakridge too? Purchase our new combo pass for unlimited Bend and Oakridge shuttles.
Wanoga
Our first regular stop is at Wanoga trailhead. These blue and black trails can be challenging for newer or younger riders.
Swampy Lakes
The middle stop is at Swampy Lakes trailhead. Generally less technical trails than Wanoga with fewer miles and less climbing than Dutchman.
Dutchman Flat
The last stop is across the road from Mt. Bachelor Ski Area and Bike Park. These high elevation trails usually open in July but Flagline remains closed until Aug 15 to protect the elk.
Private or Custom Shuttles
Private transportation for any outdoor endeavor! Book a van to transport your private group to the trailhead of your choice.
Newberry Crater / Paulina Peak Shuttle
Get a ride to the top of Paulina Peak for an adventurous ride back to Bend. Available mostly in the fall, or upon request for groups.
Dutchman to Sisters Shuttle
Ride the high country trails on the east side of the Cascades from Dutchman Flat and end up in Sisters. Available when Trail 99 is fully clear, usually in the fall.
McKenzie River Trail Shuttle
Available upon request for larger groups in Bend. Small groups, please contact our friends at Horse Creek Lodge. They are based in McKenzie Bridge and run daily shuttles.
Ride with a Guide
Cog Wild offers full or half day guided rides for families and all levels of riders from beginner to expert. Let us manage the logistics so you can just show up and ride.
Hone your Skills
Cog Wild’s professional, certified instructors will help you master the basics of mountain biking or get you to the next level of skill.
Get downhill ready with a professional coach!
Ride Mt. Bachelor’s bike park with confidence after a lesson with a certified mountain bike coach. Cog Wild partners with Mt Bachelor to offer intermediate to advanced downhill mountain bike skills clinics for solo riders or private groups. Get berm shreddy and jump ready at Oregon’s premiere downhill park with Cog Wild’s finest guides and coaches. Please inquire for a Mt. Bachelor skills lesson. These lessons are for advanced riders. Coaches and dates are limited.
Private Mt. Bachelor downhill lesson includes:
- One-on-one or small group downhill skills building, the lessons will be determined by your skill level and mountain biking goals.
- Professional mountain bike coach
- Lunch and snacks
Mt. Bachelor downhill lessons do not include:
- Bike rental (can be booked through Mt. Bachelor rentals)
- Pads or helmet (can be obtained from Mt. Bachelor rentals)
- Bike Park ticket (can be purchased at Mt. Bachelor)
- Transportation to or from Mt. Bachelor
Boost your Confidence With Private Mountain Bike Skills Lessons
Are you new to mountain biking and ready to learn new skills? Or are you a regular rider and eager to take it to the next level? Hiring a professional mountain bike coach can take your riding from “I’m just gonna try to hang on” to “I’ve got this!”
Cog Wild’s professional mountain bike coaches will help you become a more confident and skilled rider. Sign up for a full or half-day private skills clinic by yourself or with friend so that you are ready to tackle any challenge on the trail.
Interested in conquering Mt. Bachelor’s downhill park? Check out our Mt. Bachelor skills page here.
Mountain Bike Skills Lessons Include:
- Professional mountain bike coach
- Private one-on-one or small group skill building lesson, customized to your level
- Transportation from Cog Wild Headquarters to the trailhead.
- Half-day lesson includes on-trail snacks
- Full-day lesson includes on-trail lunch and snacks
- Complimentary Deschutes Brewery beer, Polar Seltzer and Humm Kombucha.
Experience Winter on a Fat Bike
For a completely novel winter experience take a guided ride on a “fat bike”, which has big, soft tires that roll over snow. Bundle up with us to experience the crisp, clean winter air and the beauty of the snow-covered Cascade Mountains on a fat bike. Routes are determined by the snow conditions: You might ride on fat tire bike-specific trails or cruise deeper into the backcountry on higher elevation groomed roads.
Fat biking is suitable for intermediate to expert riders and folks who are comfortable exercising outside in winter for 3 hours at a time. Fat biking can be surprisingly difficult and therefore are not suitable for beginner cyclists or folks who are new to winter recreation.
Fat Bike Rides Include:
- Fat bike rental
- Toasty neoprene Bar Mitts to keep your hands warm
- Transportation to and from Cog Wild Headquarters
- Substantial, healthy snacks on the trail including Picky Bar
- Complimentary post-ride hot and cold beverages including beer from Deschutes Brewery , Polar Sletzer and Humm Kombucha
Private Group Day Tour
Designed for groups of six or more, such as school groups, wedding parties, corporate retreats, family reunions and more, our private group tours are an ideal way to get your entire group on a bike ride. Cog Wild will collaborate with you to create a mountain bike experience to suit the needs of your group. We provide the guides, gear and the transportation to get your group on trail. Tell us how many people you have, how much time you have, the type of riding you’d like and we’ll take care of the logistics.
All group rides include a “hard tail” front suspension bikes with the option to upgrade to a full suspension bikes along with helmets, water bottles. Upon arriving at Cog Wild, the riders will be set up with bikes and take a warm up loop to make sure everyone is ready to ride before loading a shuttle up to the trailhead. On trail the guides will provide snacks, encouragement and riding tips to keep the crew happy. Each ride ends back at Cog Wild with social time in our outdoor gathering space and post ride beverages from Deschutes Brewery, Polar Seltzer and Humm Kombucha.
Half Day Guided Ride in Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon is a mecca for mountain biking in North America. We have hundreds of miles of trail to share; this ride samples the best of what Central Oregon has to offer. From the world famous Phil’s Trail to lesser-known singletrack loved by locals, we select a route based on your skill and fitness level. Looking for a fast-flowing descent? We’ve got it. Want to improve your skills on technical rocky sections? We have that too. Searching for that perfect ride? Let us help.
This is a great ride for the solo rider, a couple or for a group of buddies that regularly ride together. We’ll make sure your time with us is optimized for maximum fun and trail time!
Half Day Guided Mountain Bike Ride Includes:
- Guide support
- Shuttle from Cog Wild to the trailhead
- Up to 3 hours on trail
- Cog Wild water bottle
- Substantial, healthy snacks on the trail including Picky Bar
- Complimentary Deschutes Brewery beer Polar Seltzer and Humm Kombucha
