Youth Skills Zone at Philly Classic
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Families attending the Philadelphia Cycling Classic on Sunday, August 30th will have the opportunity to discover the excitement of mountain biking at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL) Youth Skills Zone, an interactive experience designed to introduce young riders to the sport in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment.
No mountain bike? No problem.
PICL will provide bikes and helmets so that every student has the opportunity to participate, regardless of experience or equipment.
Located at Lemon Hill, the Youth Skills Zone will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is free for students entering 6th through 12th grade.
The Youth Skills Zone is more than just an obstacle course - it's designed to be the first step into lifelong participation in cycling. Young riders will have the opportunity to navigate beginner-friendly mountain bike features including log-overs, bridges, rock gardens, ramps, and balance obstacles while learning fundamental riding skills from experienced PICL Coaches.
"We want every young person to experience the confidence and joy that comes from riding a bike," said Ryan Oelkers, Outreach Director for the PICL. "The Youth Skills Zone gives families a chance to discover that mountain biking is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. We hope it inspires the next generation of riders to join a local team and become part of Pennsylvania's cycling community."
While youth riders explore the skills zone, parents and caregivers can learn more about PICL, including:
Local mountain bike teams in Pennsylvania and neighboring NICA leagues
Upcoming PICL Try-It events
Girls Riding Together (GRiT) programming
Teen Trail Corps (TTC) trail stewardship opportunities
Coaching and volunteer opportunities
Every participant will receive a PICL sticker and information about how to continue their riding journey through local teams and programs.
The Youth Skills Zone aligns with the Philadelphia Cycling Classic's mission of celebrating cycling at every level by creating an engaging attraction for families while connecting professional racing with the next generation of cyclists.
Event Details
PICL Youth Skills Zone
Saturday, August 30
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Cycling Classic
Lemon Hill, Philadelphia
The Youth Skills Zone is free to participate, with bikes, helmets, instruction, and plenty of encouragement provided by PICL Coaches.
About the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL) is a youth development organization that empowers student-athletes through mountain biking. PICL provides inclusive opportunities for youth of all abilities to build confidence, develop healthy lifestyles, strengthen communities, and become stewards of Pennsylvania's trails. Serving more than 1,500 student-athletes across Pennsylvania, PICL believes every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of riding a bike.