Kids Racing with Chico

Chico Racing prides itself on promoting a family atmosphere at our events and some of the kid’s racing info is a bit confusing so we’ve broken it down for the parents.

With young kids the most important element of these events is fun and many of the events are very non-competitive. Children develop at different ages so finding a kid’s course that will meet the needs of every child is impossible, but if the parents come with the right attitude everyone will have fun.

The competitive “hockey parent” syndrome isn’t allowed at any Chico Racing event, and we strongly urge those parents to take their kids elsewhere.

Parents please be advised that mountain biking is a dangerous sport and your child should have a proper bicycle helmet that fits. We’ve seen a number of bicycle helmets on young children that don’t fit and are very loose, this is your responsibility as a parent.

Kids over the age of 13 (as of Dec./31 of current year)
These young adults are generally capable of racing in any Junior 17-18 or Cadet 15-16 or Minime 13-14 category at Plastiglas Ontario Cups. Some of the more mature kids are even capable of joining a team at a 24 hour or 8 hour event or Weekly Series Events. The smaller kids’ events don’t apply for these young adults.

Kids between the ages of 10 and 12 (as of Dec./31 of current year)
This age group has several options including the Peewee Category 10-12 at Plastiglas Ontario Cup Events with an approximate distance of 7 km. The Epic 8 Hour Kids’ Series also offers categories for kids 9-10 years of age (approx 4 km), 11-12 years (approx 6 km). At our 24 Hours of Summer Solstice and 24 Hours at Albion: Hot August Nights we have a free Shimano Youth Series Event for those 10 and under. The Weekly Series Event is also excellent for the more advanced kids.

Kids under the age of 9 (as of Dec./31 of current year)
This age group has a few options including our 1:00pm free kids’ events at the Plastiglas Ontario Cup Series (very low key and generally around a grass field, more fun for the really young ones). The kids also really enjoy the free Shimano Youth Series Event at the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice and 24 Hours at Albion: Hot August Nights (no licence or fees required). For the somewhat more competitive kids we have the Epic 8 Hour Kids’ Series with categories for 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and those that pre-register will get a t-shirt (cost $10 plus a $5 one-day licence). The Weekly Series Event is only recommended for kids with advanced skills and/or who have parent supervision.