FAQs

FAQs

Got a question? You’re not alone. Check out our FAQs for our most commonly sought-after race info. If what you need isn’t here, shoot us an email at community@clippedinforlife.org.

• What ages can participate?

  Grip Academy serves kids age 3 up to 8th grade. We are not currently able to accommodate ages outside of this range.

• Who does Grip Academy serve?

  Grip Academy is an after school youth cycling program serving kids in 8th grade and under of all skill levels. This program teaches kids to ride by breaking down complex movements into deliberate progression, rewarded with colored grips inspired by the martial arts belt system.

  Our pilot program launching in Fall of 2024 will serve White and Yellow grips, progressing to Orange and Green grips by the end of the session. Class offerings will expand to Green, Blue, and Purple grips in Spring of 2025. Click here to read more about Grip Levels.

  If your child is riding at the White or Yellow Grip Level, click here to learn more about registering them for the Fall 2024 session.

  If your child is riding at the Green Grip Level or above, join our email list to stay in the loop on future class offerings!

• What are the Grip Levels?

  Grip Academy redefines the process of learning to ride a bike by breaking down complex movements into deliberate progression, rewarded with colored grips inspired by the martial arts belt system. Click here to read more about each Grip Level.

• What kind of bike does my child need to participate?

  Your child will need a properly sized bike in good working order. Your child does not need a new or top-of-the-line bike to participate. If you’re on your bike, there’s a helmet on your head!

  If you are in the market for a bike there are lots of options, new or used. In general. we suggest a hard tail, 1X, mountain bike with disk brakes, but this is not a requirement. If you’re in the market for a bike, check out options from:

  • Young kids & kids on balance bikes: Strider, Cleary, Woom, or Guardian
  • Older kids & all skill levels: Cleary, Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale Trail 8, Cannondale Kids Trail 8, or Giant Talon

  Pro tip: Kids grow out of bikes quickly! Facebook Marketplace is a great way to shop on a budget.

  White & Yellow Grips Age 3-6:

  Kids ages 3-6 at the White and Yellow Grip Levels have the option to use our demo fleet of Strider balance bikes and helmets. The Strider bikes we use are specially designed to teach kids the basics of two wheeled operation using their legs for propulsion and when they’re ready, quickly convert to a pedal bike with coaster brake.

  Our demo Strider bikes will fit kids within the following measurements:
  Inseam Length: 16 – 23 in.
  Rider Height: Approx. 37 – 49 in.
  Seat Height: 15 – 22 in.
  Maximum Rider Weight: 80 lbs

• Are training wheels allowed?

  Training wheels are not allowed. We teach kids to ride starting in “balance mode,” using their legs for propulsion. If your child is currently riding with training wheels, please remove them before coming to class.

  Kids ages 6 & under in White and Yellow Grips have the option to use our demo fleet of Strider balance bikes and helmets. The Strider bikes we use are specially designed to teach kids the basics of two wheeled operation using their legs for propulsion and when they’re ready, quickly convert to a pedal bike with coaster brake.

  Our demo Strider bikes will fit kids within the following measurements:
  Inseam Length: 16 – 23 in.
  Rider Height: Approx. 37 – 49 in.
  Seat Height: 15 – 22 in.
  Maximum Rider Weight: 80 lbs

• What should my child bring to class?

  In addition to a bike and helmet, please come prepared with the following:

  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing
  • Long hair should be worn in a low ponytail or braid(s) for proper helmet fitting.
  • Any medications (inhaler, epi pen, etc.) necessary to enable participation
  • A camp chair if you plan to stay on-site with your child. Parents are welcome to stay and watch, but it’s not required.
• What's your refund policy?

  Membership cancellation must be requested two weeks before your next billing date. Once your membership has been charged, no refunds will be issued for any reason as outlined in our general Clipped In for Life refund policy.

  To request a membership cancellation, please email us at community@clippedinforlife.org.

  Refunds will not be offered if your child misses a class, or if we are forced to cancel a class due to weather (i.e. rain, smoke, or heat).

  Grip Academy membership fees cannot be rolled over to a future Grip Academy session, or transferred to another participant. We are not able to transfer Grip Academy registration funds to other Clipped In for Life events or programs.