FAQs

FAQs

Got a question? You’re not alone. Check out our FAQs for our most commonly sought-after program 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.

• Can you teach my child to ride a bike?

  The short answer? Yes! Grip Academy teaches kids to ride by breaking down complex movements into deliberate progression, rewarded with colored grips inspired by the martial arts belt system.

  But it’s bigger than just learning to ride. Grip Academy pushes beyond basic bike handling skills to engage kids in a lifelong activity that boosts physical and mental health, reinforces valuable life skills, and builds community.

  Kids must be pedaling without training wheels in order to participate in Grip Academy. If your child is not yet pedaling, or only rides with training wheels, sign them up one of our monthly Learn-to-Ride Classes.

• Isn't learning to pedal good enough? Why do you have classes beyond just learning to ride?

  Kids in our programs build confidence, perseverance, and independence by discovering that riding a bike is a life-long adventure full of excitement, freedom, perspective, purpose, friendships, and belonging. Riding a bicycle gives kids age-appropriate opportunities to begin to explore their world, and our Grip Academy classes incorporate helmet fittings, traffic safety, trail etiquette, first aid, flat tire repair, chain repair, and other skills needed to ride safely and confidently.

• 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.

  Grip colors tell our coaching staff what skills your child already knows, and what skills he/she should learn next. The order of our Grip colors is White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, Brown, Black.

  Spring 2025 classes include White, Yellow, Orange, and Green grips. We plan on offering Blue grip classes by the end of the session.

  Learn more about each Grip Level.

• Which class should I sign my child up for?

  Register your child for the Grip Level that most closely describes their current ability. We will perform an assessment on your child’s first day to ensure proper placement.

  Not sure what your child’s Grip Level is? Get started with this quiz.

  Find Your Child’s Grip Level

• Where are your classes located?

  Unless otherwise stated, our Learn-to-Ride Sessions and our Grip Academy Classes are held outdoors at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena (200 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630), behind City Hall in Folsom, CA.

• 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, Woom, or Guardian
  • Older kids & all skill levels: 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 in our Learn-to-Ride Sessions 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 a Learn-to-Ride session.

  Kids ages 3-6 in our Learn-to-Ride Sessions 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?

  No refunds will be offered for any reason (see full Clipped In for Life Refund Policy). 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.

  No-Shows

  Students must RSVP for the class(es) they plan on attending each week. If your child cannot attend a class, reservations may be changed up to five hours in advance of class. If your child misses a class without changing your reservation at least five hours in advance, you lose that class credit.

  Membership Cancellation

  Grip Academy memberships are a monthly commitment billed automatically on your date of signup, April 1, and May 1, 2025. 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.

  Class Cancellation

  If we are forced to cancel a class due to unsafe weather (i.e. rain, wind, smoke, heat), students will be given the option to book a makeup class based on our schedule offerings. Refunds will not be offered for cancelled classes.