The Experience
We have teamed up with Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association (SWMMBA) and Bridger Brewing for a Summer Bike Bash at Copper City Trails. Join us in Three Forks, Montana for an incredible weekend of elevating your mountain bike skills, group rides, and the 2nd Annual Headwaters Lager Festival. The Summer Bike Bash is taking place to kick off the season and raise funds for purpose built MTB trails in SW Montana. Ride the Earth is hosting beginner and intermediate skills clinics designed to help you take your abilities to the next level. We will work on a variety of mountain biking skills. Hone your cornering, improve your climbing techniques and further develop your ability to navigate steeper, more technical and varied terrain. This weekend is dedicated to our local trails and will help you build skills for climbing, descending, and all areas of your riding. 1 & 2 Day Clinic Options Skill Level: BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE GROUPS COED Skills Clinic
Highlights
Professional Coaching
Get detailed feedback
Camaraderie
Meet new riding partners
Support New Trails in Bozeman
Proceeds from this event support the Bridger Bowl Crosscut Trail System.
Itinerary
Previous
Next
Saturday Morning
8:30am | Morning check in & Welcome
9am-12pm | Skills & Drills
We'll spend the morning near the trailhead doing skills & drills. We'll go through some fundamentals, then break down a variety of important skills for riding.
We will start with the skills you perform on your bike every day. Then we will add to each skill, increasing in complexity, to give each rider the opportunity to understand the movements and progress needed for each skillset.
Skills We'll Cover: Proper Body Positioning, Cornering, Switchbacks, Rolling obstacles, Braking, and Technical Climbing & Descending
Get ready for a fun-filled weekend of skills and camaraderie!
Sat Afternoon
12-1pm | Midday Break
We'll break for lunch midday before heading out onto the trail for the afternoon.
1-3:30pm | On Trail Coaching
After lunch, we'll head out onto the trails for the afternoon. Have snacks, water and electrolytes on you to keep you fueled throughout the day.
You'll spend the afternoon building skills on trail and taking time to practice challenging obstacles.
3:30-4pm | Return to the trailhead
Swap into a hoodie, and change into happy hour mode.
Saturday Evening Lager Festival
4-8pm | Headwaters Lager Festival at Bridger Brewing
After a day of building MTB skills, head over to Bridger Brewing in Three Forks to celebrate our wins over a pint with Bridger Brewing for the 2nd Annual Lager Festival.
In collaboration with the Southwest Montana Mountain Biking Association (SWMMBA), this event also highlights the incredible outdoor recreation opportunities in our region. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to support SWMMBA’s work to maintain and expand trails, making this a celebration of beer, biking, and community.
Hosted at Bridger Brewing in Three Forks, this event showcases over 15 breweries, giving you a true taste of local brewing craftsmanship. This event brings together breweries from across the state, offering attendees an exclusive taste of local craftsmanship in the world of lagers. From crisp classics to bold innovations, this festival is perfect for any beer lover.
Tickets: $30 (receive a discount by joining our skills clinic)
Food, games, live music, beer tasting, and exciting raffle prizes!
+ Free Camping on site
Sunday Shreday
10:45am | Meet @ the Trailhead
Prep bikes and get ready to ride!
11am-12pm | Skills Progression
1-4pm | Afternoon trail sessions
Today is all about building off what you practiced and learned yesterday and taking it to the next level. Your coach will tailor the day’s ride to provide opportunities to expand certain skills and solidify new techniques.
We will spend today riding technical features, discussing line choice, gearing, and body position. We will discuss how to get closer to cleaning features that currently make you nervous. We will provide spotters to try different moves and support you as you apply new tips and tricks. We will help you expand your comfort zone on your bike.
4pm | Return to the main trailhead
We'll round up for cold beverages and high fives (and probably some photo sharing).
4-5:30 | Q&A Workshop & Happy Hour
Our favorite Q&A session, led by RTE founder, Julie Hanen. We'll talk practical trail maintenance, what to take on trail, trail navigation, and anything else you want to ask.
Thanks for Riding the Earth with us!
Claim Your Spot
Weekend Pass | Sat-Sun
Full weekend of skills & shred! Includes: 2-Days MTB Instruction + Discounted Ticket to Lagerfest + SWMMBA Donation to Trails
$250.00/pp
Saturday Only Shred Pass
Full day skills & shred! Includes: 1 Full day MTB coaching + Discounted Ticket to Lager Festival + SWMMBA Donation to Trails
$175.00/pp
Details
What's Included
Professional MTB Coaching
Donation to SWMMBA
Discounted Ticket to Headwaters Lager Festival
Meet new riding partners!
Post Ride Beverages
All Things MTB Q&A Session
What's Not Included
Equipment Rentals (Bike, helmet, etc.)
Snacks & Fuel for Riding
Destination Info
Copper City Trails
Copper City is a purpose-built trail system created for mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners. It has more than 17+/- miles of bike-optimized trails, surrounded by 360 degree views of the Gallatin Valley. The system encompasses a wide range of trails including beginner-friendly, technical ridge, flow, and two downhill-only bike-only trails. There is also a skills park with skills features and a pump track catering to all ages and abilities.
Getting There & Away
Skills Clinic Location
📍Copper City Trails
Copper City Trailhead: Set your GPS or Google Maps for the Copper City Trailhead near Three Forks, MT.
Click here for the link to the trailhead in Google Maps.
Headwaters Lager Festival Location
📍Bridger Brewing in Three Forks, MT
Where to Stay
Camping
There is free dispersed camping at and near the trailhead at Copper City. Pit toilets are available at the main trailhead.
Bridger Brewing is offering free camping for their 2nd Annual Headwaters Lager Festival. Grab a ticket to the festival and spend the evening tasting lagers from more than 15 Montana breweries.
Not into camping?
We recommend the following hotels:
Sacajawea Hotel (Three Forks - closest to trailhead)
RSVP Motel (Bozeman)
The Lark (Bozeman)
FAQs
I've never taken a skills clinic, how do I know this is right for me?
This skills clinic is designed for all levels of rider. As far as we're concerned, the sky is the limit with MTB skills so we can always improve, no matter our skill set.
After booking your spot, we will ask you for more info that will give us an idea of your skill level and learning needs/interests. We will use that information to form groups based on skill level. This will ensure that you are working on skills that are relevant to you.
How much biking experience do I need to participate?
Basic mountain biking skills are necessary to participate. You should be able to balance on the bike, easily shift up and down through the gears, and have a basic understanding of braking. It is also recommended that you have experience riding on moderately narrow singletrack trails, though this is not required.
What kind of bike do I need to participate?
It is necessary for all participants to have a proper fitting mountain bike that is in good working condition. A full suspension, all mountain bike is highly recommended, but a hard tail is also sufficient.
What do I need to bring?
All participants should bring their bike, mountain biking shoes, helmet, hydration pack or water bottle, riding snacks, electrolyte replacements, lunch for each day, a spare tube and any personal medications or personal first aid. A detailed equipment list is included in your confirmation.
What kinds of skills will we work on?
We will break into smaller groups and the skills will vary based on each group. Skills covered will include subjects such as braking, cornering, dynamic riding, technical riding, roll downs and advanced riding techniques.
Do I have to attend the whole weekend? Can I participate in one day only?
It is highly recomended that all participants join us for the full experience. You will get the most out of everything by joining for all days. That being said, you can sign up for just one day as a Saturday Only option.
Is there camping? Where should I stay?
Camping is available at and near the trailhead. Pit toilets are located at the trailhead.
Not into camping? There are hotels and rental properties in nearby Three Forks and Bozeman.
Health & Safety
Mountain biking can be strenuous and potentially dangerous. It is important that all riders contact their personal physician with any questions pertaining to your ability to participate in a mountain bike skills weekend.
The trails we will ride will be located between 4000-5500 feet in elevation. This may affect those who are traveling to the location from low elevations. Contact your physician prior to travel to ensure you are in the appropriate health to participate.
It is very important to stay hydrated when exercising. We will have long days of biking during Shred Fest. Be prepared to carry water during your rides and drink a lot of water throughout the weekend.
Please disclose all pertinent injuries, illnesses or allergies prior to participation in this program.
Insurance
If you are traveling from out of town to participate in our skills clinic, it is highly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation & interruption insurance. Especially if you are purchasing flights. It is also highly recommended for all participants to carry medical emergency coverage.
If you are traveling to join us, we recommend World Nomads travel insurance.