LOCAL DIRT
Local Dirt is about getting more kids on bikes, more often.
Local events are fun and make the sport more accessible, more affordable, more approachable, and more inclusive for everyone. Whether Little League baseball or mountain biking, local events get kids playing sports!
When researchers ask present and past student-athletes, time and again they find that students rank ‘getting to do this sport with my friends’ far above any other part of the experience. THAT IS Local Dirt.
Just like other sports, Local Dirts happen when people care enough to create opportunities for their communities. Little League fields and soccer pitches exist because people in communities made them happen for their kids. We want #morekidsonbikes, we can do the same!
Local Dirts are in full swing across the state this season. While participation is limited to the riders on the teams directly involved in planning the event, spectating is open to all. Check on out!
How to Local Dirt
Creating a successful Local Dirt has three keys.
Simplify. Picture other youth sports - local events are fun, small productions. On a typical summer evening, a couple of teams get together, play their game, then go to get ice cream, win or lose.
Simplify. Keep your course simple to mark, marshal, maintain, and learn.
Simplify. Stay focused on what matters – a safe, appropriate experience.
Remember: What is fun, memorable, and rewarding is ‘getting together and doing this with friends’ — that’s what matters.
Local Dirt events fall into two broad categories.
Social Rides and Adventure-style: A great early-season way for teams and coaches to gain experience hosting events and to connect teams to build community.
Racing-style: In late-summer, a great way to introduce riders to competitive situations.
Simple. Easy. Safe. Fun!
Fun, Adventure and GRiT Rides
Bring neighboring teams together by hosting fun, social rides. One team may invite two or three others to its favorite trails. Or organize days where every rider brings a new, non-cycling friend for a beginner-friendly session. Or an all-girls ride, or break it up by grade so riders can meet more riders in their area of the same age. Or…what ideas do you have?
Local Dirt XC & Short Track
Like a typical PICL race, but on shorter courses. Local Dirt XC & Short Track courses are no longer than 2 miles in length so they can be set up and cleaned up quickly, and vastly simplify event production. Considerations like starts, waves, staging, and passing make these a bit more complicated than ITTs.
Time-Trial
Short one-rider-at-a-time events that are a staple of cycling, from less than 1 mile to up to 3 miles of trail. These are easy for teams to self- time and the style opens doors to new locations. Multiple laps are okay too. Since passing zones are less necessary, these can be almost complete singletrack experiences.
Team Relay
One rider on the course at at time, teams of 2+. This format reduces pressure on passing and the number of riders on the course. These might be by team. These might be mixed across teams. Teams might start one at time (like an ITT) or all teams can go at once. Relays are super fun!
Dream It, Build It, Do It!
Steps
Identify appropriate style, venue, and course for your event.
Work with PICL on permission, approvals, EAPs, & insurance (click coach resources button below).
Invite teams and fill volunteer spots.
Get Dirty.
Let us know how it went!
Questions about Local Dirt? Please contact Local Dirt.