The Adelaide Dirt League (ADL) encompasses both skills coaching and competitions that are specifically designed to support young mountain bikers in Adelaide. As well as helping participants develop their skills, our coaches have developed modified versions of popular mountain biking disciplines that reward the riders ability to ride with control and accuracy, taking the focus away from pure speed. The progressive program structure delivers age-appropriate content that creates a clear pathway for participants into higher level participation opportunities such as club racing and advanced coaching programs.

For those who have participated in past ADL programs, you will notice that we have changed the format slightly. We are working hard to combine your feedback, lessons we have learned and a rapidly growing & evolving sport to develop a program that will better support participants to enjoy and thrive in the sport they love. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Program Information

The 2023 Adelaide Dirt League commences in May and is comprised of 16 sessions in total, delivered at various locations around Adelaide. The program includes a combination of skills development sessions as well as competitions. Each competition is be based on a different discipline of mountain biking and modified to reward riders who demonstrate riding with control and accuracy. The program aims to expose participants to the diverse collection of disciplines within mountain biking while providing stepping stones towards further participation opportunities in the sport.

Under 10 Program

The Under 10 program emphasises the acquisition of skills and experience through game-based activities. Our coaches will deliver basic skills instruction before leading the group on guided rides and playing skills-based games. The competitive weeks will not be measured or recorded and are shorter in duration. A series of challenges will be set for riders to demonstrate and practise their skills. The primary focus for this age group is on having fun and enjoying the sport safely.

Under 13 Program

The Under 13 program will highlight key techniques that will underpin their performance the competitions. Riders will be challenged to display good bike handling and control as well as learning to manage levels of risk, energy and focus.

We are also offering an Under 13 Events Only option for riders to enter only the four competitions. We strongly recommend that participants who take up this option join one of our other skills development programs or seek proper training from a reputable coach.

Under 15 Category

In 2023, we are introducing an Under 15 category which will enable older participants to compete in the four competitions. We hope that this initiative will provide a stepping stone for young people who might be new to the sport into clubs and higher level participation opportunities.

Schools Trophy

All Under 13 and Under 15 participants will be able to nominate and compete for their school, using the competitions to accumulate points towards the Adelaide Dirt League Schools Trophy. Schools are also able to field a team and can contact us directly to arrange a tailored rider development program to support their riders if they wish.

Come & Try Session

If you are unsure if this program is for you, we are offering a Come & Try session for Under 10 and Under 13 riders at Shepherds Hill Recreation Park on May 13, from 9am – 11am. You will have an opportunity to meet our fantastic coaches, ask questions and get some skills coaching and riding in too. Parents can (and are encouraged to) join in for free! Bookings below.

Please Note

U10 Participants must be able to ride on two wheels confidently and with good control. Bikes with pedal brakes are strongly discouraged.

U13 Participants are assumed to have at least some mountain biking experience. Bikes with pedal brakes are not allowed.

U15 Participants are assumed to be able to assess and manage risk independently while riding and competing.

Parents / guardians are required to remain present for the duration of all competitions. To keep program costs to a minimum, they are expected to fulfil a volunteering role during the events, such as marshalling or assisting coaches and participants.

Our age categories are inclusive which creates overlap with those used in club racing sanctioned by AusCycling, which are exclusive. This enables us to provide a more supportive environment for riders with less experience in the sport.

Program Details

Ages: 9 – 15
Age Categories: Under 10 (born 2013 & 2014)
Under 13 (born 2010 – 2012)
Under 15 (born 2008 & 2009)
Come and Try: Saturday May 13
Program Start Date: Saturday May 20
Program End Date: Saturday September 16
Skills Session Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Competition Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm (approx.)
Actual times TBC
Cost:
U10$389
U13$495
U15$220 (events only)
Booking Deposit: $50 *

* Booking deposit is non-refundable.

ADL Schedule & Venues

Date Venue
May 20 Cobbler Creek Recreation Park (map)
May 27 O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park (map)
June 3 Craigburn Farm Shared Trails (map)
June 10 Anstey Hill CP (map)
Competition
June 17		 Downhill (DH)
O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park (map)
June 24 Eagle Mountain Bike Park (map)
July 1 Cobbler Creek Recreation Park (map)
Competition
July 8		 Cross Country (XC)
Eagle Mountain Bike Park (map)
School Holidays No Sessions
July 29 O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park (map)
August 5 Craigburn Farm Shared Trails (map)
August 12 Cobbler Creek Recreation Park (map)
Competition
August 19		 Gravity Enduro (GE)
Craigburn Farm Shared Trails (map)
August 26 Shepherds Hill Recreation Park (map)
September 2 City Dirt (map)
September 9 Hope Valley Reserve (map)
Competition
September 16		 Trials
City Dirt (map)

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