Adaptive Mountain Biking
The Ultimate Access to Your Local Trails
Experience the thrill of navigating your way through the forest on miles of mountain bike trails.
Our adaptive mountain bike program currently takes place at two locations: Asheville, NC, and Knoxville, TN. If you would like to try mountain biking we have a fleet of adaptive mountain bikes including e-assist options. Equipment and a trail guide are included when you register for a program. Visit the location page to find out when the next event will take place or if you are interested in volunteering on the trail join our next training.
Essential Eligibility for Adaptive Mountain Biking
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Rider has a permanent, disabling condition
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Rider is 8 years old, or older.
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Rider weighs less than 220 lbs
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Rider can make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced changing environment.
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Rider can follow all safety precautions identified by the instructors.
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Rider can hold their head upright without any head and/or neck support.
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Rider can wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet, as well as any other safety equipment appropriately.
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Rider can understand and follow multiple-step instructions from the instructors independently and in a fast-paced environment.
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Rider can transfer in and out of the bike independently or with some assistance
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Rider can remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride and can make decisions quickly in variable terrain.
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Rider can demonstrate they can independently peddle, steer, stop, start and ride the bike over, around, up, and down a variety of terrain deemed appropriate for their experience level.
Join a Program at one of our three locations:
We are also running clinics in other cities throughout the year. Visit each page for more information
Weather Policy:
Lightning and Severe Weather Policy
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If lightning is in the immediate area, participants must return to designated meeting point and seek shelter in the nearest safe, enclosed facility or vehicle.
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Activities may only resume once there has been a minimum of 30 minutes without lightning or thunder.
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If no safe shelter is available nearby, participants must be evacuated from the site as safely and efficiently as possible.
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If the probability of thunderstorms exceeds 50% during program hours, or if a constant heavy rain is forecasted, the program must be cancelled
Temperature Policy
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Cold Weather: If the wind chill or "feels like" temperature is below 32°F (0°C) at the time of the event, the program must be delayed or cancelled.
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Hot Weather: If the heat index or "feels like" temperature is above 105°F (40.5°C), at the time of the event, the program must be delayed or cancelled.
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When the heat index or “feels like” temperature is above 95°F (33.3°C), at the time of the event, Ride Leaders must coordinate an activity break in a shaded area every 30 minutes
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When the heat index or “feels like” temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C), at the time of the event, Ride Leaders must ensure a shaded area is available for fitting and breaks (structural cover, shade tent, natural shade, etc.)
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aMTB Program Best Practices
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Advance Notification: Chapter Coordinators should assess weather conditions and make a decision about reschedule, postponement, or cancellation at least 24 hours prior to the event whenever possible.
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5 Days Out: Volunteer Leads begin daily weather monitoring and note any early indications of thunderstorms or heavy rain.
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48 Hours Out: If a 30%+ thunderstorm risk is forecasted, the Catalyst Liaison sends a warning email to participants.
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24 hours Out: Leads should assess weather conditions and make a decision about reschedule, postponement, or cancellation
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Day Of: If unexpected weather changes occur (e.g., a sudden increase to 50%+ thunderstorm risk), cancel no later than 8 AM
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Forecast Factors to Consider:
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Rain or snow in the forecast
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Wet trail conditions from active or recent precipitation
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Winter trail conditions prone to damage due to freeze-thaw cycles
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High winds that may affect visibility, safety, or equipment stability
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Trail Condition Sensitivity: Avoid damage to natural surfaces or adaptive trail equipment by assessing the impact of ongoing weather patterns on trail sustainability.