SCUM Academy

For younger riders that want to improve their MTB skills.

The SCUM Academy is a great way for younger riders to improve their skills.  

There are two academy squads; a "Groms" squad and a "Shredders" squad. 

The "Groms" squad is suited to less experienced riders and those relatively new to mountain biking, however riders must be confident on their mountain bike; this is not a "learn to ride group".  It is expected that "Groms" will regularly compete at SCUM events and participate in SCUM trail work days  The "Groms" meet on Tuesdays (subject to change) on a variety of SCUM trails.

The "Shredders" squad is suited to more advanced riders who have some solid riding experience and are looking for a more intensive training experience. This squad will ride at a variety of trails.  It is expected that "Shredders" will regularly compete at SCUM races, as well as other MTB races including the annual "Willo Enduro" and the "NSW State Titles representing SCUM. Participation at SCUM trail work days is also expected. The "Shredders" meet on Thursdays (subject to change).

Numbers are limited, with a maximum 10 per group.  If the EOI exceeds the number of spots available, participants will be chosen based on merit, participation in MTB events and demonstrated commitment to SCUM.

For enquiries, send an email to info@scum.asn.au 

The coach for both academies is Lynne Vaughan, accredited MTB coach.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are open now

(ALL EXISTING ACADEMY RIDERS MUST RE-APPLY)

The Tuesday "Groms" squad is 4:30-6:00pm, commencing Tue 8 Feb - Tue 5th Apr (no session on Tue 22 Mar but Groms  riders are welcome to join the Shredders session that week on Thu 24 Mar).

Cost: $90.00 for the terms (to be paid in full before Tue 8 Feb)

The Thursday "Shredders" squad is 4.30-6:00pm, commencing Thu 3 Feb - Thu 7th Apr.

Cost: $90.00 for the terms (to be paid in full before Tue 8 Feb)

Eligibility and Terms & Conditions (T&C's)

To be eligible for the SCUM Academy riders must meet all criteria:

• Be a Race Member (either Off-Road or All Discipline) of AusCycling with SCUM nominated as your club (NB: NOT a Free Trial membership)
  
• Aged between 12-17 years
  
• Have a well maintained mountain bike and an Australian approved helmet
• Be able to commit to the full term program, attending one session per week

Important

• Before submitting your EOI ensure you note all of the conditions as listed on this website
• A  compulsory information session will be held at the Coondoo trail on Sat 22 Jan. If you have applied for Term 1 2022 or you are intending to apply, it is essential that you attend. Come along to the trail work session from 2:00pm. The information session will start at 4:00pm followed by a ride around Coondoo. So make sure you bring your bike, riding gear, water and gloves. Bring some tools for some track work if you have them.

Send in your EOI to SCUM

Send your EOI to info@scum.asn.au by 5:00pm 23 Jan 2022.  You will be contacted the following week regarding the outcome.  Your EOI must include:

1. Your full name
2. Date of birth (and your age)
3. Contact number
4. AusCycling / SCUM Membership number
5. The squad you are applying for, i.e. GROMS (Tues) or SHREDDERS (Thu)
6. A few sentences describing your riding experience and why you would like to join the SCUM Academy?

Where to find our trails:

Cabbage Tree Lane is easy to find ... it's just off Yalwal Road, West Nowra, about 1 km down 'Cabbage Tree Lane'.  There's a MAP on our Social Scene Page and a Google map link is right here

For directions to Coondoo and all other SCUM trails click here.

PARENTS / HELPERS - If you're keen to help out in the SCUM academies - please let us know.  All helpers must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) from the Office of the Children's Guardian - the 'Free' volunteer option is all that is required.  For more details or to volunteer shoot contact us via our contact page or direct at info@scum.asn.au

Active Kids Program 

Did you know you can use your Active Kids voucher to join SCUM.  AusCycling is pleased to be a registered activity provider with the NSW Government’s Active Kids program and can accept Active Kids Vouchers!

Vouchers can be used for club and AusCycling membership; unfortunately they cannot be used for individual events entry fees.

To use a voucher follow the instructions on the AusCycling website: https://auscycling.org.au/membership/other/activekids

Novice / Junior riders

Novice events cater for anyone new to Mountain Biking.  If you want to get out there and have a go without feeling the need to 'race' then this style of event is right for you.  Previous participants have included mums, dads, brothers, sisters, young and old; anyone that was keen. 

Novice events coincide with each of the XC events and take in some of the best bits of each trail.  They are short and sweet with a few of the bigger lumps and bumps excluded.  Each Novice event runs in a marathon style with the course closing after the 30 minute mark, riders can do as many laps as they want or can in the allocated time (the overall riding time can therefore vary - can be up to approx 45 minutes).

Kudos to Mason Mawer & Scott Woods for coordinating the Novice events, plus all of the extras that regularly lend a hand; we can always use more help though so don't be frightened to put your hand up.