Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 9:00 to 11:00 AM · Grapevine
Their first
trail day
starts here.
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is a nationwide event, and this year it lands at Horseshoe Trails in Grapevine. Two hours built for kids: a skills clinic on flat ground, then an easy group ride on a real dirt trail with DORBA riders front and back. If your kid can pedal and brake, they are ready. No experience needed. Free. Bring a bike, a helmet and a kid.
No registration. Two quick waivers online, then show up at 9:00.
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When
Sat Oct 3
9:00 to 11:00 AM
Where
Horseshoe Trails
McPherson Slough Park, Grapevine
Cost
Free
Just sign the waivers
Who
Any kid who can ride a bike
No experience needed. Bring a grown-up.
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Hosted by
Event by
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Last year at Horseshoe
This is what Saturday looks like.
Small bikes, big grins, and a trail that finally has the right size riders on it.
Photos from Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2025 at Horseshoe Trails, Grapevine.
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How it'll work
Learn it in the lot. Ride it on the trail.
Two hours, two halves. First the kids learn the basics on flat ground with coaches from DORBA and our partners. Then everyone rolls out together on Horseshoe's easiest loop, the same one DORBA uses for its beginner rides. Nobody is timed, nobody is scored, and nobody gets left behind.
9:15 to 10:15 AM
The Skills Clinic
Braking, shifting, standing up on the pedals, looking where you want to go. Small groups, patient coaches, lots of laps around the cones. Coaches meet every kid where they are, whether this is their first time off the sidewalk or their fiftieth. Grown-ups are welcome to ride the drills too.
10:15 to 10:45 AM
The Group Ride
Everyone onto the trail together, with DORBA riders at the front and the back. Kid pace, plenty of stops, and the group only moves as fast as its slowest rider. Parents are welcome to ride along. If it is your kid's first time on a dirt trail, this is the one to start on.
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Not sure your kid is ready?
They are. Here is why.
This day exists for kids who have never done it, and for parents who are not sure what "mountain biking" even means for a seven-year-old. If your kid can ride around the block, they can do this.
Never been off pavement?
Perfect. That is who the clinic is for. The coaches start from zero, on flat grass, and nobody rolls onto the trail until they have practiced the basics. Most of last year's riders had never been on dirt before.
Not sure of their level?
You do not have to be. The only test is the one your kid already passed: can they pedal, steer and stop. The trail is Horseshoe's easiest loop, wide and mostly flat, with no drops, jumps or anything you would need a special bike for.
What if they get nervous or tired?
Then they stop, and that is fine. DORBA riders are at the front and back of every group, the pace is set by the slowest kid, and a service road runs alongside the trail, so a volunteer can walk anyone out at any point. No one has to finish to have had a great morning.
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Take it home
Ink it. Stick it.
The first 50 kids to check in get the event badge as a temporary tattoo, and every rider gets the commemorative sticker to keep. One design, one day, never printed again. Pick up both at the DORBA tent.
The sticker. Die-cut, weatherproof, sized for a bike frame, a helmet or a water bottle.
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Saturday morning, start to finish
The run of show
| 9:00 AM |
Check-in at the trailhead. Both waivers signed online already? You are through in seconds. |
| 9:15 AM |
Mountain bike skills clinic. One hour of basics on flat ground. |
| 10:15 AM |
Group trail ride. Onto Horseshoe's easiest loop, led by DORBA. |
| 10:45 AM |
Wrap-up. High fives, photos, and home by 11:00 with a kid who wants to go again. |
Rain plan: if the trail is too wet to ride safely, we will post the call on DORBA social media by 7:00 AM.
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Before Saturday
Two waivers. Two minutes.
The City of Grapevine hosts the park and DORBA runs the riding, so each one needs a signed waiver for every participant, kids included. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18. Do both online now and skip the line at check-in.
Step 1
City of Grapevine waiver
Grapevine Parks and Recreation's participant waiver. This is how the City counts you in, so it doubles as your sign-up.
Step 2
DORBA waiver
DORBA's standard ride waiver, the same one you sign for any DORBA clinic or group ride. One per rider, kids included.
Didn't sign in advance? You can still do it on the day, but not until every rider who did has checked in. Late paperwork holds up the whole group, so please handle it now.
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Know before you go
The short list
Bring your own bike
Any bike with working brakes and air in the tires. A mountain bike is nice, but the kid's bike already in your garage is fine for the clinic and the trail. Give it a once-over the night before.
Helmets, no exceptions
DORBA requires a helmet on every rider, every age, kids and grown-ups alike. No helmet, no ride. Make sure it fits: level on the head, snug strap, two fingers above the eyebrows.
Grown-ups can ride
Bring your bike and ride the loop with your kid, or cheer from the trailhead. Either way you are not on your own: DORBA riders are at the front and back of every group, and a service road runs alongside the trail, so if a kid needs to bail early a volunteer walks them out.
Getting there
McPherson Slough Park, 2500 Catfish Lane, Grapevine, TX 76051. Park in the lot at the trailhead and look for the tents. Directions ›
Pack
Water for everyone, sunscreen, a snack for the wrap-up, and closed-toe shoes. It is October in Texas, which means it could be 60 or 90. Check the forecast.
Not a member?
You do not need to be one to come. But Horseshoe is built and maintained by DORBA volunteers, and days like this are what your dues pay for. Join DORBA ›
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Saturday, October 3 · 9:00 AM · Horseshoe Trails, Grapevine
Bring a kid.
Make a rider.
No experience needed · Hosted by Grapevine Parks & Rec · Event by DORBA
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