sMOREs Youth Rides Bring Mountain Biking to the Next Generation

By Anne Mader, Owner of The Bike Lane in Reston

Families gather outside of the Bike Lane in Reston just before their weekly sMOREs ride. Photo by Benjamin Burgess.

For more than 15 years, the sMOREs have been a staple of the local mountain biking scene. The Bike Lane sMOREs rides are youth mountain bike outings organized and led by dedicated volunteers. These rides offer kids and their parents a chance to bond over a shared love of the outdoors, biking, and community.

The rides are a collaborative effort between the local IMBA chapter, MORE (Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts), and The Bike Lane, a community-focused bike shop in Reston. Every Tuesday at 5:45 p.m., weather permitting, families gather at The Bike Lane before setting off for miles of fun singletrack at Lake Fairfax Park. Designed for riders of all levels, participants are grouped by age and experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Most riders range in age from 5 years old to middle schoolers.

The origin of the sMOREs rides stems from a shared goal: to create a fun and safe way for kids to enjoy and learn the sport of mountain biking. Started by volunteers and parents from The Bike Lane race team, the rides were originally held at Wakefield Park in Annandale. The program was later adopted by MORE, the local mountain biking advocacy club, and expanded to more than nine parks across the DMV. Each sMOREs ride varies slightly by location, but all share a focus on inclusivity, skill-building, and getting more kids on bikes.

Over the years, sMOREs has inspired countless young riders to develop a lasting passion for mountain biking. Many who started with the program have gone on to race at the high school and collegiate levels and even compete professionally.

Beyond the trails, sMOREs rides foster a strong sense of community. Each Tuesday, The Bike Lane sMOREs wrap up their rides with popsicles for the kids and cold brews for the parents on the Bike Lane Brewing patio. The program has become a cornerstone of camaraderie and connection in the Reston area.

To learn more about the sMORE’s rides, visit the sMORE’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MOREjuniorrides or the website: https://more-mtb.org/pages/smores/