This page updated May 19, 2023.
The BJC Shredders Team is an enduro and gravity program for experienced co-ed riders aged 14-19. It’s designed for dedicated athletes who have mastered the skills and knowledge of the BJC MTB Devo program or similar.
Participation is limited and includes a non-competitive application process. Athletes must meet minimum qualifications that allow our coaches to create groups of similar age, skill, fitness, and goals.
Athletes should be ready to commit to attending every practice, training consistently, and working hard to achieve personal goals. This will include long rides and challenging uphill climbs. Racing is not required to participate, but racing is a core part of the program and we encourage athletes to train for and participate in a few races each season. We believe racing is a great way to have fun with your teammates and challenge yourself.
If the Shredders program is not a good fit for you, we encourage you to participate in the other BJC mountain bike programs: Devo (age 9-14) or the Red Squad (High School). Both programs include opportunities for gravity-style riding.
Some athletes with a greater amount of experience may benefit from blending both the Shredders team and the Red Squad to combine the endurance and gravity sides of the sport and to expand their opportunities. Contact our coaches to see if this is an option for you.
Summer 2023 season is full. Applications for fall season will open in July 2023.
To inquire please contact Shredders Lead Coach Christoph Cikragi (email)
If you are unsure of which BJC program to register for, go ahead and register for our Devo or High School program and also fill out the 2023 Shredders application form. This will guarantee you a spot in our programs, and if you are accepted to Shredders, your other registration payment will be applied.
Athlete Requirements:
Participants need a strong level of fitness and technical ability. A typical practice consists of 2-3 hours, 10-25 miles, and 1,500 to 3,000 feet of climbing. Shredders is NOT a downhill only team, and athletes should be capable of climbing all local trail systems without frequent stops. Other qualifications include: advanced cornering technique, a level of proficiency doing manuals, wheelies, and drops, and a level of comfort riding steep, loose, and technical terrain.
Equipment Requirements:
- A mountain bike with a minimum 130 mm of rear travel and 150 mm of front travel, with a head tube angle of 66.5 degrees or lower, and a dropper post.
- Protective gear for every practice including a mountain bike specific enduro knee pads, trail rated helmet, and glasses. For certain practices and all races you may also need more advanced protective equipment, such as: a full face helmet, chest protector, and elbow pads.
The overall goals of the team are to have fun, build cycling expertise, develop life skills, create a strong community, and test ourselves on the race course. Athletes will develop their technique on drops, manuals, wheelies, step-ups, technical line choice, race tactics, basic bike repair, suspension setup, nutrition and more. We’ll also include sprint training, intervals, and endurance training.
We provide coaching and team support at several races each season. The exact schedule of races with BJC team support will be determined as the season unfolds. Examples of team races from past years include Grand Enduro in Grand Junction, Revolution Enduro Series, Session Series at Floyd Hill, and National Championships.
Additionally, each season we lead half and full day backcountry and high alpine team rides to expose riders to new trails, new terrain, and new riding experiences!
What is Enduro?
An Enduro race consists of several timed stages linked by un-timed transition stages. The race stages consist of technical downhills mixed with short climbs and flat sprints. All the downhill stages are added to make up the total race time. All the stages and transitions combined can sum up to 20+ miles per day, and most are even multi-day events. This is why it is absolutely key to to have both endurance and technical handling ability to ensure a safe and fast experience when racing Enduro.
Where do we ride?
All over Boulder County and surrounding areas. Typical trails include Hall Ranch, Walker Ranch, White Ranch, Apex-Enchanted Forest, Floyd Hill, Valmont Bike Park, and Trestle Bike Park. Locations are announced weekly in advance to provide families time to plan logistics.
If you are unsure if this program is for you, have questions about schedule or the skill level required, please fill out the 2023 Shredders Application form and contact Shredders Lead Coach: Christoph Cikraji (email)
2023 Shredders Spring Season
- April 3 – May 25 (8 weeks, 16 practices)
- + 2 additional weekend “Big Rides” dates TBD
- Practices are Mon & Wed
- 2 hour practices: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: $695
- Team race support requires additional fees based on circumstances
2023 Shredders Summer Season
- June 12 – August 2 (7 weeks, 14 practices)
- + 2 additional weekend “Big Rides” dates TBD
- Full schedule of enduro race weekends
- No practices on the week of July 4
- Practices are Mon & Wed
- 3 hour practices: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Cost: $895
- Team race support requires additional fees based on circumstances
2023 Shredders Fall Season
- Tentative Dates: Sept. 6 – Oct. 13
- No Practices on Labor Day Holiday
- Practices are 2 afternoons a week, Mon & Wed
- 2 hour practices: 4:30 – 6:30 PM
- High school riders can participate in both Shredders and their High School MTB team by coordinating with their coaches.
- Cost: TBD
- Team race support requires additional fees based on circumstances
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We strongly encourage families to contact us about assistance paying for program fees, equipment/clothing costs, and racing costs. Finances should never be a reason a family can’t join our team! BJC has a scholarship fund set aside for this purpose, and we are honored to provide nearly $20,000 in financial scholarships and equipment every year. While some BJC programs sell out very quickly, we always hold spots open for those kids who might be a scholarship candidate. You won’t lose your spot on the team! Applications are welcome anytime, but we prefer to receive them at least a month in advance of the program start date if possible. We look forward to all inquiries. Please contact Executive Director Pete Webber (email).
SAFESPORT: Athlete Wellness and SafeSport is a high priority for BJC. We’re proud to have earned Gold Level Certification, the highest level available. More info here.
BAD WEATHER: We almost NEVER cancel practice due to bad weather. We ride in the rain and snow! Be ready! Please dress for the conditions that day! This will range from very hot to very cold, and include rain, snow, wind, sleet, etc. When trails are too muddy to ride, we’ll ride other locations. In the case of extreme weather we will cancel practice, but it almost never happens. We do not provide make up days.
UNIFORMS: Team uniforms are required for racing, but are optional for those who choose not to race. Group clothing orders are placed several times per year, and take about 2 months to be produced. Clothing is not included in program fees. The team also hosts a ‘swap session’ to help exchange gear among ever-growing kids!
Shredders Lead Coach: Christoph Cikragi (email)
