LEARN TO MOUNTAIN BIKE: Gravity Mountain Biking

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the LEARN TO MOUNTAIN BIKE: Gravity Mountain Biking 8-9-10 July 2025, is now open. The application deadline is 20 June 2025 @ 1200 PST

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Who has the need for ADVENTUUUUUUUUREEEEEE? If you have been itching to learn or improve your mountain biking - this may be right up your... hill? 

Soldier On is very happy to once again be teaming up with Gravity Mountain Biking (GMB) this July! GMB will be hosting Soldier On participants to their rad facility where they will skillfully, and safely, introduce you to the sport of mountain biking. Over the course of three days, participants will be exposed to all things biking! In each 3 hour session, participants can expect to be out on their bikes practicing skills and drills, applying these skills to a 60-90 min ride through the beautiful Strathcona Park, learning fundamental care for your bike (like how to change a tire) and learning mobility movements specific to helping make your body stay (or become) supple! 

Don't have a bike but still want to give it a whirl? No worries, equipment will be provided.  

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 5

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Courtenay-Comox area (within 45min driving radius), who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

*NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: The selection of serving members for activities outside their local regions for which members will be on TD will align with CAF direction on financial expenditures.

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

8-10 July 2025
Day 1 
9:00am - 9:30am: pre-ride prep warm up and mobility
9:30am - 12:00pm:  ride  

Day 2
9:00am - 11:30am:  ride 
11:30 - 12:00pm:  post ride stretch & roll  

Day 3
9:00am - 10:00am:  short ride
10:00am - 12:00pm:  tire changes

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that meals and transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location, travel and meals are not eligible for reimbursement for this event

Participants are encouraged to bring water and a snack to consume during the sessions.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Greater Courtenay-Comox area within a 45 min driving radius who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Applicants must be able to tolerate up to 3-hours of moderate to high paced activities for three consecutive days. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Applicant must not be in violation of MEL's. 

Applicants must be able to endure an impact from a fall. Safety equipment will be provided; however, applicants are encouraged to bring their own equipment should they own any. 

Applicants must be able to ride a bike and be confident on un-pathed terrain. 

Applicants must be prepared to wear a helmet at all times while participating in this activity. 

Applicants must understand that the majority of this camp will take place outdoors and therefore must be able to tolerate changing weather conditions and terrains including, but not limited to, heat and sun, wind and perpetual rain, sand, rocks, dirt, bugs and an occasional stinky smell! 

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.