About the sMORE's
These group rides for parents & kids are organized and led in various locations in the DMV. Each sMORE's program is structured a little differently, but they all have one common goal in mind: to provide a fun and safe opportunity for kids and families to enjoy and learn more about the sport of Mountain Biking.
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sMORE's rides are open to kids (& parents) of all ages & abilities
The overall mission of our family and kids programs is to foster camaraderie and help children realize their potential in a fun and constructive mountain bike environment. Along the way we want to emphasize the importance of living a healthy life style and respect for our environment, so that future generations can continue to enjoy it.
- sMORE's Rides ➡︎
- Anne Arundel
sMORE's - Balti sMORE's
- Frederick
Snallygaster sMORE's
- Eastern Shore sMORE's
- Lake Fairfax
sMORE's - MoCo sMORE's
- Wakefield sMORE's
- Prince William County sMORE's
- Carroll County sMORE's
What to Expect on a sMORETM's Ride
Although the programs are slightly different at each location, you can definitely expect the following at all of them:
1. All participants must wear a helmet (adults, this also means you).
2. All participants must have a bike in good working condition.
3. All participants must sign the MORE waiver.
4. With the exception of the Bike Lane Juniors Program, all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (these rides are about riding with your child as much as it is about getting kids to ride). The BaltisMORE's and MoCo sMORE's may make an exception on a case by case basis.
5. Rides are weather permitting; Please check the calendar or contact one of the ride POC’s prior to heading out if you are in doubt.
6. All rides will be led by an adult and have a responsible sweeper. Depending on participation rides may end up breaking up into two or more groups so everyone can ride at a pace and distance that suits their ability.
7. Allocate some extra time after the ride. In most cases the groups will convene for ice cream or treats after every ride to make the experience even “sMORE's” fun.
8. Be prepared to have fun and enjoy riding with your child.
The Anne Arundel sMORE's™️
The Anne Arundel sMORE's are led by a group of dedicated MORE volunteers who lead alternating - weekly rides.
The rides generally take place in and around Anne Arundel County focusing on the Bacon Ridge / Annapolis Waterworks trail system. The emphasis of the sMORE's rides is to get families out, and riding together. Parents are encouraged to participate to help lead or sweep rides, regardless of your riding ability, come on out!
For information on upcoming rides, or if you have question on what to expect at one of the Bacon sMORE's rides, please do not hesitate to contact the Ride Leaders.
The Balti sMORE's™️
Beginning in April, the Balti sMORE's meets on certain Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at Patapsco (Woodstock), Rockburn Branch, and Fairland parks. Locations vary, so check out the Upcoming sMORE’s Rides calendar (scroll down on this page) or join our Facebook group, Balti sMORE’s for the latest updates.
Rides begin at 6PM and it will last about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s ability. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and get organized. A helmet and well maintained mountain bike are required. Water is also a must, while snacks are good to have. Riders will need to have closed-toe shoes (no sandals).
We make an attempt to keep the groups small depending on the ability levels, and number of volunteers. Please email Donna McNutt to be added to the group.The status of all rides are posted on the Balti sMORE's Facebook Page.
Questions? You can email the ride POC's at BaltisMOREs@more-mtb.org.
The Frederick Snallygaster sMORE's™️
The Frederick Snallygaster sMORE's are a Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) youth riding program in Frederick County, Maryland. It is operated and managed by dedicated MORE volunteers.
Typically rides are held Wednesday nights from 5:30PM to 7:00PM and winter rides happen on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 10AM to 11:30AM. HOWEVER, ride times and locations often change from week to week depending on weather and availability. Be sure to check the Facebook group for most current ride information. Snally’s primarily ride in the Frederick Watershed, River’s Edge Trails in Brunswick, and from time-to-time take field trips to other locations around Frederick and beyond.
Rides are posted to Snallygaster sMORE’s Facebook page where participants RSVP to ride events. Riders are organized into small groups of similar ability levels. The number of groups vary depending on turnout, but usually include at least one beginner and one advanced ride.
NOTE, some rides may be designated as intermediate or advanced only, as some locations may not offer beginner terrain. (This info will be posted on our Facebook page prior to the ride.)
- Green (beginner)
- Blue (intermediate) - The blue group will often break into faster and slower groups.
- Black (advanced) - The black level riders are at a fast, almost Jr's race team speed.
* Some weeks we have a girl only ride group.*
Children under 9 are welcome, however a parent must accompany them on the ride and the child should be able to ride at least 3 miles on dirt trails. During 2021 all sMORE’s programs will require a parent or designated guardian to ride with each sMORE’s rider. Having parents/guardians ride with their child will address most pandemic issues (safety, injuries, medical authorization, etc.)
Post ride, Snallys typically gather to feed on ice cream or pizza. (warm weather months)
For more information please email the SnallyGasters, join their Facebook Group, or follow their Facebook and Instagram channels.
Eastern Shore sMORE's™️
The Eastern Shore sMORE's are led by a groups of dedicated MORE volunteers whose mission is to get more kids on bikes!
The Eastern Shore sMORE's currently include Kent Island Youth Cycling sMORE's rides, as its name implies, generally take place in and around the Kent Island area using a variety of parks and trails like Terrapin, Cross Island, and Tuckahoe. The emphasis of the Eastern Shore sMORE's ride is to get families out, and riding together. Parents are always encouraged to participate and each ride will accommodate riders of all ages and abilities.
Please subscribe to the Kent Island Youth Cycling sMORE"s facebook page here, for update on rides, timing, locations and dates. You can also check the MORE calendar for specific locations prior to heading out. Ride locations are based on trail conditions, and variety. Our goal is to rotate venues to keep it “interesting” for the kids and parents who attend regularly.
For information on upcoming rides, or if you have question on what to expect at one of the Eastern Shore sMORE's rides, please do not hesitate to contact the ride POCs or join the KIYC facebook group.
Lake Fairfax sMORE's™️
Beginning in mid-April, the Lake Fairfax sMORE's get together on Tuesday nights at The Bike Lane Reston riding the Lake Fairfax trails.
All rides begin at 5:45 pm and last about 1 -1.5 hours depending on the group’s ability and time of year. We ride in small groups with similar ability levels, so your child has the best chance of fitting in and feeling comfortable with the pace and challenge. Each ride group is guided by at least two experienced adult mountain bikers. The number of groups will vary depending on turnout, but usually include at least one beginner and one advanced ride. Statuses of all rides are posted on the NoVa sMORE's Facebook Page.
The MoCo sMORE's™️
The MoCo sMORE's are led by a group of dedicated MORE volunteers who lead a weekly ride.
The MoCo sMORE's rides, as its name implies, generally take place in and around upper Montgomery County, MD. The emphasis of the MoCo sMORE's rides is to get families out, and riding together. Parents are expected to participate. Exceptions to this rule have been made but we encourage all parents to participate.
The MoCo rides take place every Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm, weather permitting. We rotate around each week to one of several great up-county MTB trails. There are several parks which are ideal for kids to ride, including Schaeffer Farms, Hoyles Mill and Black Hill Regional Park, to name a few. Check the calendar, the sMORE's Facebook page, or join the MoCo sMORE's Google Group for specific locations prior to heading out. Ride locations are based on trail conditions, and variety. Our goal is to rotate venues to keep it “interesting” for the kids and parents who attend regularly.
For information on upcoming rides, or if you have question on what to expect at one of the MoCo sMORE's rides, please do not hesitate to contact the ride POCs.
Wakefield sMORE's™️
Beginning in mid-April, the NoVA sMORE's get together on Monday nights at Wakefield Park, in Annandale. The terrain at Wakefield is suitable for beginner riders and also has trails for the more advanced riders. The trails are all single track but there is a nice flat single track through the woods that is suitable for teaching the younger and beginner riders. Wakefield rides will start in the FIRST parking lot on the left as you pull into the park.
All rides begin at 5:45 pm and last about 1 -1.5 hours depending on the group’s ability and time of year. We ride in small groups with similar ability levels, so your child has the best chance of fitting in and feeling comfortable with the pace and challenge. Each ride group is guided by at least two experienced adult mountain bikers. The number of groups will vary depending on turnout, but usually include at least one beginner and one advanced ride. Statuses of all rides are posted on the NoVa sMORE's Facebook Page.
PWC sMORE's™️
The Prince William County sMORE’s program is led by group of dedicated MORE volunteers whose mission is to educate children and families on riding their bicycles, maintenance, riding techniques, trail etiquette, sharing the trails and enjoying each other’s company and camaraderie.
Enjoyable by all users ranging from beginner to advanced, Andrew Leitch hosts diverse terrain ranging from flat double wide packed greenway to single track trail that boasts great opportunity to learn MTB handling skills with mild roots, turns, and climbs.
2023’s rides will formally begin May 16th and 30th. Then after rides will be on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Rides will be posted on the MORE-MTB calendar. All rides will begin at 17:30 (5:30pm) and roughly end around 1830 (6:30pm) depending on the group’s ability. Post ride activities will include playing at playground, riding on the flat soccer filed, ice cream/popsicles, and camaraderie with all.
Please register for ride opportunities through our Golden series at:
https://x.gldn.io/e/
**Be sure to click on the correct date you are attending**
Parents are always encouraged to participate and each ride will accommodate riders of all ages and abilities.
The PWC sMORE’s program will be held at Andrew Leitch Park:
5301 Dale Blvd
Dale City, VA 22193
Lowest Parking lot near the ball fields and playground
Check out Andrew Leitch Park Trails Project on FaceBook: Andrew Leitch Park Trails Project | Facebook
Or the Andrew Leitch page on MORE-MTB: Andrew Leitch Park – MORE-MTB
For information on upcoming rides, or any other Andrew Leitch Park related questions, please email Andrew Leitch Liaisons at: andrewlietch@more-mtb.org
The trails at Andrew Lietch are perfect for sMORE rides!
Carroll County sMORE's™️
The Carroll County sMORE's meet at the Bear Branch Nature Center on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. The rides are for ages 8-14 (with a parent), riding 2-3 miles or so.
CarrollCOsMOREs@more-mtb.org
Each sMORE's program holds weekly or bi monthly rides in one of many parks around the DMV region. The parks include Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, Montgomery, Howard, Queen Anne's, Frederick, Prince George’s and Baltimore Counties in Maryland. Check the sMORE's ride and events calendar regularly for upcoming rides and events near you!
Upcoming sMORE's Rides
Summer 2021: sMORE's rides are back at parks in MD and VA! Check our event calendar or the sMORE's page on Facebook for updates!
Note: In addition to this website, each sMORE's program manages a FaceBook page (see below for specifics by location.)
Where We Ride
MORE has a huge portfolio of trails in the greater Mid-Atlantic region, however not all of those trails are entirely suitable for kids. Our sMORE's ride leaders have hand picked a few of MORE’s most popular destinations that are suitable for family and kid rides, below are some of the destinations most generally used by our sMORE's programs.