MTB Lab @ Thinkwell
Spring 2026
This page is home base for MTB Lab families. It includes expectations, updates, and shared resources as the program progresses.
Orientation
Welcome to the first-ever MTB Lab @ Thinkwell.
I’m Coach Sam, founder of Beeline MTB, and I’m excited to work alongside you, the students and families of Thinkwell Hybrid School of Discovery. As an experienced MTB Coach with a strong passion for learning, it’s my goal to create a hands-on environment where confidence, curiosity, and real-world problem solving develop through integrated Bike & STEAM experiences.
While the structure and values of the program are intentional, Thinkwell MTB Lab will continue to evolve as we learn what best supports student readiness, engagement, and skill development over time.
If you have a question, this is the best place to start. If you’re not finding any answers here, please feel free to reach out.
Action Items
Get ready for our next class, Feb 27. Note: there will be no classes on Feb 20.
- Please make sure you sign the liability waiver
Required before participation
👉🏽 beelinemtb.com/waiver - Feb 28 – Trail Love Day & Spring Programs
Join us for an optional Trail Love Day on Saturday the 28th! And check out what’s upcoming for Beeline Spring Programs for more riding opportunities! - Bike Book for Show & Tell
Bring a book about bikes — fiction or nonfiction. Bring your own book, or something from the library. - Gear to bring to class
- Helmet
- Bikes not required for Week 3 (unless you missed week 2)
Note: Classes have been extended to May 9th, due to previous cancellation.
Foundations
Weeks 1-4 (Phase 1)
In this phase, we’re focusing on:
- Orientation & the big picture
- Bike history and culture
- Basic bike maintenance
- Navigation fundamentals
- Trail anatomy and awareness
These foundations help students build shared understanding and language around bikes, safety, and problem-solving. This groundwork supports confidence and readiness as we move toward more applied riding experiences in future phases.
Coming Up, Week 3:
Big Picture & Culture
If you didn’t bring it last week, bring a book about bikes this week. We will continue to explore the many ways bikes show up in people’s lives — transportation, sport, creativity, freedom, and community.
Basic Maintenance
Everyone please bring your helmet to class. If you brought your bike last week, you can leave it at home this week. If you were absent, please bring your bike and helmet to class . We will look them over together, learn the names and functions of key parts, and connect maintenance to safety and care. 🚫Do not expect to ride this week.
Tire Tread Tracks (Art + Science)
Students will explore tires hands-on, learning about rolling resistance and traction through an art-based activity using tires.
Plans may change based on class dynamics, needs, and curiosities, while staying anchored to the learning objectives.
Classroom Expectations
In class, we practice being curious and respectful, trying things even when theyre scary or we’re not sure we’ll get them “right,” listening when others are speaking, and taking care of shared materials. We support and encourage each other as we learn together. We do not make fun of others’ ideas, efforts, or questions, handle bikes or tools without permission, or rush ahead of the group. Everyone learns at their own pace, and that pace is respected.