Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and 30 miles from the Canadian border, Bellingham, Washington, has recreation opportunities in all directions. Between the North Cascades’ beautiful peaks, the town’s abundant trails, and Bellingham’s waterfront and island access, outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of this vibrant community.

Galbraith Mountain offers an extensive trail network that winds through lush forests, rocky terrain, and open meadows. Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, the area’s exceptional trail advocacy nonprofit, has a great trail resource to help you get acquainted with current conditions.

This course is held rain or shine and will require clothing suited for the weather. The following is a list of gear you will need to bring with you:

• Mountain bike

• Helmet

• Backpack

• Riding shoes

• Hat (sun hat or warm hat)

• Sunscreen

• Rain jacket

• Warm layers

• Water bottle

• Food for lunch and snacks (lunch is not provided or available during the course)

This program is designed to be highly experiential. Thus, students will be expected to be comfortable riding 10-plus miles through intermediate terrain, climbing and descending 1000 feet on mostly singletrack. For skills practice, you will need to be able to get on and off the ground, squat, and lift the weight of your bike. Please ensure your equipment is in good working order, and we highly advise bringing the tools needed for common bike maintenance and repairs. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Please contact BMG if there are questions about student fitness requirements.

Subject to change at instructors’ discretion due to trail conditions, weather, and/or rider abilities)

Day 1

Galbraith Mountain North Side: 8:30AM - 5:30PM

Ride: 7-10 miles, 900 feet vertical, intermediate terrain and trails

Trails: SST

The class meets at the Whatcom Falls Pump Track at 8:30AM for check in, CPR skills lab, and Risk Management Labs. Then we’ll hop onto our bikes and head out to ride SST (one of Galbraith Mountain’s most classic trails) stopping for skills and scenario practice along the way. Around noon, there is a trailside lunch break before the afternoon, when we will continue riding with intermittent stops for trauma skills and scenario practice. The day wraps up at 5:30PM.

Day 2

Galbraith Mountain South Side: 8:30AM- 5:30PM

Ride: 7-10 miles

Trail Options: Huff & Puff, Whoopsie Woodle, Pump Track, Lair of the Bear, Atomic Dog

Meet at the South Side Parking Lot on S. Samish Way for another day training on the world class trails of Galbraith Mountain. The course meets again at 8:30AM and finishes back at the lot at 5:30PM

Day 3

Chuckanut Mountains: 8:30AM - 5:30PM

Ride: 6-12 miles, 900 feet vertical, intermediate and advanced terrain and trail options

Trail Options: Burnout Rd. gravel climb, Hemlock, Raptor Ridge, Salal, Double Down, Two Dollar

We’ll meet at either the North Chuckanut Mountain trailhead or the North Lost Lake Trailhead.

Day 4

Chuckanut Mountains: 8:30AM - 5:30PM

Ride: 6-12 miles, 900 feet vertical, intermediate and advanced terrain and trail options

Trail Options: Burnout Rd. gravel climb, Hemlock, Raptor Ridge, Salal, Double Down, Two Dollar

We’ll meet at either the North Chuckanut Mountain trailhead or the North Lost Lake Trailhead.

Day 5

Galbraith Mountain South Side: 8:30AM- 5:30PM

Ride: 7-10 miles

Trail Options: Huff & Puff, Whoopsie Woodle, Pump Track, Lair of the Bear, Atomic Dog

Meet at the South Side Parking Lot on S. Samish Way for another day training on the world class trails of Galbraith Mountain. The course meets again at 8:30AM and finishes back at the lot at 5:30PM

*Note: The itinerary is fluid and is subject to change for safety and weather/ environmental factors including wind, rain/ snow, Air Quality Index, trail closures, traffic considerations, etc.

Our guides train you how to prevent, manage, and treat a range of common emergencies that you may encounter out on the trails. This course combines online self-paced precourse work with a highly immersive day skills training on Galbraith Mountain.

This combination of focused learning and practical experience provides you with the conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills to face common emergencies that you may experience while biking. Expect to work hard, get out on the trails, make new connections with other like minded people, and learn a ton about mountain bike medicine. Ages 18+, or 14+ with registered guardian chaperone.

By the end of the course, you will:

• Build strong patient assessment skills

• Demonstrate common treatments of traumatic injuries and life threats

• Recognize and treat medical emergencies and hardships

• Prevent, recognize, and treat environmental emergencies

• Learn improvisation, evacuation, and rescue techniques

• Practice pre-trip and expedition planning

• Practice preventative strategies

• Wilderness First Responder certification, valid for 2 years with optional 1 year extension and 1 year grace period for recertification

• CPR: AED Adult/ Child/ Infant, valid for 2 years 

• Washington Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification, valid for 2 years