So I am leading a group of folk from work on a ride this Sunday... picked out the route to suit all skill levels, fixed the start and the Rothaus brewery for Weissbier and white sausage to end the day...
I have a couple of skill challenges and games up my sleeve but interested in other stuff you have tried with success.... 6 adults, varying skill/fitness but generally up for a bit of a laugh... googling MTB Games doesn't give much help.
MTB Piñata where one of the group is hung from a tree and beaten isn't really an option, these are my friends...
What have you got?
First one to the top of the hill gets a prize? You all wait just before the top for a breather leaving them up there.
Most punctures/mechanicals buys the beer
Best crash?
I'm mostly worried that your route could be so dull you need to liven it up a bit 😉
Its mixed, some fire roads, some single track, some tech climbs and descents.
People on bikes with V brakes, one is a 3x7 speed that weighs as much as a small moon, 33km through the Black Forest, 500m ascent and from the others that went the previous time its about "right"
They had a good day, felt pleased with themselves and two are back for another shot... different route but sometimes its good to stop, have a break and a bit of fun and a stretch..
Already picked out some prizes...
standard skills type stuff I do with my kids and their mates when i have taken them out?
A slow race - flat ground, two markers 15m or so apart, feet down = DQ, last one over the line wins.
Same area - two stones a few paces apart, figure of 8's, again foot down or missing a marker = DQ. Gradually move the stones closer together; teaches slow speed balance and also (Jedi mode on) 'LOOKING!'
Could do points for this - 1 point for first out, 2 for next up to whatever N is.
Add in a hill climb (loose / steep so it's not just who is fittest / has lightest bike) and points for that - add points up, winner has most overall.
If any equal, get some long branches and bike joust 😉
white sausage to end the day? a morning ride then?
One legged uphill race for clipless riders - no swapping leg though!
Space invaders - mark off the play area with stones/sticks/rucksacks, objective is to get in each other's way and force them to dab but not crash. Each dab is a "life", can have any number of lives. All about slow speed control/track standing.
Find a long stick and play bike limbo. Lower the stick with each round. Make a silly paper crown for the limbo king/queen and tape to their helmet for the rest of the ride.
Hmmmm... stuff to make a ride interesting, I can see the point if it were a road ride....
Downhill coasting races are fun, if you have a nice, long, gentle descent.
If you want something for when you're stopped, then stick out four corner markers and everyone has to ride inside without dabbing. Move the markers closer in and see who can stay on their bike. This gets properly competitive with adults as you can strategically block other riders. Usually the best track-stander will win 🙂
Another one is to set up two markers about 20m apart, start two riders opposite each other, and then race around the markers. Winner is the first to catch the other.
Being honest with you, I can't stand stuff like this when I'm out riding. The only game I like to play is "who can go fastest" or "who can get to the top of the hill first". Other games are saved for Friday coaching...
Occasionally with the kids we have a bottom gear race. Find a short section of flat, put the bikes into the bottom (easiest/granny) gear then race. Its really hard to spin your legs fast enough.
Downhill coasting races are fun, if you have a nice, long, gentle descent.
This will give the fat ones something to be proud of too 😀
Most spectacular crash?
Winner gets a month off work and a trip in a helicopter.
I like a down hill race
Start off next to each other, half a crank rotation each (in a similar gear), then first to make it to the lamppost or other object a few hundred metres away
Always funny, and not about being who is bravest
Front wheel lift/rear wheel lift competition/practice using puddles, leaves as targets. Moving around the bike who can get furthest back/forward, off the side of the bike etc.
First gear race, a short loop where only first gear is allowed, single speeders banned though!
Will be nicking a few of these for livening up a few track sessions...
Edit: Beaten to it, apologies!
We like to play things like buzzing each others wheels and grabbing each others brake levers as we're riding side by side.
Thanks for these, really helpful.
I also hate enforced fun but for beginners its just a nice wee break, adds a bit of difference, possibly helps skills and might add to the enjoyment of the day... Just something to have in your back pocket should the opportunity arise.
Weiss wurst... yes, morning ride and late lunch, they would never hack a full day. Its nice to leave them feeling, hopefully, like they would go again rather than relieved they survived.... plus, its nice to be full of sausage at lunchtime...
soggy biscuit?