FAQs

FAQs

Got a question? You’re not alone. Check out our FAQs for our most commonly sought-after program info. If what you need isn’t here, shoot us an email at community@clippedinforlife.org.

• What ages can participate?

  Grip Academy serves kids age 4 up to 8th grade. We are not currently able to accommodate ages outside of this range.

• Can you teach my child to ride a bike?

  The short answer? Yes! Grip Academy teaches kids to ride by breaking down complex movements into deliberate progression, rewarded with colored grips inspired by the martial arts belt system.

  But it’s bigger than just learning to ride. Grip Academy pushes beyond basic bike handling skills to engage kids in a lifelong activity that boosts physical and mental health, reinforces valuable life skills, and builds community.

  Kids must be pedaling without training wheels in order to participate in Grip Academy. If your child is not yet pedaling, or only rides with training wheels, sign them up one of our monthly Learn-to-Ride Classes.

• Isn't learning to pedal good enough? Why do you have classes beyond just learning to ride?

  Kids in our programs build confidence, perseverance, and independence by discovering that riding a bike is a life-long adventure full of excitement, freedom, perspective, purpose, friendships, and belonging. Riding a bicycle gives kids age-appropriate opportunities to begin to explore their world, and our Grip Academy classes incorporate helmet fittings, traffic safety, trail etiquette, first aid, flat tire repair, chain repair, and other skills needed to ride safely and confidently.

• What are the Grip Levels?

  Grip Academy redefines the process of learning to ride a bike by breaking down complex movements into deliberate progression, rewarded with colored grips inspired by the martial arts belt system.

  Grip colors tell our coaching staff what skills your child already knows, and what skills he/she should learn next. The order of our Grip colors is White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Red, Brown, Black.

  Our class offerings currently serve White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, and Purple Grips.

  Learn more about each Grip Level.

• Which class should I sign my child up for?

  If you’re new to Grip Academy, book a free trial class! Our coaches will assess your rider’s ability during the trial and recommend the right class. Free trials are organized by your child’s age.

  Book a Free Trial

• Where are your classes located?

  Grip Academy classes are held outdoors at various locations in Folsom.

  Hinkle Creek Nature Center (January & February)
  7000 Baldwin Dam Rd, Folsom, CA 95630

  Rodeo Park (March 4 – April 1)
  200 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630

  Lakeside Church (April 13 – May 21)
  745 Oak Ave Pkwy, Folsom, CA 95630

• What kind of bike does my child need to participate?

  Your child will need a properly sized bike in good working order. Your child does not need a new or top-of-the-line bike to participate. If you’re on your bike, there’s a helmet on your head!

  If you are in the market for a bike there are lots of options, new or used. In general. we suggest a hard tail, 1X, mountain bike with disk brakes, but this is not a requirement. If you’re in the market for a bike, check out options from:

  • Young kids & kids on balance bikes: Strider, Woom, or Guardian
  • Older kids & all skill levels: Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale Trail 8, Cannondale Kids Trail 8, or Giant Talon

  Pro tip: Kids grow out of bikes quickly! Facebook Marketplace is a great way to shop on a budget.

• Are training wheels allowed?

  Kids must be pedaling without training wheels in order to participate in Grip Academy. If your child is not yet pedaling on two wheels, please register for one of our Get Rollin’ Learn-to-Ride Classes.

• What should my child bring to class?

  Please come to class prepared with the following:

  • Bike
  • Helmet
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing
  • Long hair should be worn in a low ponytail or braid(s) for proper helmet fitting.
  • Any medications (inhaler, epi pen, etc.) necessary to enable participation
  • A camp chair if you plan to stay on-site with your child. Parents are welcome to stay and watch, but it’s not required.
• What's your refund policy?

  No refunds will be offered for any reason (see full Clipped In for Life Refund Policy). Grip Academy membership fees cannot be rolled over to a future Grip Academy session, or transferred to another participant. We are not able to transfer Grip Academy registration funds to other Clipped In for Life events or programs.

  No-Shows

  Students must RSVP for the class(es) they plan on attending each week. If your child cannot attend a class, reservations may be changed up to five hours in advance of class without penalty. If your child misses a class without changing your reservation at least five hours in advance, you lose that class credit.

  Membership Cancellation

  Membership cancellation must be requested two weeks before your next billing date.

  Spring 2026: Grip Academy memberships are a three month billing cycle commitment, billed automatically on the first of each month (March 1, 2026; April 1, 2026; and May 1, 2026). Once your membership has been charged, no refunds will be issued for any reason as outlined in our general Clipped In for Life refund policy.

  Winter 2025-26: Grip Academy memberships are a four month billing cycle commitment, billed automatically on the first of each month (November 1, 2025; December 1, 2025; January 1, 2026; and February 1, 2026). Once your membership has been charged, no refunds will be issued for any reason as outlined in our general Clipped In for Life refund policy.

  To request a membership cancellation, please email us at community@clippedinforlife.org.

  Class Cancellation

  If we are forced to cancel a class due to unsafe weather (i.e. rain, wind, smoke, heat), students will be given the option to book a makeup class based on our schedule offerings. Refunds will not be offered for cancelled classes.