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This one-of-a-kind Wilderness First Responder program is designed specifically for mountain bikers.
Over the course of five days, you’ll learn to plan, risk manage, respond to emergencies, and make important evacuation decisions in familiar yet challenging environments. You’ll get the chance to practice new skills with on-trail scenarios, enjoy short lectures in the woods from our knowledgable instructors, and research and present on a core wilderness topic—all with some epic riding in between. The net result is a professional-grade education that will allow you to ride further with the skills and confidence of being prepared for unexpected emergencies. Join us on the renowned trails of beautiful Bellingham, WA for this unique offering.
“What an asset to learn these medical skills and practice scenarios on the trails that could save someone’s life one day... Of course we were clunky at times, made mistakes, tried again, worked as a team, had some creative ideas, learned, shared stories, and got to pedal around to reflect and process it all versus sitting in a classroom. Overall, I highly recommend this course.”
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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• 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