PE 1664: Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is for those who want to learn the skills to ride a bike on single track trails. Skills on the bike include body position, braking, shifting, descending, climbing and navigating natural terrain such as rocks, roots and logs. You will also learn to complete a bike safety check, change a flat tire and navigate on the trails. Classes will take place at different trail systems. Rental bikes are available for a $60 fee.
| Course Fee | Students: $325 Community: $355 CU Faculty/Staff: $345 |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | $60 additional fee for Bike Rental |
| Attendance | First 2 classes are mandatory. Students can miss one class and still receive PE credit. |
| Prerequisites | Ability to comfortably ride a bike. Mountain Biking is geared towards beginning mountain bikers, but it takes place on narrow, uneven trails and basic bike handling skills are a must. You can expect ride 5-10 miles a day on average. |
| Drop Deadline | August 26th |
| Enrollment | Enroll through Student Center or by contacting COE at 607-255-6183 or coed@cornell.edu |
| Links |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9/3/25 | 6:00-8:00 pm (outfitting) |
| Saturday | 9/6/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Saturday | 9/13/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Saturday | 9/20/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Saturday | 9/27/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Saturday | 10/4/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 9/4/25 | 6:00-8:00 pm (outfitting) |
| Sunday | 9/7/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Sunday | 9/14/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Sunday | 9/21/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Sunday | 9/28/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
| Sunday | 10/5/25 | 10:00am to 3:00pm |
How to dress and what to bring to class
This clothing list is intentionally specific because we want you to be safe and enjoy the out of doors. Comfort is a must when learning about the outdoor environment! Our biking courses will frequently have different weather than the Cornell campus. Expect it to be cooler. It is better to dress with layers so that you can regulate your temperature based on your activity level and changes in weather. We strongly recommend wool or polypropylene because these materials retain their insulated qualities when damp whereas cotton does not. Dressing according to this concept will increase the quality and enjoyment of your outdoor experience.
* These items are provided by COE and are covered in the course fee.
** These items can be rented from the COE Outfitting
Upper Body
- Synthetic shirt or bike jerseys
- 1 insulating layers (fleece, wool or synthetic insulated jacket) if it’s a cold day
- **1 raincoat or shell (must be waterproof)
- Elbow pads (optional)
Lower Body
- 1 pair shorts (Biking shorts with padded are nice but not required)
- 1 pair insulated pants (bike or running tights. Must be tapered so they don't get stuck in the chain) (if its cold out)
- underwear as needed
- Knee pads (optional)
Head and Hands
- Biking Helmet in good condition (included in class fee if you need to borrow one)
- Sun Glasses (clear lens glasses provided in the class if needed)
- 1 pair cycling gloves or other synthetic gloves with grip (optional)
- Thin hat that will fit under the helmet incase it’s a cold day
Feet
- synthetic or wool socks
- Biking Shoes or any Firm-soled athletic shoes
Bike Gear
- **Bike in good repair and fitted to you (available for rent if needed - $60)
- Spare tube if you plan to bring your own bike
- Small day pack or hydration pack (large enough to put layers, snacks and water in)
- 1 liter of water in biking bottles or in your backpack
- light snacks (energy bars, nuts etc.)
- Optional - Clipless pedals if you are bringing your clipless shoes (our rentals have flats)