CA Palo Alto Weekly (Ages 7-13)

Registering for Little Bellas

You are REGISTERING for this program, meaning this is a guaranteed spot. Registration will move to a waitlist if the program fills to capacity and we will notify you if a spot opens up. You will only be granted a spot in this program or waitlist when you have completed the registration in its entirety and have received an email confirmation from Little Bellas.

Program Description

Welcome to Little Bellas Palo Alto!

The Palo Alto Weekly Program (Ages 7–13) meets for seven weeks at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, a well-loved open space offering wide trails, rolling terrain, and beautiful views right in the heart of the Bay Area. The program welcomes girls of all and any abilities to have fun, ride bikes, play games, and build confidence on the trail. Our main focus is creating a positive, supportive environment where girls can learn new skills and take on new challenges at their own pace.

Pearson-Arastradero Preserve provides a unique riding experience with open grasslands, gentle climbs, switchbacks, bowls, and flowing paths that make it a great place to explore on bikes. The varied terrain allows riders to practice navigating turns, riding features, and building bike handling skills while still keeping the experience fun and approachable. With expansive views, seasonal wildflowers, and plenty of space to move and play, the setting supports creative games and activities that encourage confidence, curiosity, and growth.

Girls and Mentors (we don’t coach, we mentor) ride together once a week and participate in a mix of trail riding, games, and activities designed to help riders build skills, try new challenges, and connect with one another. The focus is on fun, friendship, and personal growth in a welcoming, non-competitive environment that encourages girls to feel confident on and off their bikes.

Financial assistance is available if needed, and equipment may be available through our Gear Up program. Please communicate any equipment or financial assistance needs when filling out the registration form for the program.

What's Included:

• Little Bellas Custom T-Shirt
• Goodie Bag
• Snacks & Party

What to Bring:

• Bike Specific Helmet
• Mountain Bike - In good working order (with hand brakes, gears, and treaded tires)
• Water
• Closed-toed shoes
• Rain gear or extra layers if necessary

Schedule:

• 40 mins to 1 hr - Trail ride in small, age/ability appropriate groups
• 15 min - Snack (provided)
• 45 min - Games and activities (each day of the program has a different and unique curriculum)

Program Lead

Elke MacGregor
[email protected]

Elke brings a lifelong love of sport and confidence-building to her work with girls. A former World Cup ski racer who grew up on a ski resort in Fernie, BC, she credits sports and a deeply supportive family with shaping the self-confidence she once took for granted. For the past eight years, she has coached high school girls, finding joy in watching them grow from unsure and timid riders into confident powerhouses both on and off the bike. Elke is especially inspired by programs that teach through play and is excited to deepen that approach with Little Bellas. She lives in Palo Alto, CA, and believes strongly in building confidence in girls through strong, supportive communities.

Cancellation Policy

If you for any reason need to cancel your Little Bellas registration prior to your program start, we offer the following refund minus a $12 non-refundable processing fee:

8 or more weeks before launch: Full refund
5 to under 8 weeks before launch: 75% refund
3 to under 5 weeks before launch: 50% refund
2 to under 3 weeks before launch: 25% refund
Under 2 weeks before launch: No refund

Weather-Related Cancellations

If we must cancel a program day due to weather, one make-up day (or two, depending on the program) is built into the program schedule. Because our programs are largely volunteer-based, we are unable to guarantee additional make-up sessions beyond those built into the schedule.