Most fat-tire enthusiasts are big on preservation. Whether it's maintaining trails or simply maintaining their own rides, there's a large emphasis on ensuring the sport's future.

And that goes for teaching young riders, too.

Both the Breckenridge Recreation Center and Maverick Sports Promotions are offering youth mountain biking programs this summer, aimed at teaching kids the finer points of riding.

The rec center offers two separate nearly month-long sessions (June 18 through July 23 and July 21 through Aug. 18). The program is for ages 4-12, the kids being broken up into Bunny Hop Mountain Bikers (4-5) and Junior Mountain Bikers (6-12).

Kids will get lessons on body positioning, balance, braking, cornering, rolling over obstacles, wheelies, pumping and pump track etiquette while riding at the Town of Breckenridge pump track at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena.

The first session is on Saturdays (Bunny Hoppers at 9, Juniors at 10:15), and the second is slated for Thursdays (same times).

The cost is $45 per session. For more information, visit www.breckenridgerecreation.com.

Meanwhile, Maverick Sports will present the Mountain Bike Junior League for its 11th season in the county. The program allows kids (up to 18) the opportunity to not only race in the Summit Mountain Challenge mountain bike series (which Mav Sports operates) but also allows for group rides and gives each participant a custom “team” jersey.

The cost of the league is $100 ($50 refundable) and includes entry into all six SMC events. The races are $10 each for non-league members.

Jeff Westcott, owner of Mav Sports, said recently that Mountain Bike Junior League is his favorite part of his job, something that helps groom the next generation of conscientious mountain bikers.

For more information, visit www.mavsports.com.