More than teaching girls to ride bikes.
Many Little Bellas mentors tell us the same thing: "I wish something like this had existed when I was a kid."
That's because Little Bellas is about more than learning to ride a bike. It's about building confidence, creating friendships, and discovering what's possible when you're supported by a community that believes in you. Today, our Mentors and Junior Mentors help create that experience for the next generation of girls. Through weekly rides and shared adventures, they help participants build confidence, make friends, and discover what they're capable of.
Our mentors come from all walks of life. Some have spent years on a mountain bike, while others simply love being outdoors and sharing that passion with young people. They bring different experiences, perspectives, and reasons for volunteering, but each plays an important role in creating a supportive community where girls can build confidence, develop skills, and have fun.
What is a Little Bellas Mentor?
Adult Mentors are 18 and older, while Junior Mentors are ages 14–17. Our mentor community includes women and non-binary volunteers who participate in weekly program sessions and help create a positive experience for every participant.
Little Bellas uses a group mentoring model, meaning mentors work together as a team to support all participants rather than being paired with a specific child. During each session, mentors ride alongside participants, encourage them through challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and help create a fun, supportive environment where girls feel welcome and included.
You don't need to be a professional athlete to be a great mentor. While mentors should be comfortable riding local trails, what matters most is a willingness to show up, support young people, and share a love of biking and the outdoors.
Why Mentorship Matters
The most important thing a mentor can do is be exactly who they are. It shows girls that it's okay to bring their authentic selves to the world and to their friendships. Modeling that authenticity is incredibly valuable. The relationships formed through Little Bellas are what make our programs special.
Girls need positive role models who can show them what confidence, resilience, kindness, and leadership look like in action. Our mentors create an environment where every girl feels welcomed and capable.
As one leader described it, an ideal mentor is someone who loves riding, loves supporting young people, and isn't afraid to be a little silly along the way.
Commitment & Volunteer Screening Process
Because mentorship is at the heart of our programs, we take our volunteer screening process seriously.
Prospective mentors complete an application, interview process, background check, and mentor training before joining a program. Mentor opportunities vary by location and participant enrollment, and placement is based on program needs and recommended participant-to-mentor ratios.
Mentors are expected to attend approximately 75% of scheduled program sessions. Full participation is always ideal, as consistency helps build the trust and relationships that make mentorship meaningful.
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
If this sounds like a community you'd like to be part of, we'd love to learn more about you.
Little Bellas Mentor FAQs
Mentors should have a mountain bike in good working condition, a properly fitting helmet, and a water bottle. If you don't have access to a mountain bike, please let us know. We can help.
No. There is no cost to volunteer with Little Bellas. We provide a mentor jersey and cover the cost of required background checks and First Aid certification, when needed. Some programs also host mentor get-togethers or provide small mentor appreciation gifts.
No. You don't need to be an expert rider or professional athlete to be a great mentor. Mentors should be comfortable riding local trails and modeling safe riding practices, but what matters most is a willingness to encourage young people, have fun, and share a love of mountain biking. If you're unsure whether your riding experience is a good fit, we'd love to hear from you.
We understand that mentors have busy schedules and active lives. We ask mentors to attend approximately 75% of scheduled program sessions whenever possible (for example, 6 of 8 weekly sessions). Consistency helps build trust and meaningful relationships with participants, so we encourage mentors to attend as many sessions as possible.
Yes! Before each program begins, mentors are invited to a Meet & Greet where they can get to know one another, meet the Program Lead, and prepare for the season together.
Yes. Before the season begins, mentors complete online training and have access to a library of online resources designed to help them feel prepared and confident in their role. Mentors also participate in an in-person training with their local program team before the first session.
Throughout the season, your Program Lead will be your primary point of contact for questions and support. Program Leads are backed by their Regional Team and the Little Bellas office team, ensuring mentors have the guidance and resources they need throughout the season.