At-risk youth will get a chance to hit the trails, thanks to the efforts of a local bike shop.

Aj's Bikes and Boards at 1538 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, is currently collecting used mountain bikes to repair and give to youngsters who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to go trail riding.

Just in time for Christmas, the bike shop is sprucing up and repairing the old bikes to donate to youth involved  in the nonprofit Trips For Kids of Tampa program.

Operating in the United States, Canada and Israel, Trips For Kids has provided mountain biking experiences to more than 60,000 at-risk youth through its Earn-A-Bike programs.

Tampa's is among more than 60 chapters offering at-risk children a chance to go trail riding. Locally, the Academy Prep Center in Ybor City participates in the program. Children age 10 to 17 perform community service hours to earn their bikes.

Aj's Bikes and Boards co-owner Dave Decker said the program is a win for the environment.

"The kids get a free bike for getting involved in coastal cleanups, trail maintenance and other outdoor services projects," he said. "And we recyle these old bikes for them and keep them out of the landfills."

Decker and partner Darrin Rutledge, have been supporting the Trips For Kids chapter for several years as a way to give back to the community.

The 5-year-old shop specializes in "all things bikes," including bike repairs, said Decker.

He put out a call for used bikes and was so overwhelmed by the response, he decided to extend the collection period.

"We've been getting a great response. I think we have 25 bikes so far and there are 30 kids in the program," he said. "At this rate, every kid will be able to have his own bike."

The children are transported to Flatwoods Park in northeast Hillsborough County for bike rides each month. However, because of the limited number of bikes available, they have to take turns going on bike rides, said Decker.

"Some of these kids have never owned a bike," said Decker. "Others have only ridden on the streets. Trail biking offers them a whole new experience. Out on the trail, you're planting a seed, you're showing them they can strive for something better."

Although mountain bikes typically have balloon tires, Decker said the bike shop will accept donations of any bikes because they can use them for parts to repair the mountain bikes for the children. Donations are tax-deductible.

"Flatwoods Park is a beginner trail so you don't necessarily need a mountain bike to ride it," he said.

Contact the bike shop at (813) 685-2453 for more information.