Two weeks after the first interior camps of the season, Cycling BC’s Easter weekend mountain bike camps in West Kelowna were held on Friday, April 16th and Saturday, April 17th. Day 1 was aimed at 12-17-year-olds who are racing Cross-country (XC), Downhill, and Enduro. Day 2 was focused on the 8-12-year-old age group for both beginner riders and riders who are thinking about racing.
Nine riders from all mountain bike disciplines showed up on Day 1 and were eager to train and work on their skills. Three coaches were on hand to help lead these riders with their skills over the course of the day—Evan Guthrie, Owen Harrison and Taylor McDowell. Riders did a loop on the trails on the Smith Creek trail network to get warmed up before going over some cornering drills on both loose and steep terrain. From there everyone lined up to practice some race starts as a group. Even though DH and Enduro don’t do mass starts like XC riders do, this was still a valuable skill to work on as every bike race begins with a start—whether it’s solo or in a group. After these efforts, the group did a big loop on the trails to go put all their practised skills together.
On Day 2, twenty-two riders showed up between the ages of 8 and 13. There were four coaches helping out on Day 2 including Evan Guthrie, Taylor McDowell, Dylan Dasilva and Leigh Courtney. The coaches led riders through various skill stations to work on things like body position, braking, balance, wheel lifts and cornering. After several reps of these skills, the group headed out for a loop on the trails to practice and enjoy some features.
We were thrilled to see and help so many kids (31 in total) over the two days. The camps have been a great way to help the riders develop the skills they’ll need to start racing or continue riding safely and with more confidence in their abilities.
Submitted by: Evan Guthrie, Cycling BC Regional Mountain Bike Coach (Interior/Okanagan)
Cycling BC’s High Performance Programs provide opportunities for athletes to optimize their potential in sport through Cycling BC training camps, coaching, race projects, educational opportunities, grants, and enhanced services.
Learn more about the High Performance Program.