Kamloops area iRide coaches Ted Morton and Daniel McCunn trekked to Williams Lake last week for the new program at Cataline Elementary. Greeted with open arms by the local community, Ted and Daniel enjoyed homestays and group rides with local cycling enthusiasts. The students were a ball and the event wrapped up with a trip to the local BMX track.
From the minute we arrived in Williams Lake we were welcomed with opened arms. The hospitality of this community was amazing. You could feel the air of excitement when we arrived at the school. As we approached the bike rack area, wheeling our bikes we were swamped by inquisitive students. Are you the bike people? Have you seen my bike? Are we going to do tricks? The questions rolled on. We both new it was going to be another awesome week. – Daniel McCunn
Ted Morton and Daniel McCunn were again equipped with stunts on loan from Spoke’n Motion in Kamloops and when the students found out they were excited to say the least.
We were greeted with an extremely warm welcome; Wendy from the PAC was gracious enough to offer up a spare bedroom for us to stay in, while our lunches were taken care courtesy of the Two Sisters Catering, it was just like going back to school, little lunch bags with our names on them, how cute! We arrived early to the school on Tuesday to a light and exciting atmosphere. All of the school’s teachers came out to greet us and show true Williams Lake hospitality.
First up was Ms. Stewart’s grade 4 class. It was insane! The skill level of these students was second to none and after moving through the basic safety skills, we played foot down, rode uphill and downhill on the school grounds and skidded our brains out! The students worked on improving their braking, body position and their favourite – THE BEAR ATTACK POSITION.
At the end of every lesson on the first day, we let the students know that the second and third day we would be bringing out our wooden features, courtesy of Spoke N’Motion in Kamloops. I thought their eyes were going to bulge out of their heads when we mentioned teeter totters!
Day 2 and 3 we refined skills, issued challenges and worked as groups to fully immerse our bodies, mind and lives with BIKES!
“Thank you so much for teaching me all the cool stunts #yourawesome” – Luke
We were fortune enough to have the best possible weather for these sessions and the kids were unbelievably polite and courteous. If you ever drop a chain in Williams Lake, there are at least 150 students who would stop to help you put it on in a heart beat!
Aside from the all action at the school, the instructors even managed to sneak away for the Wednesday night group ride with Barking Spider, nothing like a quick 25km, those guys rip! We were also treated to some shuttle laps courtesy of Gustav and Red Shreds, with shops like these supporting the community, no wonder the students at Cataline are so skilled!
Cataline school teacher Stephen Dickens reports:
The iRide Program came to my school this week and with it, two instructors, Ted and Daniel. As a classroom teacher of 29 grade 5/6 students, I was surprised at the smooth transition from class to the biking and then back to class. The instructors were very clear as to where the classes would meet and where they would greet us upon our arrival. Not only that, Ted spent a fair amount of time the first day fixing a few bikes that had operational difficulties. This technical experience, coupled with their riding skills and knowledge AND their easy and warm personalities made this a tremendous opportunity for the kids. This was made apparent by the positive comments made by the students. I would be honored to be involved with this exciting and beneficial program for kids anytime in the future years. Thanks guys!!
Grade 4 teacher and local school champion, Tanis Stewart also notes:
The iRide program is an awesome program to come to schools. The students were so enthused about biking and the instructors were awesome. We had a great two days. We had 155 students participate in the program. Thank you iRide.
We had great weather and the kids had an amazing time!!! Daniel and Ted ran an awesome program and the teachers involved were so impressed with “the biking boys”. The iRide program was truly one of the highlights at Cataline this year!!
We have started talking about next year and would like to expand the number of classes involved at Cataline AND include other local schools in the program. Looking forward to working with you next year!!
One of the students, Holly, was also quoted when asked why she likes riding her bikes and what was her favourite part of iRide?
It’s lots of fun and I love to do tricks on my bike. I also love to go riding with my Dad. Going over the ramps and stunts” – Holly
If you’re a fan of Cycling BC’s iRide program, check us out on Twitter, Instagram, or donate through Chimp to support our programs in your area. To learn more about iRide Summer Camp or book future in-school events, please contact iRide@cyclingbc.net or (604) BC-iRide.
