Last week iRide wrapped up its final full week with cycling trips and game days for 889 students in Fernie, Kelowna, Merritt, Whistler, Squamish, Comox and the greater Vancouver area. Highlights of the week include a visit by iRide’s Sea-to-Sky sponsor, Royal Bank of Canada, to Julian Base’s sessions at Mamquam Elementary, Lauren Lan’s field-trips for all students in Comox, and Wes Ochitwa and Zayne Heyes’ trip to Kelowna and Merritt. Ben Chaddock also provided a unique session for grade 8 students at Whistler Secondary after a successful fundraiser by the Whistler Cycling Club.
iRide Head Coach Lauren Lan took her students on a big field trip to the local trails of Cumberland.
Aspen Elementary’s turn came on Tuesday after a great amount of organization by teacher Mr. Schilling, provided students the opportunity of exploring the trails of Nymph Falls Park in West Courtenay. The experience was unforgettable! Everyone attempted the log A frames on the Bears Bait Trail with the help of iRide coaching staff before ripping up the fast and flowing River Trail. After dipping our feet into the icy river at the Comox Lake dam, our return trip tested the students with a wide variety of climbs and descents, twists and turns, along with roots and rocks. Read More
As a special event to wrap up the year and hopefully build iRide in the Okanagan region in 2016, Vancouver super-crew Wes Ochitwa and Zayne Heyes traveled to Kelowna and Merritt last week. Various helpers from the local community visited including National MTB Team member Evan Guthrie, veteran coach Garry “Crackers” McCracken and cycling supporter Spencer MacKinnon.
It was a great time. Wes and Zayne were amazing! I was amazed at their level of excitement and enthusiasm that transferred right to the kids. You’ve got some good coaches there!
– Evan Guthrie
My favourite Garry-moment came when Zayne and I were introducing ourselves. When we put Garry on the spot to introduce himself, he exclaimed “Hi! I’m Coach Crackers!” without a drop of the hat. We laughed in astonishment and then smiled, it was going to be a great session! Read More
Julian Base and Ben Chaddock also provided unique events for the students of Mamquam Elementary and Whistler Secondary respectively. Local RBC branch manager, Darwin Billey vistited Mamquam Elementary last Tuesday to watch the iRide program. RBC has agreed to donate $25,000 dollars for iRide programs in the Sea-to-Sky area as well as match any donations made to Cycling BC’s iRide RBC Match account up to an additional $25,000, totaling a hopeful $50,000 contribution. The Chimp donation campaign will wrap up on the day of the RBC Whistler Gran Fondo on September 12th, 2015 when funds will be presented at Celebration Plaza at 1 pm.
The Whistler Cycling Club’s Summer Solistice ride, in association with Bikes For Humanity, raised $500 for a Whistler Secondary school program held on Monday June 17th and June 19th for Mrs. Kwiatkowski’s grade 8 class.
We started with a basic skills session on the field at Whistler Secondary on Monday before advancing to local trails and the obstacle park at Lot 2 in Whistler Village on Wednesday. It was a great way to wrap up their final day of classes as these young students head into year-end exams. I hope to continue riding with some of these rippers this summer as Whistler continues to produce talented young riders. There are even a few who prefer the road over the dirt these days! Watch Video
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.
