Last week iRide launched its second summer camp of 2015 in Smithers, BC, in partnership with NCCP coach Alycia Traas. Utilizing newly-built facilities in the Smithers area, Alyica’s crew of ten riders enjoyed exploring and playing in the new mountain bike skills park. Sessions over the 3 day camp included iRide specific skills but also a healthy mix of fun and games as the crew battled warm temperatures. The week culminated with trail riding on bridges and intermediate stunts. Alycia’s coaching work this summer will continue with more camps scheduled in Terrace in early August.
Alycia reports:
My group consisted of ten boys, aged 6-8 years old. Despite the hot temperatures, the crew stayed cool with a collection of ‘cool-down’ activities including: water balloon fights, single handed sponge/cup water transfer races, breaks in the creeks and the occasional bucket-dump. All the participates enjoyed exploring the area’s new trails and report that our rides surpass any distance previously ridden. I was very impressed with my riders and their climbing prowess was only second to their enthusiasm for the challenging up and down trails.
We spent the first day of programming focusing on basic skills and rider assessments at the new mountain bike skills park. The pump track provided a great start and by the end of the morning there was even a little air time! We finished the day practicing hill climbing, front wheel lifts and corning to prepare ourselves for a full day on the trails.
Our second day tackled the Bluff area trails that include 8 km of beautiful single track. Our destination for the day was the new learning area in the Bluff trails, where we practiced riding elementary wood features and a progressive set of log obstacles. This park proved very effective and the students looked much more comfortable on the way home. But no day is complete without some air-time so when we returned our start spot, the students enjoyed experimenting on the small jumps and slopes that border the parking lot.On the third and final day we jumped right back into the trails and rode a classic Smithers trail. All the participates were stoked and they all loved the descent. After this we used a small portion of road to transfer to a secret MTB trail that linked up to the skills park to finish our day.It was very satisfying to watch the riders improve over the 3 days and, mark my words, our local adult racers better watch out! These kids rip!
Quotes from parents:
“Gabe had a super time! He was thrilled that he “got air!” for the first time! Thanks so much!”
“Thanks for such a great camp! Ryder loved it.”
“Wicked Camp!!!”
“Sounds like it was a pretty rad time!”
“Thank you! Sonny has a new level of confidence.”
iRide`s summer activities continue this weekend with a special FREE events in Fort Langley (July 18th). Come on down to Langley Fine Arts school between 9:30 am and 12 noon this Saturday for iRide ‘free’ practice. Ride a teeter-totter, play iRide games and improve your skills on the bicycle. All participants win a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Medal. Participants can also participate in the youth bicycle races from 10:30 am – 11:00 am.
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.
