iRide Head Coaches Lauren Lan and Lynda Magor were busy again last week in the Comox Valley. They report even MORE smiles and confidence than last week’s events…is that possible? Schools visited include Queenesh, Robb Road, Aspen and Lake Trail.
Tuesday in the Comox Valley turned out to be a full-on rain day and the trail ride scheduled with Aspen School’s Tuesday group was postponed until next week. Queneesh Elementary also postponed their session due to the water in the sky.
However the skies cleared in time for Ecole Robb Road’s iRide day, and the stunts came out to play! The highlight of my day came when a student successfully rode the teeter-totter and shouted, “That was awesome… I am awesome!” Talk about confidence building! The students at Ecole Robb Road on Wednesday mastered some climbing and descending techniques, learnt how to do wheel lifts before finishing with an “everything-in” obstacle course… which had features that put all their new found cycling skills to the test, including a slalom, curvy snake, tight corner, teeter-totter and a-frame. The kids were stoked to see how far they have progressed in just three sessions.
Aspen’s Thursday groups had an awesome time working the a-frames, teeter-totters and ramp. A lot was learned about gearing in the seated hill climb session as many students discovered that riding uphill isn’t all that bad in the right gear. Ashlyn Smart commented that she “really liked when she rode down the hill” as it was “really fun!”. Noah said “I liked the jumps best because you could really get air!” The groups caught on to the skill progressions very quickly and mastered the skinny a-frame rame as though they had been doing it for years! Finally, as the session ended and students began to drift away, I asked Knowlton what he had learned so far at iRide. He replied with a big grin, “At first I was terrified of those teeter-totters and now I can do them like they are nothing!”
The students of Lake Trail are nearing the end of their iRide program, so we took to the woods for an awesome group trail ride. The students loved putting their skills into action. Their passion for pedalling has definitely been ignited!
– iRide Coach, Lauren Lan
After spending many years working with students in Canmore, Cycling BC is proud to have someone like Lauren leading the charge in the Comox Valley. Now with Lynda Magor, they are a powerful and inspiring team, and it shows given the detailed and thoughtful thank you cards their students consistently produce. Chapeau!
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.
