This past weekend I had the opportunity to put my coaching and riding skills to the test for the co-ed Dirt Series Finale in Whistler. I got a last minute call on Thursday from seasoned Sugoi coach and general all around mountain ripper Tera Meade asking me to come and help out. I agreed based on the fact that it was a trip to Whistler and I could get some riding in. I didn’t really know what to expect from the actual camp. I was blown away when I learned the camp was taking on a record 85 people with 25 coaches.
I think I had some scary preconceptions about what the dynamic of a camp with so many riders, with so many varied skill levels, men and women of varied age groups was going to be like. How was this going to go smoothly? Well after doing it for six years Candace Shadley and her crew of amazing coaches had it down to an art form.
We all met up Friday night at the Garbanzo Bike and Bean, who had the enormous task of hosting the participants in their store. This is where the organizing starts with all the riders for the camp signing up for skill sessions, being interviewed for skill level, and meeting the coaches. Sleemans was kind enough to provide more beer then anyone could ever possibly drink which made the evening even more enjoyable. I got to start talking with the riders and finding out a little bit about what I was in for the next day.
By the next morning the organizing had mysteriously been done by the head coaches and each rider had a skill session and an afternoon ride planned for them. Kicking Horse Coffee and Luna Bar had provided a lovely coffee and snack spread to enjoy while scoping out where everyone was headed. I also had my coaching assignment for the morning and it was pretty awesome. I was to assist Rocky Mountain team rider Wade Simmons teaching advanced riders how to jump, drop and corner in the Whistler Bike Park. It was an amazing morning of riding Aline, the skills center, helping teach cutties in the mud and ripping the whole mountain with some very impressive men and women. Everyone was enjoying themselves despite the rain. I got to see some incredibly talented riders improve in leaps and bounds under the guidance of the godfather of freeride, who by the way was an excellent coach. Each of the riders, men and women, were ruling Aline and hitting the GLCs in just a few short hours. I loved to see the very cohesive dynamic of the co-ed camp and how the riders checked their baggage at the door and came to improve. Everyone was rewarded at the end of the day with a party hosted by Blacks Pub. Celebrating riding legend and Sugoi Dirt Series guest coach Alison Sydor’s birthday, Sleemans brought the beer and there was cake and presents for everyone. All the sponsors kicked in to give an incredible evening of prizes where no one left empty handed.
The next morning I got in to Garbanzo to get my assignment for the day. I wasn’t sure what the day was going to offer when I saw I’d be assisting former New Zealand national XC team rider Tanya Allen with some intermediate riders learning how to get up and over obstacles. Low speed tech riding isn’t my strong suit but I headed eagerly out to the valley where the Dirt Series had invaded an entire park with their amazing wooden obstacles. It became apparent quickly that these intermediate riders were going to move into the world of advanced riders very quickly. Everyone gave 100% and I was seeing 150% improvement over a few short hours. This was one of my best experiences ever in teaching someone a riding component. I was overjoyed by the progress I saw and I couldn’t even hide my excitement as each rider accomplished their goals in a few short hours. Everyone left the camp in the best spirits and I had the privilege to be a part of something very special.
For anyone thinking of taking a camp, do it. You won’t regret it. Book early at
www.dirtseries.com to find a 2007 camp coming to you.
I would like to thank the entire Sugoi Dirt Series Camp and Candace Shadley for letting me come join the fun. And I need to also thank Sleemans for all the good times!
The Dirt Series would like to thank their sponsors- Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Sugoi, Fox Racing Shox, Luna….the list goes on and on. Check it out at
www.dirtseries.comBy Cheryl Beattie
www.bicyclecafe.com/kamloops 