Walking up the stairs of the Garibaldi Lift Company at 9am to a buzz of excited chatter about A-line aspirations, berm shredding techniques and the beautiful waitresses serving breakfast could only mean one thing; Summer Gravity Camps 2011 had begun.
There’s nothing like seeing 30 kids, some first timers to Whistler and SGC, some 2,3 and 4th year returnees all so excited to ride, learn and ultimately progress at the hands of the best riders in the world. I’m just in the mix to document the young chaps ripping down A-line, blasting berms on B-line, negotiating the latticework of roots on Detroit rock city and getting new tricks dialed into foam, mulch or a 50ft by 50ft Airbag.
We had a great coaching line up for Week 1, Andrew Shandro, Thomas Vanderham, Brandon Semenuk, Jordie Lunn, Andrew Cho, Kyle Jameson and Mason Mashon. The coaches rotate groups throughout the week so that they get a chance to ride with everyone and try to impart some of their extensive bike handling knowledge to all the next generation of aspiring athletes.
It’s been a perfect week, 20+ degree days, bright sunshine, hero dirt, freshly rebuilt trails and good times being had by all.
The 50ft by 50ft Airbag is a new addition to SGC and it lives at the top of the famous Whistler Boneyard and let me tell you it’s a sight. It looks big enough to jump out of a plane into let alone nail your first back flip. Session it in the evenings as all the campers were getting tricks dialed or learning ones for the first time, Jordie Lunn however was practicing his Lawn Darts and double ankle grab heel clickers. Coming to a contest near you soon.
Thanks to all the coaches and campers for an unreal start to Summer Gravity Camps 2011. Thanks also to Trek, Shimano, FOX, Clif Bar, POC, ODI, Dakine, Go Pro ,JBL, Leatt.
Here it is, Week 1 Summer Gravity Camps 2011:
