Whistler Summer Gravity Camps

I still remember my first foray onto Vancouver's North Shore like it was yesterday. Day one of a 3-day adventure was cut short by a less than graceful dismount on Seventh Secret and the resulting dislocated finger, cuts and scrapes and my severely bruised pride. You see, before leaving Calgary, I'd been in touch with Bruce Spicer, a long time idol of mine, about riding together on day 2 of my trip. Upon limping into my hotel room, I reluctantly dialed Spicer's cell number (with my thumb I should add) with the intention of cancelling the following day's ride. "That's too bad" was his reply "Andrew's coming along for the ride"."Andrew Shandro?" I asked excitedly, replaying Shandro and his (then) Marin teammate Marla Streb's segment in Vicious Cycle, the first, pure MTB video I'd ever seen. Who could turn down a chance to ride with not one, but two of his idols? "Well, I suppose I could tape the finger up..."

Though (or more correctly because) I was riding like an absolute neophyte, Shandro took the time to offer tips and encouragement, waiting patiently (in the rain) for my slow ass - even urging me to climb back up and try again and again. By the end of the day's ride, I was actually riding more than I was falling.

Fast forward 6 years, I still fall more than I should, and Shandro's still at the top of his game, winning the silver medal at Red Bull Rampage 2003and he's still encouraging riders of all abilities. Only difference is, this time it's a little more structured and held at the Whistler Bike Park. Oh yeah, he's still riding with the who's - who of the bike scene too. Riders like Wade Simmons, Dave Watson, and Thomas Vanderham to name a few, and they'll be joining him at the Whistler Summer Gravity Camps this summer. If you're 13 or older, you can too!

According to Shandro, camp focus will be on all disciplines of gravity riding from DH, Biker X and dirt jumping to our own brand of freeride MBX. Coach to camper ratio is a maximum of 6 to 1 ensuring tons of attention for all attendees. Riders will receive 6 days of expert coaching, 6-day park pass, 7 nights of slope-side accommodation, airport transfers, a sweet camp DVD, breakfast, lunch and a BBQ and awards wrap-up party with loads of prizes.

There's even some off-bike activities planned (after park hours of course) including paint ball, skateboarding, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis, water ramp, going to the lake, trampoline, trapeze, and wake boarding. Shoot, they've even got a shuttle day available for those not getting enough gravity induced grins in the Park.

As many of the Camp's attendees are still in school, Shandro and his crew continue to mentor (and supervise) even after the bikes have been put away. According to their web site, "After biking or any off hill activity, we continue to provide supervision. Our ratio of staff to campers is 1 to 10. The counsellors and most coaching staff live in the hotel and are there to deal with any problems that may arise. Hotel Curfew is 10pm, lights out at 11pm. We have a very strict policy against drugs or alcohol in the camp. Our coaches are all certified pros and our counsellors are selected for their ability to interact well with youths and adults."

For more information on the camps, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/bike/camps/gravity.asp or call 1.800.766.0449.

If Shandro can make me a better rider, just imagine what he can do for you!