The Shimano Dirt Series Women's Skill Camp

A friend and I participated in a skill camp dedicated to women in Vancouver last weekend (June 15-16). Was it worth going to Vancouver all the way from Calgary? Most definitely. The camp was organised by Cycling BC and sponsored primarily by Shimano. The instructors are some of the top women riders in the country including Elladee Brown, Candace Shadley, Cindy Devine, Sylvie Allen, Penny Deck, Kelli Sherbinin, Daamiann Skelton and Andrea Kraft. Both days were divided in two: the mornings were dedicated to skills and the afternoons to rides. There were 35 women attending the camp and they divided us into 4 groups for the skill classes and into 5 groups for the rides based on our skill level. The levels ranged from first time off-roaders to riding veterans.



On Saturday morning, we covered basic front and rear wheel lifts, bunny hops, manuals, braking, riding ramps and tight switch-backs, and body-bike separation. On Sunday morning we covered wheelie drops, how to bail off a log or high ramp while staying on the bike (for the advanced group) and how to safely bail on an uphill and downhill (for the beginner groups), how to clear big obstacles, high speed cornering, riding down steeps, and drop-offs (lunging).



The afternoon rides were at Grouse Mountain. Each group had 2 instructors that were more than happy to demonstrate over and over again how to ride technical sections. We got to practice the skills we were taught over the weekend and discover some sweet North Shore trails!



The instructors were enthusiastic, super friendly and extremely competent. My skill level will no doubt increase tremendously based on the tips given to me. Most importantly, it made me realise that it is never too late (or too early) to learn the basic skills. The good news for women riders from Calgary is that the Shimano Dirt Series is a touring camp and they will be in Panorama, BC on July 27 and 28, 2002. Check out the web site at http://www.cycling.bc.ca/dirtcamps.shtml



The places are limited and from what we understand, there are only very few spots left for the Panorama camp. So hurry up! This is going to be the best $145 you have ever spent in your riding career!!