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"The Two Wheeled Approach to Self Esteem"
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If you offer a weekend full of sweet single track, epic rides, dirt jumps, stunts, softball, good food, Whistler’s fabled Mountain Bike Park, lunch at the top of Whistler Mountain, a 5000’ decent, great guides/instructors, and tons of cool swag they will come. Over the September 12-14th, 2003 weekend 38 members of the Sprockids “Coastriders” program traveled to Whistler Mountain, British Columbia for the second annual “Sprockids XC/Freeride Camp for the Generations.”
The mission of the camp was to bring teenagers and their parents together for an action packed weekend in the mountains. The concept behind the camp was to provide a setting where both teenagers and their parents could comfortably step out of their “Comfort Zone” and experience new adventures together. For many of the teenagers the weekend provided them with an opportunity to showcase their riding talents, and for the adults it was the opportunity to rediscover the youthful adventurous child within. In today’s hectic world many adults they have forgotten how to play, and this weekend was all about doing just that. Whistler is the perfect environment for such a weekend and once again the resort and natural splendor of the region was the catalyst that made everything gel.
On Friday night we all met up at Whistler where we were introduced to our accommodations for the next two nights. We were staying in dormitory styled staff housing designed for the young people who work on the mountains during the winter. As soon as the teenagers had unpacked they were on their bikes and heading to the dirt jumps and skateboard park.
The next day everyone was rousted out of bed at a respectable 7:30 AM and headed off to the village for breakfast. Once the bodies had been refueled it was time to explore some of the fabulous xc trails that Whistler has to offer. British Columbia has had one of the driest summers on record and because of this many of the trails had been closed due to the extreme fire hazards. Luckily for us there had been some rain the previous week and many of the trails had been reopened. Whistler’s “Valley Trail” is an incredible network of paved paths that connect virtually every area of the valley. The group headed out of the village utilizing these trails and traveled south to the area known as “Function Junction.” Once there we explored a few new single track trails and then headed out on the “Riverside Trail.” This winding single track follows the Cheakamus River before heading inland. Once we had completed the loop we crossed over on a suspension bridge that connect to another section of single track that took us back to the highway. At this point the groups’ stomachs were growling for food and we headed back to Rebagliati Park, located on the edge the village for lunch. After lunch the group divided into the hard core xc riders, the dirt jumper, and the social “Let’s go for a Hot Tub” group. We all met back at the Staff housing at 3:30 PM for showers and then it was off to the baseball field for a BBQ and a friendly softball game. This lasted until around 7:30 PM and then it was off to explore Whistler Village. At 9:30 PM everyone headed back to Staff Housing.
At around midnight the skies opened up and it began to rain, along with the occasional flash of lightening thrown in just to make things interesting. However as the sun started to crest the mountain tops the rain stopped and the clouds started to dissipate. After breakfast we all suited up in full face helmets, body armor, mounted our big squishy bikes and headed off for a day of riding Whistler’s fabulous Mountain Bike Park. The mountain had provided us with four guide/instructors, and this enabled the group to be divided into four smaller groups, according to ability. Everyone the opportunity to choose a group that met their individual needs and mood. The guides were fantastic and their expertise allowed them to quickly access their group’s needs and adjust their instruction accordingly. Throughout the day the comments from the participants were nothing but positive. Having four groups also provided the flexibility for individuals to change groups if they found that their original choice didn’t meet their needs. I can not say enough positive things about the quality of instruction and positive attitude that these instructors displayed. I would recommended them to any one regardless of their riding ability. The morning was spend learning the necessary skills to safely and successfully ride the park. After an adrenaline filled morning of berms, jumps, stunts, ripping single track, mud puddles, table tops, drop offs, rock faces, and numerous other natural obstacles guaranteed to make one’s eyes grow big the group jumped into the gondola and headed for the top of Whistler Mountain. After lunch we again divided into our groups for the 5000’ descend to the base of the mountain. Several of the groups were treated to riding down Whistler’s newest trail that winds its way down the mountain from the top of the Garbanzo Chair. This was a very special treat because this trail will not be open to the public until 2004. The rest of the afternoon was spent riding the park. At 4:00 PM we all met at the GLC (Garibaldi Lift Company) for nachos, drinks and a ton of draw prizes. From here it was time to pack up and head home. The Sprockids convoy rolled out of Whistler at 5:30 PM and I found out later hat at around 6:00 PM dark clouds filled the skies and a major down pour erupted. Our drive down to Vancouver was in bright sunshine. Once again it seems like the weather gods were mountain bikers and they were on our side.
On the ferry ride back to the Sunshine Coast the stories were flying around the table as the participants shared many of their personal experiences with the group. Even a few well guarded secrets were revealed. Everyone unanimously agreed that the weekend had been a tremendous success. The ages of the group ranged from 13 years to the mid 50’s, yet age was not an issue. We were just a group a riders out there to have fun, and expand our riding skills. We all shared a common bond, and that was mountain biking. Everyone was connected by their love of cycling, and could relate to the thrills, and sense of accomplishment that mountain biking brings. It was truly magical to see the connections and mutual respect and admiration that everyone had for each other. During the course of the weekend many new friendships were cultivated. Numerous individuals stepped up to new challenges and conquered their fears. Others assumed leadership roles and assisted others with repairs to their bikes, leading group rides, and numerous other organizational tasks. As individuals everyone grew a little over the weekend and added something new their their quiver of life skills!
Whistler/Blackcomb
“Schools on Bikes / Schools on Snow”
Contact: Greame Leathem
Phone: (604) 905-3044
E-Mail: gleathem@intrawest.com
web: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/youth/
Sprockids
www.sprockids.com
www.canadian-cycling.com/e2/sprockids/index.htm
