Back in 1991 I entered my first mountain bike race, the original “Test of Metal” race put on by the legendary frame builder Paul Brodie and his crew of merry pranksters. Back then mountain biking was just starting to get its act together and the pioneers who came out to test their skills in this loosely organised event were really part of a brotherhood of adventurers discovering what this sport was all about. The Start/Finish area was nothing more than section of the dirt logging road that just happened to be wider than the rest and provided some sort of staging area for the event. Riders road their ridged forked bikes with flat pedals and running shoes, and if you were really cutting edge you used toe straps. Helmets weighed a ton and looked like mixing bowls with a few holes cut in for ventilation. As an older rider trying racing for the first time I felt totally out of my element, yet somehow as soon as I approached the registration table I knew I had found something very special. Looking around you couldn’t help notice the vast variety of tattoos, spiked hair, body jewellery, and unique riding outfits. This kaleidoscope of humanity added to the mystique of the event yet everyone was united by their love of mountain biking. Once the race began I could not believe the camaraderie and genuine concern the participants showed for each other. The encouragement and support I received from the other riders was truly inspirational and something that remains with me today. Sprockids is all about encouraging young people of all ages and abilities to become involved in the life long sport of mountain biking, and my experience in the original “Test of Metal” inspired and laid the basis for the philosophy of Sprockids!
| Over the April 30th/May 1st weekend another event, “The Rat Race” organised by Rod and Tanya Camposano captured the same unique atmosphere of the early mountain biking races. The event utilised some of the trails used by the original “Test of Metal” races and I could not help but enjoy some fantastic flash backs as I rode down such trails as “Black Tower.” On Saturday the Downhill Race was held and the two wheeled knights decked out in full face helmets and full body armour charged their big dual suspension steeds down the buffed course full of berms, jumps, drops, and other challenges designed to make any mother cover her eyes. On Sunday the 48 km Cross Country race was held. Roberts Creek has always been, and will always be an unique area that brings out the best in people. The age and ability of the participants encompassed the full spectrum of the mountain biking fraternity, from 7 year old first timers through to seasoned veterans who’s ages are best described as “Mature.” Kris Sneddon, who was once a member of Sprockids and now races professionally for Kona, invited some of the other pro riders to the coast for this event. The roster of pro riders was extremely impressive and and reflects the quality of the race that Rod, Tanya, and their army of volunteers put together. The likes of Roland Green, Andreas Hestler, Seamus McGrath, and Kris Sneddon lined up on the starting line for the 48 km race. The race was eventually won by Roland, with Kris, Andreas,Matt Martindill, Seamus, and Matt Green rounding out the top five. The pro women were also well represented with Jean Ann McKirby taking top honours followed by Lesley Clements, Amanda Butler, Leah Guloien, and Melanie Lewis rounding off the top 5. For full results from all categories from the Rat Race visit www.user.dccnet.com/rtcamposano. |
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| While the adults were out battling it out on the long course the younger riders were immersed in their own challenges on a their own course. For many of the young racers this was their first time on a race course and despite the obvious physical demands of racing they all finished the race and once they regained their breath and got some food and liquids into their body their smiles returned and they were ready for life’s next adventure. Many of our local young riders put in some incredible efforts, resulting in top honours and personal best. Many of the top pros commented on how talented the young riders from the Sunshine Coast are. But even more important than results is their attitude towards competition and their fellow competitors. Sportsmanship reigns supreme on the Sunshine Coast and the importance of having a positive attitude and fair play begins at an early years with the Sprockids Program, and stays with them as they continue riding and racing through the High School Cycling Programs at Chatelech and Elphinstone, and cycling clubs such as On the Edge’s Racing Club that focusses on providing young people the opportunity to train and race at a higher level. Spin Cycle, another local bike shop also supports our local riders and racer. |
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| Racing is just one aspect of the whole mountain biking lifestyle and “The Rat Race” represents an utopian mix of the funky races of the early days of the sports blended with the high tech advancements of the 21st century. As I alluded to earlier in the article Roberts Creek always casts its spell over those that venture into its woods and brings out the best in people. As the Founder and Director of Sprockids one of my goals for the program is to instil in young people the sense of “Giving Back” to society. As adults we are here to provide them with as much help and guidance as possible, yet it is also their responsibility to give back. The Sprockids riders are actively involved in trail maintenance and building, helping teach younger riders, volunteering at events like the Rat Race, and fund raising for events such as “Cops for Cancer.” Sometimes the greatest lessons just happen and on Saturday this philosophy of giving back to our sport was demonstrated big time by one of the racers, Brian Enns. Brian is a very accomplished racer and well known and liked around the B.C. racing scene. On Saturday he won a Brodie “Holeshot” frame worth over $700. Within 30 seconds of claiming his prize he returned to the staging area and announced he would like to donate the frame to the Sprockids Program. This individual was demonstrating the true spirit of mountain biking, and his actions were noticed by the young riders in the crowd. This incredibly generous act will provide yet another bike which will enable a lot of young riders the opportunity to experience mountain biking. Brian, you are a true inspiration to all of us. Sprockids would also like to thank Brodie Bicycles for donating the frame to the Rat Race and On the Edge for being the title sponsor for the race. |
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| Sprockids is all about involving young people in the life long sport of mountain biking while teaching them the skills, values, and strategies to succeed in life. The Rat Race brought together individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds because of their love of mountain biking. The event was a huge success, not just because of the incredible athletic performance put in by the participant, but more importantly because of the positive atmosphere generated when such a large conglomerate of humanity join together because of a common philosophy. Thank you Rod and Tanya for giving us such a gift! |
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