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| Squamish, B.C., home of the world famous “Test of Metal” mountain bike festival played host to the annual National High School Training Camp for some of the best high school riders from around the province. Every year 50 of the top young riders are invited to the camp to learn from some of Canada’s top pro riders and national coaches. |
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| The riders started to emerge on Squamish Friday afternoon in preparation for the BBQ and the evening’s activities. After eating the group headed over to Corsa Cycles o learn some important maintenance skills, safety tips, and race preparation, The session was topped off with teams competing against each other in a tire changing competition. |
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| After a very stormy evening we woke to find the snow line was only around 500 metres. The weather at this time of year is very unpredictable and thankfully Squamish has a ton of first rate trails beginning right on the edge of town. After breakfast the riders suited up in their riding gear and once again headed over to Corsa Cycle to meet up with the pro riders and local guides for a morning of riding. These young riders were going to be riding with the likes of Roland Green, Alison Sydor, Lesley Tomlinson, Chrissy Redden, and National Coach Houshang Amiri. |
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| After lunch the group was involved in a wide variety of indoor activities focusing on strength training, stretching, flexibility exercises, fitness testing, and cross training. From here it was back to the hostel for showers and a change of clothes. |
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| After dinner there was a “Question and Answer” with the Pros. It is always fascinating to hear their stories about their travels around the world competing for Canada. |
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| While the teenagers were out riding with the Pros 19 adults were receiving training to become CCA (Canadian Cycling Association) Sprockids Leaders. Sprockids is the National “Introduction to Cycling Program” for Canada, with the goal to involve thousands of young people in the sport of cycling. |
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| Saturday night brought the monsoons to Squamish and when the morning arrive we were informed there had been a mud/rock slide closing the Sea to Sky highway between Vancouver and Squamish. This meant Alison, Roland, Lesley, and others were unable to join us. But, despite the fact the majority of the Pros were absence the “Show Must Go On!” Mountain bikers are an adventurous lot and despite the pouring rain and lack of “Star Power” everyone had a fantastic afternoon of riding trails like the “Powerhouse Plunge.” |
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| At 3:00 PM the highway reopened and the group started to pack up and head for home. The camp was over for another year, but the memories and new friendships cultivated over the weekend will remain with the participants for a long time. |
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