With their helmets securely fastened, their new bike gloves done up “just right” and their mountain bikes loaded in the truck, the kids were belted into the back seat and ready to take off for their first bike camp.
Only problem? It didn’t start for another hour and a half!
The anticipation of bike camp was weeks in the making. The potential to learn “big jumps” and “hit the hills” was all the talk around the dinner table. In reality, they would be in the beginner class, new to the mountain biking sport… but their excitement was overflowing and when the day finally came we were all buzzing with pre camp vibes.
We had chosen Pedalheads because of their reputation in our community and their history of over 25 years of teaching children how to ride bikes. With the addition of their mountain biking camps on Vancouver’s North Shore, I knew that it was a perfect fit for our family.
First Day of Camp
When we arrived at our first day of camp, the school field was packed with excitement and kids on wheels ripping around the yard. I was impressed by the welcome signs that directed you to exactly where you needed to go. I also loved that they had the first activities of camp set up so that the kids (and parents) could get excited about the day.
Real Mountain Biking Trails
After a few comfort tests in the main yard the kids were off for the hills to really experience what mountain biking was all about. I loved that they would actually be riding on real mountain biking trails, preparing them for riding with me! Bring on the roots, rocks, and drops!
Session Rides
One important element of bike riding is checking out a trail feature before you ride it. I appreciated that Pedalheads demonstrated this by walking the kids through the trails and talking them through any anticipated challenges and features.
Age Appropriate Features
The class was grouped with the same skill level of riders and with that the development though the week was close between the riders. This enabled the group to be able to try new features along the way, progressing from basic green trails to blue trails with park highlights, like bridges, berms, and bigger drops.
Fun
Whether it was a snack break at the top (or bottom) of a trail, an off bike game, or just getting to know the kids along the way, the instructors put a lot of time into making sure the camp was fun for the kids. This was especially important when they were climbing or facing bigger challenges in the class. It was important to me as a Mom that my kids were having fun the majority of the time. While mountain biking can be quite challenging, we’re all supposed to be having a good time too!
Behind the Scenes Peek
I tagged along one day and got to see the kids riding the trails first hand. It was great to see the behind the scenes of what the kids could ride and where they needed more support. Check out the one minute video here:
If you go:
- Book ahead so that you can secure preferred dates.
- Send riders with water (a camel pack worked well) a snack or 2, and any essential medications.
- Bring a helmet and gloves. I also wish my kids had knee pads.
- Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
Mountain bike camps aren’t just for kids! Check out my experience at the Whistler Women’s Bike Camp! There are even some fabulous groups you can join up with for rides too!
The post Mini Mountain Bikers – Learning to Ride at Pedalheads Mountain Biking Camp appeared first on Adventure Awaits.
