Friday, March 29, 2024

Little riders receive mountain biking lessons at camp

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Although school is out for summer break, several local little mountain bikers received some handy education that they can take with them on trails and hills.

The Central Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance held a Beginners Youth Skills Camp for 6-9 year-olds, from June 17-21 at the Leavenworth Ski Hill.

The Central Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is a “non-profit organization focuses on mountain bike advocacy, educating riders of all abilities, especially youth, and building and maintaining sustainable trails in the greater Wenatchee Valley area.”

The organization hosts the skills camps to provide lessons to riders in order to help them become better bike riders on mountain biking trails.

One of the first lessons campers learned was to perform a check on their bikes before they ride for the trail, what Instructor Courtney Feeney referred to as the "ABC's of bike checking."

Before riders hit the trail, they should pinch their tire to check the air pressure, then examine the breaks to make sure they are working properly and clean their chain if needed.

After completing these steps, riders should check their quick release, then their headset and handlebars to make sure they are straight, and not loose.

Folks should also make sure they bring their helmet every time they go out for a ride. Instructor Joel Augustine said to have the chin strap tight enough to where only two fingers can fit under it.

Throughout the week, riders learned various breaking techniques and the following body positions: neutral, ready, steady, forward, backwards and lateral.

They also received instruction on how and when to shift gears when climbing a hill, and keeping their pedals level, dropping their heels and fingers on the break as they are descending techniques.

On the fifth day, riders learned the importance of cleaning their bike. Augstine demonstrated on how properly to clean and lubricate a bike chain.

"It's important to keep your bike clean," Fenney said. "Rocks and dirt can get in the gears and if you don't clean them, you won't be able to shift properly." 

Feeney added that campers also learned numerous safety tips and how to ride in groups along the trail during their five days at camp.

"This group had a blast," Feeney said. "Some of these kids have gone and ridden on the trails after the camp was over (for the day)."
In addition to becoming better riders, campers had the opportunity to perform some trail maintenance. While riding, Feeney and Augustine also recommended campers stop slowly and refrain from skidding, as it could ruin their tires and damage trails.

Avi Carvitto was one of the campers and has been mountain biking since she was six year sago. Carvitto said she had fun at the camp and that her favorite part was riding on the trails.

Greer Swoboda was one a young volunteers who helped campers. Swoboda said she enjoyed volunteering at the camp as it allowed her to pass along her riding knowledge to the little riders, especially ones new to mountain biking.

"It brought back the nostalgia of when I was younger and starting to ride," Swoboda said. "It's awesome seeing the campers learn skills and that I can help teach them."

The Basic Skills Camp is not the only event Central Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will host at the Ski Hill. The organization returns host an Intermediate Youth Skills Camp for 9-12 year olds from July 8-12.

For more information about the camps or other programs, visit Evergreen's website at evergreenmtb.org, or contact centraleducation@evergreenmtb.org.

mountain biking, leavenworth ski hill, riding, central evergreen mountain bike alliance

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