Sonoma County has been blessed by the return of Scott Bowen, who recently moved back to the area after spending several years working for Bikes Belong in Boulder, CO. Scott has injected a shot of "Get'er Done" into some of the local bike shops and teams. Scott took the initiative to work with Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation to promote a Mountain Bike Class for kids at the Howarth Park Dirt Crit Course. To say the first 2 classes were successful would be an understatement!
All photos on this page: Veronika Lenzi
There were close to 30 kids in attendance, ranging in age from 3 years old to 13. Scott enlisted the help of several other coaches, including Yuri and Vanessa Hauswald, Carlos Perez, Sean Walling, Phil Fifer, Glenn Fant, and Claire, Shannon, Mariko, and Tracy from NorCal Velo Women's Cycling Team. After a group lesson, we broke the group up into thirds according to age. Each group rotated through the three stations: Endurance, Balance, and Handling Skills. The kids were also allowed to self-select a group if they wanted to be with more or less advanced kids.
For the Balance portion of the class, these little mountain bikers tackled a teeter-totter in true B.C. style. I could not believe how coordinated they were, and how they were so completely willing to take chances. We could all learn a lesson from these guys.
The adjustable teeter-totter was generously contructed by Jason Silverek. This was probably the most popular station, and by the end of the second class, most of the kids could ride over the larger version.
For the Endurance section, we took the groups around the short loop of the Dirt Crit course. There was much discussion about braking properly and paying attention to lighting/shadows, changes in trail conditions, and poison oak. By the 2nd or 3rd lap of the course, they wear hauling!
Another really cool thing about the class was that the kids were so supportive of one another. They encouraged each other, clapped, and cheered when someone was able to execute a skill. I have a huge crush on this little 3-year old who rides for Breakaway Bikes. He was so rad. He could ride his little 2-wheeled kick-back brake mountain bike like nobody's business. He'd haul down the trail, lay down a huge skid (his rear tire was threadbare - so he probably practices this in his driveway), and glance up at us as if to say "now when's the really technical riding going to start?"
The next set of classes is scheduled for Monday July 7th and Wednesday July 9th. The classes will probably fill up, so please do register on line at the Parks & Rec website!
By Claire House