2010 PEE WEE/MINIME CAMP - By Rob Fex

What an awesome day!! The threat of rain and damp trails didn't stop 26 eager kids from coming out to the Pee Wee/Minime Camp co-hosted by Teams Esteem and Hardwood/Trek.

The theme for the day was, FUN, FAST, FRIENDS and it was clear from the outset that these kids had come to ride! The day started with quick introductions and then a big group ride up to and down the BMX course to warm up the legs. It was all the coaches could do to hold back the " little shredders" and remind them it was a warm up spin!! The morning session saw the kids break into groups with coaches and guest athlete/ coaches to concentrate on efficient single track riding.

There were plenty of muddy smiles and some healthy appetites when the group arrived back for lunch. Lots of chatter and plenty of new friendships developing as the kids compared morning stories. Next up, the Lunch Skills Jam. A grueling four event competition, consisting of the : Bunny Hop High Jump, Bike Limbo, Downhill Braking and Pylon Weave Relay. Judging from the determined faces and laughter everyone improved their skills while having a blast. The competition was extremely close and in the end, Coach Chris's team prevailed and each team member won a multi tool.

The afternoon session concentrated on technical skill development on the trails. Coaches switched groups to give the kids some different perspectives and everyone took their riding "up a notch." There was almost as much talking as there was pedaling!! The group arrived back after their ride for the traditional "freezie break" and prepared for the last event of the day the Sprockids Race. Each athlete received a water bottle for taking part in the day. Coaches and guest Athlete coaches took this opportunity to discuss sportsmanship, etiquette and race preparation.

Three groups took part in the race. No time was recorded an the emphasis was on, you guessed it, FUN!! Special congratulations to the two kids who rode the race in the "granny/granny" combo. As closely as this author could count, one kid was up to 155 RPM on the home stretch.

An awesome day like this does not happen all by itself. A special thank you to the following people who made this a special day for the kids:

Coaching Staff: Fulvio Cubello, Don Gain, Chris Wong and Mark Winfield Athlete Coaches: Mitch Bayley, Cayley Brooks, Alex Gibson, Brett Matthews and Elliot Galbraith

Thank you to Jeremy at Trek Store Barrie and Ron and Andrew at Velocity Cycle in Orillia for their generous donations and their continued support of grass roots cycling! Last, but certainly not least, thank you to Hardwood Ski and Bike for being the host site and another long time partner in developing citizens and athletes in Ontario. What an amazing venue, awesome trails and special thanks to Michelle for a great lunch.

The future of mountain biking in Ontario looks extremely bright! See everyone next year!