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BRITISH COLUMBIA IS A MECCA FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING. While Whistler is often known as the crown jewel of the province, the North Shore is just a quick bus or drive away from downtown for those moments when you need a quick biking fix. Of course, not everyone is born to slay the gnarliest trails right away. Sometimes one needs a little guidance. This week, I introduce you to Endless Biking progression clinics.PLACE: The North Shore (CLICK FOR MAP) LOCATION: North Vancouver, B.C. |
What does mountain biking mean to you? To me, it's a strange kind of freedom; one filled with abandon and fear all at the same time. On damp days, it's mud spattering my face and the sound of wheels splashing through puddles. On hot days, it's dry dust infiltrating my lungs and the smell of forest in the summertime.
Mountain biking is also one of the most mentally and physically challenging sports I've ever attempted. I've never sworn silently so much in my entire life or felt like just packing it all in and going home. Let's call it a love, hate relationship.
Having just moved back to Metro Vancouver from Whistler - and never riding on the North Shore - I was delighted to be invited to check out an Endless Biking progression clinic recently. Endless Biking, voted No. 1. in the Georgia Straight's Best of Vancouver for numerous years, caters to both locals and travellers alike. They offer up beginner lessons, progression camps and even guided tours for people who just need a pro to show them around the maze of North Shore Trails. It's pretty much a one stop shop for riding on the North Shore.
I was lucky enough to catch an all-ladies demo session. More than 50 ladies turned up that day to test out gear from Steed Cycles and gain riding pointers from Endless Biking pros. It's always amazing how diverse the mountain biking crowd is: single gals, moms, young professionals and grandmas. It takes all kinds to peddle on two wheels.
Our instructor Darren Butler (who is also co-founder of the bike company) helped take us through a range of foundation skills in Bridgman Park before guiding us to the Richard Juryn Memorial Trail, where we conquered a number of intimidating obstacles.
For locals who are looking to amp up their skill level, Endless Biking runs a number of Level 1-3 progression camps in the spring, summer and fall months. The clinics take place on Saturdays from 1-3pm and cover everything, starting at basic skills and evolving into cornering, ladders, drops, technical riding and more.
After even one session I could feel my riding confidence improve and I felt pumped to try features I would previously have walked my bike over. After all, biking is about 50% skill and 90% confidence.
So, if you haven't given mountain biking a go - I highly recommend getting out there and taking a lesson. If you're already into riding, then you are probably way more awesome than I, so I recommend continuing to just do that.
For those looking to meet new friends in the local mountain bike community, you may also want to consider joining the Vancouver MTB Meetup Group. There are meet ups nearly every day for all skill levels.
Happy biking!
MORE INFO:
North Shore Mountain Bike Association
Local's Guide to North Shore Rides
Like Endless Biking on Facebook
Follow @EndlessBiking on Twitter
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