Hi girls,
I just wanted to give you an update on my experience at the Whistler Spokeswoman bike camp. My overall experience was amazing. There were about 15 women signed up, and they divided us into 3 groups based on our skill level. Our instructors were top notch pros including Kelly Sherbenin and Daamo Skelton.
While I was hoping to learn how to do bigger drops and jumps, more time was spent re-learning some fundamentals. I thought my riding style was fine, but realized that I was doing a few things wrong (not keeping my legs loose enough and not weighting the handlebars in the corners). So, a lot of time was spent dialing these skills in.
We worked on manuals and drops quite a bit to get the proper technique down. Unfortunately, my bike held me back quite a bit (I rented a bike in hopes for a DH bike, but they gave me a Kona Coiler--I may as well have brought my SC Heckler). The Coiler had no standover clearance and was too big for me. Its also a tank of a bike for what it is. I had one bad crash on a drop, but came out in one piece (I just had a sore neck the next day).
I did learn to jump though, and that definitely gave me some confidence. I must say that the other girls at the camp were amazing. There was no weird girl competition and they were all very fun, friendly, and encouraging--and I met some great friends to hook up with for riding at Whistler! Overall, I feel good about my new riding style and having the fundamentals to build on for drops and jumps.
Also, they provided lunch and beers (Apres) at the end of the day. I'm so excited to practice jumps, drops, and my new cornering skills. If anyone has any questions about the camp, feel free to PM or ask in this forum.
I'll try to post some pics when they are available!
I just wanted to give you an update on my experience at the Whistler Spokeswoman bike camp. My overall experience was amazing. There were about 15 women signed up, and they divided us into 3 groups based on our skill level. Our instructors were top notch pros including Kelly Sherbenin and Daamo Skelton.
While I was hoping to learn how to do bigger drops and jumps, more time was spent re-learning some fundamentals. I thought my riding style was fine, but realized that I was doing a few things wrong (not keeping my legs loose enough and not weighting the handlebars in the corners). So, a lot of time was spent dialing these skills in.
We worked on manuals and drops quite a bit to get the proper technique down. Unfortunately, my bike held me back quite a bit (I rented a bike in hopes for a DH bike, but they gave me a Kona Coiler--I may as well have brought my SC Heckler). The Coiler had no standover clearance and was too big for me. Its also a tank of a bike for what it is. I had one bad crash on a drop, but came out in one piece (I just had a sore neck the next day).
I did learn to jump though, and that definitely gave me some confidence. I must say that the other girls at the camp were amazing. There was no weird girl competition and they were all very fun, friendly, and encouraging--and I met some great friends to hook up with for riding at Whistler! Overall, I feel good about my new riding style and having the fundamentals to build on for drops and jumps.
Also, they provided lunch and beers (Apres) at the end of the day. I'm so excited to practice jumps, drops, and my new cornering skills. If anyone has any questions about the camp, feel free to PM or ask in this forum.
I'll try to post some pics when they are available!
I wish I lived close enough to hit Whistler's camp. I really think I would progress to the next level and need something like this kind of experience to get me there.
