May 18/06 10:58 am - Norco Skills Clinic

Posted by Editoress on 05/18/06
 

Norco Skills Clinic May 13th
By Doug Detwiller

Photos

Norco has always had a very special relationship with Sprockids and the mountain biking community of the Sunshine Coast. On Saturday May 13th, twelve Norco Team and Staff Riders put on a riding clinic for members of the Sprockids "Coastriders" mountain bike club. Utilizing the stunts, dirt jumps, and trails of the Sprockids Park, the young riders were put through a variety of stations. The riders learned the skills necessary to safely and successfully ride skinnies, teeter totters, ramps, drop offs, ladder bridges, and dirt jumps. Over the course of the morning the skill level of the young riders improved dramatically and by the end of the session, many were riding stunts they previously had never even considered.

In the afternoon it was time for the teenagers and adults to ride with the Norco crew. We all headed up Mt. Elphinstone, along a twisty single-track entitled "Sidewinder," until we reached our destination, a newly built stunt trail named "Scream Machine." Those of us that made the climb were treated to a truly inspiration display of riding expertise by the Norco crew.

The Norco Crew really connected with the kids. Their positive energy and enthusiasm was passed on to everyone at the event. You could not have asked for better ambassadors of the sport. A lot of parents came out to watch and they couldn't believe what their children were able to do. Many of the parents expressed they really didn't have much of an idea about what happens in Sprockids. They knew we rode trails, but today's clinic really opened their eyes to the exciting, adrenaline world of mountain biking. "Parents, Your Kids Aren't In Kansas Any More!" Mountain biking is a multi faceted sport, and it takes incredible skill, dedication, and practice to become a strong all around rider. Having such a talent core of riders to demonstrate, model, and instruct our young riders is key to making sure they have the opportunity to develop the proper techniques necessary to experience all aspects of mountain biking. Today the Norco Riders did that, and so much more!