"The Two Wheeled Approach to Self Esteem"

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IN THE NEWS...

Provincial Minister Gordon Hogg Gets Schooled in Sprockids

Thanks to the efforts of Sunshine Coast/Powell River MLA Nicholas Simons, I had the opportunity to present the Sprockids Program to the Honourable Gordon Hogg. Gordon is the minister responsible for the "ActNow B.C." portfolio which focuses on changing the attitude of today’s society, particularly towards the type of lifestyle young people choose.

The adventure started when Nicholas and I boarded a small single propped Cessna in Sechelt, then took off for our flight to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The small plane reminded me of when I was young, riding in my brother’s 1952 Austin Healy. Grant, our pilot navigated us across the strait and over the Gulf Islands. It was very cool to fly over many the islands I have visited by boat. As we taxied into Victoria, it felt like Nicholas and I were the reincarnation of Jake and Elwood, from the Blues Brothers, on a mission to 'enlighten' the government on how to get today’s generation up, off the couch, and active. Since we had some time to kill before our scheduled meeting with the minister, Nicholas and I walked over to the Parliament Buildings. Nicholas gave me a quick tour of the building. If you have never been to the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, it is well worth the trip. The buildings themselves are a beautiful example of architectural design and craftsmanship from a very fascinating time in our Country's history.

Finally the time for our meeting arrived. As we entered the office of Gordon Hogg, one's first impression was one of warmth, openness, and humor. Off in one corner lay this year’s Halloween decorations, in another a gumball dispenser, and scattered around the room was a variety of stuffed animals. As we were ushered into the inner office there, taking center stage on the coffee table was a full size Jedi “Light Saber!” Gordon informed us he had three of them, and proceeded to demonstrate his skill with the saber. Next, he proceeded to give us a mini concert of his latest Hip Hop song that he performed at a recent function. It was obvious this man enjoys life. One could not help but feel comfortable in his presence. There definitely wasn’t any airs or attitude with this elected official. Nicholas gave a brief introduction about Sprockids and why he felt this meeting was important. Then it was my turn. I had about 20 minutes to tell Gordon about 16 years of my life and why the Provincial Government needs to get behind Sprockids. Talking about Sprockids is very easy for me because I believe so passionately about it. What was difficult was trying to describe all the various facets of Sprockids into such a small time frame, making sure I focused on the pertinent points that would connect with the minister. Over the years Gordon has held numerous posts with the government and his experience, incite, and passion for young people became obvious as we talked about the program and the current situation regarding the lack of activity in today’s society, not only among young people, but with adults also. Our 30-minute meeting quickly turned into 45 minutes, which still isn’t a lot of time, but to get that amount of time one-on-one with a minister is pretty rare. He truly seemed to comprehend the philosophy behind Sprockids and both Nicholas and I came away with a positive and optimistic feeling that this initial meeting would open the doors to further discussions. So what happens next? At this point I am anxiously waiting for the e-mail or phone call summoning me to Victoria for another meeting. I have the 'implementation plan' ready to go and, once the Provincial Government comes on board, together we can get B.C. pedaling its way to a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Doug Detwiller
Sprockids

Helmets Do Save Lives

We have all heard the story before, some innocent cyclist is struck by a car, and more often then not the conclusion to the story is a tragic one, but in this instance there is a happy ending. On July 5 2006 two young riders, Sean Stanhope and Matt Cottrell were hit from behind while training on their road bikes. The force of the impact catapulted Sean over the hood of the car, while Matt was pulled underneath. Sean suffered a very bad concussion and was badly banged up, but miraculously he didn't sustain any broken bones. Matt, on the other hand wasn't so lucky. He also receives a major concussion along with a very badly broken collarbone and a multiple fractured leg requiring numerous surgeries to repair. Both boys are now back home and are doing great, and planning their racing strategies for next season. Matt and Sean have gone through a life altering experience and know they have been given a second chance in life, and they plan to make the most of it. When talking with them they credit their Bell helmets with saving their lives. The helmets did their job and spread the enormous impact of the collision throughout the superstructure of the helmet. When I contacted Jim Heeney of Bell Sports USA and told him about the accident he immediately wanted to help Sean and Matt. He sent them both a new Sweep XC helmet and some accessories to help get them equipped and back on their bikes. As you can see from the smiles on their faces this gesture of kindness went a long way in lifting their spirits.

Life follows a very unpredictable path and out of this seeming meaningless and painful event these two young people find themselves in a position to make a very positive contribution to society. Sean, aged 16 and Matt, aged 20 both started out in a Sprockids Program located on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. From their early days of learning to ride they naturally entered their first mountain bike race and fell in love with the excitement of competition. Today they race at a very elite level for the “On the Edge” race club. Matt and Sean have always given back to the sport by helping out with the weekly Sprockids rides, clinics, events, races, and trail building activities. The younger riders look up to Matt and Sean and they want to use their notoriety to get the message across to them about the importance of wearing a helmet, road and trail awareness, bike maintenance, and other ways a riders can do to set themselves up for a safe and enjoyable ride. Because Matt and Sean are young and have been through an experience very few of us can imagine they are able to connect with young people on a very unique and personal level.

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Since 1990 Sprockids has been turning thousands of young people on to the lifelong sport of mountain biking. Safety has always been a major focus of the program and teaching and empowering young people with the proper skills, knowledge, and attitude to enjoy the sport in a safe and enjoyable fashion continues to be a primary component of Sprockids. If you are interested in starting your own Sprockids Program contact Doug Detwiller at (604) 886-0772 or ddetwiller@dccnet.com

The following companies are supporters of Sprockids, and are helping to make cycling a safe, exciting, and accessible activity for today's youth.

Bell Helmets, Clif Bars, Chris King, Finish Line, Hayes Brakes, Helly Hansen, Interbike, Norco, Outdoor Gear Canada, Manitou, Park Tools, Raceface, Rocky Mountain, Ryders, Santa Cruz, SRAM, Wilderness Trail Bikes

Sprockids Coast to Coast

From it’s origin in Gibsons British Columbia and spread to 17 countries globally,  the weekend of 10 June saw the popular Sprockids program reach the shores of Prince Edward Island. Over the weekend 11 participants in PEI took part in a leader training session.

Giving up their weekend, the group enthusiastically took part in practice sessions to enable them to spread the joy of cycling to the future Sprockids on the island. It wasn’t long until they became 9 to 12 year olds again and were having fun on their bikes.  The weather co-operated so that we were forced inside occasionally due to rain. Without the rain breaks the important sessions on riding etiquette, rules of the road and trail, and risk management may have been forgotten.

About noon the first day we were surprised as two police cars pulled up and three officers got out.  The Summerside Police Services Police Association showed their support in the form of a cheque to help Sprockids in the area.  With this sort of support and encouragement the program is of to a great start.  Summerside, Charlottetown and Montaque all hope to have kids riding by summer break.

It will be nice to see pictures of smiling faces on the West coast and East as well as the many groups across Canada.   It will be a great geography lesson for the kids involved to see their peers as pictures are posted from across the country.  We must remember that Canada has three coasts so the next challenge is to get Sprockids in the high Arctic regions.  Sprockids, Sea to sea to Sea!

Ed Ripmeester
CCA Sprockids Master Course Conductor

Sprockids Honoured at Sport Awards
Homegrown program spreads to 17 countries
(Article taken from the pages of NSMB web site, March 2006)

Sprockids started out a 40-minute ferry ride away from the North Shore on the Sunshine Coast.  The brainchild of elementary school teacher Doug Detwiller, Sprockids began as a self esteem/anger management program to engage reluctant learners. 
Over the years Sprockids has evolved into a multi faceted program used in over 17 countries by; teachers, coaches, law enforcement agencies, cycling clubs, community and civic programers, boy and girls clubs and others working with young people. In 2002 Sprockids partnered up with the CCA (Canadian Cycling Association) to create the national Sprockids “Introduction to Cycling “ program for Canada. In 2005 over 220 new Sprockids Leaders were trained across Canada. Here on the Sunshine Coast the local Sprockids “Coastriders” Club continues to involve young people in the sport of mountain biking and serves as an example to the rest of Canada.

Sprockids founder Doug Detwiller with two-time Canadian Women's hockey Gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser.

On Wednesday March 8th Sprockids creator Doug Detwiller was honoured with Sport BC’s 2005 “President’s Award” for his work with young people. The presentation was part of the annual Sport BC gala held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. The dinner was attended by hundreds of individuals associated with amateur sport in B.C. The diversified crowd gathered to recognize individuals who had “demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment” to amateur sport in this province, and to honour some of the province’s top amateur athletes. In attendance were many dignitaries, ranging from provincial cabinet ministers, sport legends, tv and radio personality, and even Olympic Gold Medalists Hayley Wickenheiser!

Congratulations Doug!  Your commitment to young people and to the sport of mountain biking is unparalleled! Ed.

Sprockids Mountain Bike Park

The concept of building a “Teaching” mountain bike park was first conceived back in the early 90’s. As the Sprockids Program was beginning to take shape in became very apparent there was a need for a facility where riders of all ages could learn, practice, and hone their riding skills before heading out onto the trails. Here on the Sunshine Coast we are blessed with a abundance of west coast rain forest and the type of topography perfect for mountain biking. What we needed was an appropriate site on which to build our park. The Sprockids Club approached our Sunshine Coast Regional District with a proposal to turn the old Gibsons Landfill site into a mountain bike park. The park proper encompasses around 5 acres and emulating from this central hub is a maze of premier single track that winds through the forest. Mountain biking is continuously evolving and in keeping with the riding trends of the period so has the facilities at the park. The park was totally built by volunteers, and is open to anyone who wants to enjoy it. The Sprockids Park does not reflect some polished creation out of a box, but rather a funky natural free formed collaboration of ideas from a wide variety of rider of ages and riding styles. The ramps, stunts, and jumps range from low level challenges, where riders are able to practice in a situation where they can simple roll off in they are unable to complete the challenge. As their confidence and riding skills develop there were more challenging stunts to practice on. If you visit the park on any weekend you will see riders from ages 5 to 65 using the park. From beginning riders learning to stay upright, through to very talent riders getting major air off dirt jumps and ramps.

Recently a “Jump Clinic” was put on by three very talented and dynamic riders; Ruth Ritchey, Daamiann Skelton, and Elladee Brown. Here is what they had to say about Sprockids Park.

Ruth Ritchey

I’ve been instructing mountain bike skills clinics through the SCRD at the Langdale Sprockids Mtn Bike Park for two seasons. In the year 2004 I ran an all women’s clinic and this year, 2005, conducted two clinics; Women on Wheels and the Co-Ed Drop Clinic.
I must stress the importance that the Sprockids skills centre has offered to the SCRD clinics. The clinics would not have been possible without this site. It offers riders of all skill levels to develop. From the entry level beginner to the advanced rider, the Sprockids Park offers challenges with well designed progressions and a variety of structures. All styles of mtn biking can be addressed at the Sprockids Park. From Freeriding to cross country to downhill, many skills can be ‘sessioned’ in this controlled environment before applying these skills to the neighboring trails.
Because of the Sprockids Park location participants can easily access trails after feeling confident with practicing skills in the park. The network of trails are varied in degree of difficulty, therefore offering all riders a chance to apply their new found skills amongst the beauty of the Sunshine Coast forests.
I had the opportunity to invite two former professional mtn bikers to join me in conducting this years clinics; Elladee Brown and Daamiann Skelton. We are all certified instructors through CMIC (Canadian Mountain Biking Instructors Certification). With this training we know what ‘works’ as a skills centre. Sprockids WORKS!
Thanks to Doug Detwiller, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, and especially all those involved in building and maintaining this site. Without you, the SCRD skills clinics would not be available to those on the Sunshine Coast. For those who wish to better their ride so as to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and forests via human powered bicycles, the Sprockids Park offers this opportunity. It is an instructor and participants ‘dream’.
Sincere regards,

Ruth Ritchey

Daamiann Skelton;
Co-owner/founder CMIC, Former National DH racer, Norco, Mace, Kenda, Ryders sponsored, Shimano field rep.

I was recently instructing a clinic through the SCRD with Ruth Ritchey. It was marketed as an intermediate drop clinic. We had 10 people show up on Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the Sprockids Park. We had all the facilities we could have asked for with many progressions for learning drops. Riders could progress at their respective levels and know where they could take their new found skills. There are also a multitude of skinny lines for all levels, with options for riding off the end at different heights using wheelie drops or manuals. It’s great to have a facility that allows riders to hone their skills and practice new skills in a controlled environment before taking it to the trails. This is what the Sprockids Park has achieved. We had a great day and the riders took to the air on the trails in the afternoon, conquering drops they’d only looked at before.

Coolio,
Daamo

Elladee Brown;
Current Shimano Rep, Marin Rep, Columnist for Pedal Magazine, Former World XC/DH Champion.

I rode around in amazement the first time I ever set tires in the Sprockids Mountain Bike Park. I’ve ridden mountain bikes all over the world and I have yet to see a place that is so cleverly crafted, built, maintained and ridden…not to mention safe.
Perhaps the greatest perk of this park is the ability to progress at your own pace – there’s a trail for everyone here. Once you’ve mastered one there’s another one to challenge your new found skill set – this makes it one of the most ideal places to instruct mountain biking – options, variety and some of the most beautiful scenery as you learn to ride yoiur mountain bike… Does it get any better than that!?

Elladee Brown

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Sprockids in Israel

Follow the link below to check out The Netanya Sprockids Club in Israel.

http://www.cyclenix.com/Sprockids_eng/events.html#One%20to%20One%20Sprockids

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