“I’m on a high. I feel like everything on two wheels is within reach, and I’m not the only one.” some want to race, a lot want to keep up with boyfriends or friends, while others want to be better than their boyfriends and friends. Some want to not cry on the trail. Some [like me] want to get their wheels off the ground. Regardless of the participant’s goals, everyone finishes the day, and the weekend, happier and more confident on her bike. “Really, what each student learns is that you can do something you didn’t think you could,” Shandley says. By day two, I think about this in the air as I am hucking off a 30-degree incline box with a significant drop on the backside. I am in the air long enough, flying on my bike, that I have time for this thought. My mind is no longer a white slate of fear. That realization alone cracks my face into an ear-to-ear grin.
I ask Shandley for her secret. “Dirt Series coaches really care,” she responds. “We’re in it for the participants. To me, and to all the coaches, every single person in camp is the most important. Every one of us will stand there and make sure that each participant gets what she wants.” They’ve nailed it. “Ultimately, teaching mountain biking is teaching confidence,” says Shandley. “It’s my way to make the world a better place in some small way.” At least in my case, she’s succeeded. The details: Camps are two days long and include welcome coffee, instruction, lunches, riding, and a dinner and bike fit/maintenance clinics on the first night. A fleet of bikes as well as pads, helmets, shoes, pedals, and other gear are provided for each camp free to participants on a first come, first served basis. Typical coach-to-participant ratio is 1:6. Cost of the camps is $325/weekend. dirtseries.com n
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We hit the Sandy Ridge trails, and I’m on a high. I feel like everything on two wheels is
within reach, and I’m not the only one. Pretty much everyone in my class is jumping out of her skin with excitement because of new skills and confidence. Women are making plans for next rides, future camps, and bike trips with their new friends.
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