It was a true full circle moment — 17 students in Capilano University’s mountain bike operations program learning how to be instructors and guides on trails built by their respective alumni.
Last week, the students, some from as far away as the Czech Republic spent a day at the Coast Gravity Park in Sechelt learning teaching and guiding skills in their Recreation 175 course entitled, ‘teaching and guiding for mountain biking.’
As many of you may know, the park was designed and built by the world renowned Coastal Crew: three young riders dedicated to building trail all over the planet. One of these young people is MBO graduate Kyle Norbraten.
However, the full circle does not stop there. There are currently five graduates of the program working on the hill including the bike park manager and senior trail builders.
According to instructors Darren Butler and Kelli Sherbinin, the day was a big success. Due to the homegrown nature of the park, Butler and Sherbinin were able to provide some great progressions for the students and give them some exciting ways to think about their new knowledge of their own riding too.
“We saw a tremendous amount of improvement in every student’s riding, while allowing him or her to really understand the theory behind the program,” said Butler. “To also see the students realize that dreams could be built from an idea and passion was a real eye opener for them.”
And what did the young students think? Riding the Coast Gravity Park as part of a university class was pretty cool. The smiles on their faces told it all.
Until next time, see you out there!
