05/12/2008

Riding Like A Champion Jeff Bertoia rides with the 'Camp of Champions' in Whistler, BC

Things were simmering down as I traveled through Active Pass on the ferry. I was just coming home from a most entertaining weekend in Whistler, experiencing the hubbub of Crankworx. Mud-splattered, familiar faces from across the province mingled through the line-ups and displays. The Jumbo-tron kept everyone up to date on the event's activities and cool temperatures on Saturday made it the perfect day for riding. On top of all this excitement, I also had the chance to add to the experience by seeing whistler through the eyes of the 'Camp of Champions'.

I was stoked to see the youth representing solid style in the competitions and out ripping on the hill. It seems like every year they just seem to get better. However, it really makes you wonder just how to get your riding from a B- to an A+ in style, air, and speed? I signed on to the fun-time express know as the Camp of Champions in Whistler to see if I could learn a thing or two. What I experienced was some of the best riding instruction and après-ride in the world.

Waiting for a quick bike adjustment before getting back to the trails.

For my CoC experience, I had the pleasure of joining NSMB team rider, Neil Myers on the ride and securing myself a second-hand 2007 Norco A-line Park Edition bike. (Thanks CoC!) These were the same bikes available to the campers as rental units for the summer.

Neil and I rode with a group of young rippers from across the globe. This was the final day for all the camps, so these kids had been riding for the last couple of weeks and the level of talent was mind boggling! We flowed down the Merchant, A-line, and Freight Train like nobody's business and had only a couple minor incidents throughout the day. All the riders were stoked!

A typical day starts with a hearty breakfast, then riding from 10-1pm, with a break poolside for lunch and a refreshing dip. After that, the afternoon includes more shredding till about 5-6pm, then a time to check photos, vids, eat dinner and mingle with other campers or go check out the dirt jumps, skate park, or beaches and parks in Whistler.

Cruising through the burms on the biker-cross.

For such a varied group of teenage boys and girls, the whole group seemed tight and offered a wide variety of talents. At one point, I shared a chairlift with campers from Spain, Brazil, and the USA. They told me their favourite parts of the camp, besides the top level instruction, was the new people they met, the quality of trails in Whistler, and the great food and entertainment. There were no negative responses, the Whistler good-time vibe was alive and well!

Watching the riders boosting huge off the tabletops on Dirt Merchant was a blast to watch. We'd just come from Freight Train, and were on jump #78, or #102. I can't quite recall! The camp experience was obviously paying off for this group of riders.

Being able to get a ton of runs on the same trails (like A-Line) is a good guage for progression.

Before we rode, I had the chance to talk with Ken Achenbach, Camp Owner and Director earlier in the day to find out a little more about the camp. Ken originally created the camp for skiers and boarders several yeas ago, and added the mountain bike component last year (this year's enrolment is Double from last). He explained how the quality of the camp is partially due to how closely he works with head coach
Brent Floyd and coaches: Vanessa Stark, Neil Meier, Wendy Robinson and Ryan Hayes. He also explained how each camp also includes guest Pros such as Neil, who will come along for the ride. The camps offer several levels of riding guiding/instruction to suite the goals of each individual camper.

Boneyard, blue-bird skies...my kind of camp.

The goal is to offer top notch instruction and guidance combined with the best lift-accessible trails, food, and accommodation. They use the term 'camp' loosely since there are no tents at the Camp of Champions. Campers enjoy rather comfy queen-sized beds at the Aspens Hotel after a full day of riding, and a clubhouse for the campers to hang out and continue the competitive spirit. The 'clubhouse' is like a teenagers dream room with arcade and video games, ping-pong, pool, internet access, and a social lounge. This is my kind of summer camp!

Dusty and weary from an epic day of riding, we headed over to the grand-finale BBQ for all the camp goers- skiers, boarders, and bikers. The leaders and coaches offered a few encouraging words and then prizes were awarded to top riders. There was also a schwag giveaway, so everyone got a sweet package of accessories to go with their new skills, friends, and memories.

Some of the campers - still mostly unbroken - and all with grins from ear to ear.

- Jeff Bertoia

To experience the Camp of Champions for yourself, or to learn more about dates times and pricing check out: campofchampions.com

Have your own CoC experience? Tell us about here.