June 1, 2003 – A brand new concept day combined with some good old fashion racing wrapped up the May 24/25 weekend in North Vancouver.
The weekend began with the first annual Elementary School Fun Day. Shore Events head honcho, Richard Juryn has been helping to run the North Shore High School race series for the past three years and saw a need to offer something for younger kids and families that love to ride. Over the winter the concept was put together – a morning of seminars on everything from riding ramps to jumping to how to change a flat and an afternoon of trail rides and games!
Some of the top names from the North Shore were engaged to assist and what a dynamic line-up of teachers there were: Dangerous Dan, Hoots Jay, the Baia Brothers and Dave Moody amongst others. The morning was awesome with some 100 parents and kids split into groups that moved every 20 minutes to a different station. By early afternoon every group had made the full rotation and it was time for some lunch. Everyone was buzzing as new skills were learned and new friends made.
The threatening, though dry skies, from the morning really opened up in the afternoon but did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the participants. It also did nothing to stop the performers as Hoots Jay and Dirt Club, the Baia Brothers Trials Team and Dangerous Dan's Flow show all ripped it up for the gathered spectators. All the demos were amazing but especially so were Dan and his Flowriders who still rode all their stunts including a “sick” 8 foot high slanted, “very” slippery skinny in the now pouring rain. Guided trail rides came next and the beginner ride included some very little ones riding through the deepening mud. Everyone was getting increasingly wet and dirty which led to a “Dirtiest Kid” contest that was one of the highlights of the afternoon. Everyone attending got a draw prize and we sent some wet, dirty people home with big smiles on their faces!
Sunday dawned warmer and drier as the Grades 2 through 5 had their participatory events in the morning followed by the Grades 8 through 12 in the afternoon. Great competitions with some incredible finishes! Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, guest coaches, parents and kids for an amazing weekend. We look forward to a bigger and better show for next year!
Some of the emails forwarded after the event:
– Just thought I would drop you a note to say what a great event the family fun day was on Saturday. All of my kids had a fantastic time, despite the dampness. We will be back next year for sure, and will bring along some other friends – James C.
– Thanks for the wonderful weekend, the boys just had a blast….as did I! – Mike B
– Thanks for the event, it was great fun and very low-key. Our kids were really happy to see Dangerous Dan riding his scary apparatus. – Sue D
– Thank's very much for putting on a great event. – Mark R
– We want to thank you for organizing a great event last weekend. My wife and I and our two kids(Jack – 5 and Mikaila – 13) had a great time.
– The day was a great mix of fun and education. We were in awe of the skills displayed by the riders from the North Shore. It was great to meet them and have them teach us how to get started with some technical riding, jumping and trials skills.
– Rain or shine we will be their next year! Keep up the good work. – John A.
– Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Junior Mountain Bike Festival here in North Van last Saturday. Jamie (my 5 yr. old son) and I had a blast. I was especially impressed with all the great riders – they were really nice guys, nice role models for our kids. Also, I thought your event was extremely well organized….really informative and really family friendly. Appreciated just about everything except the weather on Saturday afternoon, but you guys even made the most of that with the muddiest rider contest. Anway, just to say I am spreading the word on what a great event it was….hope you can do this again next year. – Devon H.