November 1, 2005 – October has delivered superb weather for the children of the Sprockids Cycling Program. Over the past few weeks kids have been gathering at the Ancaster Rotary Center, embarking on an adventure that many of their peers have yet to experience. Sprockids is a national introduction to cycling program for youth aged 8-12, committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by offering them a structured, fun way to get involved in cycling while helping them build self-esteem.

It is 9am Saturday morning, the dew covered baseball diamonds are yet to be touched, and the parents are yanking bikes out of the back of mini vans, car racks and pick up trucks. As the participants gather in the meeting room they are full of anticipation, wondering and thinking about the skills and abilities they are going to obtain from the Sprockids program.

Their instructors are also arriving, most of them traveling by bike, to inspire the next generation of cyclists and to share their love of the bicycle. Elite cyclists who train at the National Cycling Centre Hamilton (NCCH) have come out to share their knowledge and support with the youth involved in the Sprockids program. Imagine being coached on how to avoid obstacles by an Olympian, Sue Palmer-Komar, or how to corner efficiently by a National Champion in Marty Lazarski?

These athletes, along with other NCCH athletes, Kyle Douglas, Jaymie McGowan, Amanda Sin, Krystal Jeffs, Kelly Bietola and Amy Moore have taken their time to come and share their experiences with the awe-inspired youth. Krystal Jeffs, a Canada Summer Games participant reports, “I loved helping out with the Sprockids program in the last month. It was an amazing experience because I love cycling. Seeing young children enjoy it as much as I do was rewarding. I started cycling 2 years ago, although, like every child I have been on a bike since I learned how to ride.

The Sprockids program provides the children with laws of riding and proper bike mechanics so the children can have a safe and fun ride!” Sue Palmer-Komar along with her daughter Trinity are looking forward to enrolling in the program in a few years. She contributes “Sprockids is a great way for kids to learn how to ride safely and how to enjoy a lifelong family activity. It’s been a great opportunity to pass on my love and passion for cycling to the future generation of cyclists.”

The Sprockids program has been brought into the community by the National Cycling Centre Hamilton (NCCH) with help from the 2003 World Championship legacy fund that was created after a successful showcase of the world’s best cyclists racing on the streets of Hamilton in October 2003. The legacy has also provided the NCCH to grow its programs to reach the development level as well as training some of the best cyclists in Canada. The goal is to provide the residents of Hamilton and surrounding areas with a high class training centre that offers programs and racing at all ages and levels.

The Sprockids lessons aim to instill a lifetime love of physical activity to help get kids off the couch and on their bikes. Participants earn stickers, stamps in their passports and water bottles when they master a set of skills. Throughout the program the concept of FUN is never forgotten.

Participant Mason, aged 8 responded “I thought it was going to be fun, and it really was!” when asked why he wanted to join the Sprockids program. Nine year old Lindsay learned “the hand signals, how to fall off your bike, how to avoid bumps, how to do the ABC quick check and to change a tire”. Most participants agreed that one of their favourite activities was riding down the “˜Hill of Doom’ and throughout the Dundas Valley Trails.

The “˜First Gear’ program has just finished the second successful run at the Ancaster Rotary Centre. Look for both First Gear and Second Gear programs to be run at the Ancaster Rotary Centre in the spring and summer of 2006.

For more information on the Sprockids program, visit www.sprockids.ca. Sprockids coach Amy Moore can be reached at ncchamilton@ontariocycling.org and 905 525 9140 x27783.