May 24, 2007 (Kamloops, BC) – 34 Of BC’s top young MTB riders converged on the picturesque Tilley Retreat in the Tranquille Valley outside of Kamloops on May 19-21 for a killer long weekend training camp. With nothing but fresh mountain air and wildlife to occupy the riders when not riding, we were guaranteed to have some high octane rides.

Saturday saw the riders show their stuff in a short Time Trial before tackling a series of tough hill intervals, followed by a couple laps of the local trails. A pretty epic day to start the camp! Shortly after was dinner, some skills and drills on the MTB’s and it was an early light’s out after the camp fire as everyone was tired from the days travels and hard ride.

Sunday was race training day. Starting in the school field riders practiced touching wheels, bumping elbows and were challenged to ride in a the most closely packed group “¦.for the reward of first showers and not having to help with dishes! Then it was back onto the trails, in groups of 8-10, riders went full gas (multiple times) on a great 6 km course that challenged their skill, speed and endurance. It was a great test of everyone’s speed and abilities to start in a tight group and hit a great variety of terrain at race pace.

The older riders continued the ride after the race efforts with a rather massive climb (35 minutes in the granny gear) up to some amazing views and an unfortunately early turn around because of some local wild life who had staked their claim to the trail. The bear didn’t appear too concerned that we were on the trail, but we figured it would be wiser to turn back than to ask him to get out of our way.

After another great meal, courtesy Linda Tilly (and her team of helpers who fed 40 hungry MTBer’s with seemingly ease), the gang practiced some skills and crash training then roasted a few more bags of marshmallows by the camp fire. A few brave riders even chose to sleep out under the stars, falling asleep under and incredibly clear star filled sky.

Mondays ride saw the gang tackle some new trails and yet another epic climb for some of the older riders who were up for a solid 30 minutes of climbing two days in a row. Spectacular views and an awesome descent were the reward. From there it was back to the Tilley Retreat for another great meal before packing up and heading home”¦Watch out for everyone who was at this camp at the BC School Provincials on May 26 and every race after”¦.they’ll be flying!

A huge thank you to John and Linda Tilley for their hospitality and trail preparation, coaches Rick Thiessen and Bob Stanhope for leading ride groups and the parents who hung out and tagged along on the rides as helpers.