School usually involves reading, homework and tests but the Squamish Dirt Bike Association (SDBA) is offering a different kind of experience for its students.
The SDBA is presenting the second annual off-road dirt bike riding school on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 8 and 9), a chance for novice and advanced riders to hone their skills.
“The camp is going to give riders a chance to revisit certain skills and techniques and to help them improve their riding,” said Juliane Knoll of the SDBA. “It helps riders work on their technique and we also emphasize riding without damaging the local trails. These classes will help riders work out some bad habits and build their overall skills.”
The two sessions take place at the Cat Lake race staging area, about 15 kilometres north of Squamish off of Highway 99. The SDBA has brought in instructors Karl Dempsey and Shaums March to teach on both days. Dempsey was an instructor at last year’s school, owns No Limits Motorsports in Squamish and has a wealth of experience on the trails. March, a professional mountain bike racer and coach, has competed in the X Games and Red Bull Bike Battles and is an internationally recognized competitor.
Saturday’s session will be geared toward novice or beginner riders, while Sunday sees intermediate and more experienced riders hit the trails.
“The curriculum will be pretty much the same on both days with the instructors doing a bit of a clinic at the start,” Knoll said. “The clinic also gives riders an opportunity to ask a few questions.”
Riders will also learn about bike setup, body positioning, throttle control, acceleration, braking, cornering and things like trail etiquette and insurance requirements.
School gets underway at 10 a.m. on both days and Knoll said there are still spots available on Saturday and Sunday. Riders are encouraged to bring their bike, helmet and body armour to the classes. Those interested can show up early, as registration for both days starts at 9 a.m. or register online at www.bcorma.ca.
It’s the last big event of the year for the SDBA, as Knoll said the remainder of the season will be trail maintenance and the weekly group rides offered by the club.
For more information on the SDBA, visit www.squamishdirtbikeassociation.com.
