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2006 Sugoi Dirt Series
Hey Ladies! Looking to learn some new skills or improve on those that you already have in an encouraging and positive environment? This season the Sugoi Dirt Series will be offering 15-20 locations to pick from.
Beginnings: the origins of the Dirt Series
In 2000, the BC provincial government launched an initiative to bring more women into the sport of mountain biking and to encourage further those who were already committed to the sport. Since then the series has grown from an event that taught bike skills to women into one that now includes a couple of coed locations. Candace Shadley, the founder and director of the series, can still be found at select locations teaching skills to participants.
The Locations
The series first started in Whistler before spreading throughout British Columbia and, with this year’s series including locations in Oregon, Idaho, California and Washington, has now moved into the United States.
You can find more information about these locations and the availability of accommodations on the Dirt Series website.
The Coaches
For 2006, the Sugoi Dirt Series has also put together a fantastic group of coaches, with many coming from sports other than mountain biking. The lists of accomplishments for this group are incredible and far too long to list, but I am very proud to be a part of the coaching staff for this season’s version of the Series. And based on who’s going to be there, I expect that I’ll learn a thing or two during the camp.
Participants
To participate in the Dirt Series, you need to be able to ride on gravel terrain, operate your bike’s brake and shift gears. You can look forward to learning or improving your bike positioning, braking skills, ability to descend, line choice, front wheel lifts, climbing, tight cornering, and straight lines. The Series also gives riders who are more skilled a chance to develop, improve, and perfect an old skill or learn a new one. The best part of the Dirt Series is that every participant is full of excitement and enthusiasm, and most have a great passion for mountain biking.
The Costs
The camps include skills sessions, instructional trail rides, technical seminars, and social opportunities. There are one and two day camps, and they begin at 8:30am and continue until 8pm; the second day usually runs from 9am to 5pm.
The prices of the camps range from $145 to $225 but make sure you double check pricing information because there are differences between US pricing and Canadian pricing. And don’t forget to remember any applicable taxes.
Registering
Now that I’ve got you interested in the Dirt Series, you need to know how to sign up for one of the sessions. Registration is pretty straightforward and can be done online at: www.dirtseries.com.
Once you have completed the registration form, you will be asked to complete a participant’s questionnaire. Your answers will give coordinators an idea about your skill level, your interests, and allows them to choose the group that you’ll have the best fit with and (hopefully) the most fun.
There is a wait list if you find that the camp you want to attend is full.
The Sponsors
The Sugoi Dirt Series receives great support from many sponsors. The first, of course, is Sugoi, which is supported by Rocky Mountain bikes, Fox Racing Shox, Luna, Pete’s Tofu, Brave Soldier, Kicking Horse Coffee, Maxxis Tires, Race face, Dakine, Sole Custom Footbeds, Adidas, Giro, and Kryptonite.
I’m looking forward to meeting some of you at a Sugoi Dirt Series near you. And don’t hesitate to e-mail me any questions that you might have.
Freeride Dawgs: Offering mountain bike tours and skills coaching in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the rest of British Columbia