Youth ages 11 to 14 are hitting the local trails again this season with Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA), Stoke Youth Network and Wandering Wheels’ ShredHERS and ShredCOED programs.
The bi-weekly Tuesday rides connect youth riders with qualified guides from Wandering Wheels to help build skills and confidence on the mountain biking trail networks throughout Revelstoke.
“We want to provide that supervision and expertise and professionalism that just makes it a fun, safe way for kids to get out on their bikes together,” Alex Cooper, RCA executive director told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
While RCA’s funding and resources have been key, Cooper says the work of Ainslee Arthurs, Stoke Youth Network Youth Liaison in organizing and advertising to students throughout Revelstoke and Matt Yaki, Wandering Wheels owner’s offering of guides, gear and bikes for rent has kept the program as accessible as possible for Revelstoke youth.
Initially launched five years ago as ShredHERS by Stoke Youth Network to give girls a space to explore the sport and connect with women riders in town, both programs have remained free to participate, including free bike and gear rentals, shuttles to the trails and skills training for all levels.
“There are kids in town who are lucky, their families can afford mountain biking. Our hope is that this program makes those who don’t have that chance feel comfortable to get out there, get a bike and go out and enjoy the trails. Maybe they’ll discover a new sport they love. And they’ll pursue it with passion and find a way to make it happen,” Cooper said.
While riders can drop in for any night, the first couple of nights are spent along the Griffith Creek trails and up on Miller Time to give newer riders a taste of the sport.
“As the weeks go on and they come out and get better, they get more excited, we can just keep challenging them and keep taking them out on different trails,” Cooper said.
Riders have already been out since ShredHERS’ Tuesday, April 29 start date, with 18 girls showing up for the initial ride despite heavy rainfall. Attendance has steadily increased, with the ShredCOED hosting over 30 riders.
“It almost creates a problem of its own, it’s become so successful that we almost can’t manage it. But you’re seeing the community really coming together to support it with the parents and volunteers and our guides.”
Cooper said it’s the challenge the Shred team is eager to overcome and find ways to keep the program growing while remaining manageable. Part of that comes down to the finances. With current support from BC Hydro community grant program, title sponsorship from Wandering Wheels and RCA membership and sponsorship fees going to support, the goal remains to keep both ShredHER and ChredCOED entirely free for all participants.
“We see how great it is to be able to get kids involved and kids riding together at a young age. We hope they build kind of lifelong friendships through mountain biking, and that we can play a small part in that.”
ShredHERS runs Tuesday, May 27 and Tuesday, June 10. ShredCOED runs Tuesday, May 20, Tuesday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 17. Participants and their guardians must sign a waiver before participating. Pre-registration is encouraged along with online signing of the waiver, all of it can be found on the Stoke Youth Network website.
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