Embarking on a mountain bike journey can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially when you’re a complete beginner. For me, the idea of tackling trails on a Mountain Bike Trek Bike was daunting, to say the least. Before arriving at the Trek Dirt Series mountain bike camp in Whistler, British Columbia, my mountain biking experience was virtually non-existent. Dropper posts, shifting gears – it was all a foreign language. Even putting on my helmet felt like a monumental task, my hands trembling with a mix of nerves and anticipation.
Walking into the bike shop on that first day of the Dirt Series camp, however, was a game-changer. The aroma of homemade muffins, courtesy of Dirt Series founder Candace Shadley’s mom, filled the air, instantly easing my anxiety with each sweet inhale. Meeting the incredible coaches who would guide us through the weekend further calmed my fears. As we divided into groups, I found myself surrounded by other women who were just as apprehensive and new to mountain biking as I was. Suddenly, my self-doubt faded, replaced by a surge of excitement for the adventure ahead.
The weekend at Dirt Series was indeed challenging, but that’s precisely what made it so rewarding. During the skills course on the first morning, I experienced my first of many falls. I tumbled again, and then one more time for good measure. There were trail sections I opted to walk, wishing I had the courage to ride them. Keeping my pedals level seemed like an impossible feat. Yet, amidst these struggles, I found myself riding drops in the bike park that had initially seemed terrifying enough to send me running home. I experienced my first chairlift ride, and I navigated down a rocky slope even as rain began to fall, my heart pounding in my chest. I left Whistler with bruises that felt like badges of honor, and a grin that lingered for weeks.
Attending a Dirt Series camp is more than just a weekend mountain bike getaway. It’s an investment in lifelong experiences and a boost to your confidence that extends far beyond the bike trails. It’s about gaining the courage to embrace new challenges, to learn from falls and setbacks, and to always get back up and try again. And truly, what could be more valuable than that?
