SQUAMISH, BC – It’s hard to believe it’s still winter.
There isn’t a flake of snow on the ground at Cat Lake near Squamish. The camping hot spot is also used as a recreational off-road riding area that has been largely developed by the Squamish Dirt Bike Association.
There’s a network of single-track trails perfect for dirt bikers or trials riders, and a large dirt “parking lot” that can be used for skills training, whether you’re new to the sport or not.
For those who are also taking advantage of the good weather, it’s an ideal place to be this particular Sunday to learn to get on two wheels, hone your skills and share the same passion with others.
Besides, who wouldn’t want to be outside with weather like this?! Facebook can wait.
The British Columbia Off-Road Motorcycle Association (BCORMA) recently adopted the internationally recognized training program developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) of North America to help those who have always wanted to get on two wheels.
How? Through the MSF Dirt Bike School.
If you are six or older and you’ve never been on a dirt bike, consider this your invitation.
Even if you have been on two wheels, but you’d like a refresher course, you can certainly rekindle the old flame with the love of the sport in a safe and controlled environment.
It’s a full day of training, so make sure you had a good sleep the night before. While it is fun, it is still work. Rewarding work.
Alexandra Straub practices proper technique going over obstacles while taking part in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training program.
Britt-Lee Kroeker,
My classmate for the day is Britt-Lee Kroeker, 21, who has also been on dirt bikes in the past, but was excited to get back on them after a long hiatus.
We’re greeted by our instructor for the day, Shaums March, who will be leading us through various exercises during the training. Cory Leclerc is assisting us too.
We start the day off with learning the various hand signals he’ll be using throughout.
Dirt bikes can be loud, so instead of shouting out commands (and so he can save his voice!) we learn to listen to March via his arms and hands.
Then it’s go time.
The earth-covered area where we are riding around poses various challenges.
Through demonstrations, we are shown what we’ll need to execute. If we have questions, the boys are there to assist in our quest for knowledge.
Whether we’re learning how to control the bike in corners, ride over obstacles or demonstrate proper riding positions, we’re laughing and having a good time.
There are no stupid questions, either.
What I found to be the most valuable was learning tricks and techniques on how to manage the bike effectively, whether that was turning the bike around on a hill — if for some reason it stopped or got stuck — or bump starting it. Either way, they are tools I’ll keep with me for the rest of my riding career.
Participants in the MSF Dirt Bike School can learn how to play in the dirt and have fun safely.
Alexandra Straub,
After a day of riding, I sat down to chat with Juliane Knoll, the Squamish Dirt Bike Association treasurer, who works in conjunction with BCORMA to make the school happen.
“The MSF program is designed to build a strong foundation, to give riders more confidence and to contribute to the safety as a rider,” she explains.
She mentions if all riders are aware of what is going on around them, even if they are on single-track trails, it makes riding off-road safer and more fun.
“If we teach you properly from the get go, you’ll enjoy it more in the long run,” Knoll remarks.
The MSF Dirt Bike School will be partnering with major motorcycle manufacturers to provide bikes to those who don’t have their own.
Training is offered at three locations in British Columbia, including Squamish, Kamloops and Kelowna. There’s a school being held in Squamish on Feb. 8 and 9, with more dates to come.
For more information, visit bcroma.ca and click the ‘Dirt Bike School’ tab.
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