SOURCE: AIMEE DUNN
PHOTOS: COREY TOEWS and MICHELLE SANTOS
Welcome New Bunnies and Loyal Members….were back!
This year the Muddbunnie gals headed out to Abbotsford for our 2nd BMX clinic with Denise Britton, Ken Cools and his posse of riding pros who show us how good, “good” can get. What a great way to transition back onto the bikes after a solid dose of the white stuff covering our favorite trails. No roots, rocks or slippery woodwork to deal with…just a smooth track that you could work as fast and as hard as you choose.
This year the clinic was led once again by Ken Cools, and Denise Britton, phenomenal riders and instructors. My write-up last year went into full detail about last years learning lessons…so check it out here.
KEN COOLS
DENISE BRITTON
As the new president of the Mubbunnies Riding club I was thrilled to see members of our new board of directors, familiar faces from 2007, as well as news ones that I looked forward to acquainting myself with.
Following our morning session full of BMX skills and practice laps I had a chance to chat with some on the new faces in the crowd which included Shauna, a new face in the crowd of familiar gal pals…
I was touched by the story Shauna shared about how she came to join us that day. Her husband is a former BMX’er who wanted to share his passion of the sport with his wife. As a new mom time is hard to find for personal indulgences therefore he put together this day for her; not a tangible gift but an ‘experience†; pretty ingenious.
The BMX clinic was a surprise he put together for her to enjoy and experience that day and he didn’t forget the details either. He took care of her registration, the preparation of her bike, (not to forget the babysitting and child care logistics) and even went to the trouble of equipping her car with a style of music to get her pumped for the day!
Shauna had experienced a crash on her bike a while back that put her off the sport for awhile and it was fateful that she was given another go. We all know how this goes…the first endo, the inability to let the brakes go and moments when you just wonder ‘why is this supposed to be fun?’
However, it is the lucky ones that get past this somehow; either with a competitive stubbornness, inspiring or encouraging riding partners or the remembrance of those moments when it does all come together and how sweet it is!
The passion we all feel for riding is intrinsic and becomes equated with this challenge, struggle, success and joy. This is an experience we hope all people find in whatever avenue they are choosing to explore. Her husband knew that this gift could spark a fire that could possibly just keep on giving. The day brought Shauna back to the simplicity of it all; having fun with a laid back bunch of gals …riding bikes.
Another new face I chatted with was Vicki who resides in Port Moody (originally from Australia). She heard about the clinic straight from the horses mouth so to speak; Muddbunnies owner Ryan Petersen after dropping by Bicycle Sports Pacific one afternoon. I thought it was pretty brave of her and was immediately impressed by her courage. I mean, I know how easy it is to get along with these gals and have a blast with only a bike and good spirits but the first step is always the hardest!
Vicki is also a busy mother of 2 who is new to the sport who found the clinic “encouraging, casual and non-intimidating†and “was impressed that so many ages and skill levels were together†sharing the track..
Jennifer came with her daughter Robin who is already an avid BMX’er herself. That was pretty cool to see a mom and daughter enjoying the day together… sharing a laugh and a passion. Jennifer joined us on a recent ride at SFU and I think we have a keeper if her enthusiasm is a sign.
I can’t say enough about the instruction and expertise of Ken Cools and his crew at Abbotsford BMX Track as well as our awesome Muddbunnie ripper and instructor Denise Britton. The professionalism and style of our instructors is the first important element but we all know the environment has to be inviting, relaxing; one that is conducive to success and that I believe is where our club is succeeding!
It is great to see new rippers out there on the track and hopefully new members to join our crew this year. I can’t wait to get out and rip with any of these gals….because its just seems to be what we want…and its all good!
Aimee
Check out all the clinic photos by Corey Toews and Michelle Santos
I went to the clinc and it was awesome !!! It was my first BMX clinic and it was top notch. I learned alot about the sport and myself that day and I am looking forward to another mud bunny clinic !!!