This season, our HopOn Quesnel instructors, led by John Courtney of the Gold Rush Cycling Club, returned for a 2nd season to facilitate a 5-week after-school spring for kids skill levels 2-5 and ages 7-13 years old.
Inspired by the success of the HopOn Chase program in 2022, John’s instructors used various locations over the five weeks, starting at West Fraser Timber Park and then hitting the local trails. With five instructors in tow, the program welcomed a total of 22 riders!
In reflection, John shared …
I was so impressed by my fellow instructors this season.
Although I feel I’ve engrained the skills, games, and lesson plans are fairly well at this point, my team members really took it to another level this year. They required far less guidance from me and that was fantastic. This program is all about developing autonomy and agency for both the riders and the instructors, so I was over the moon.
It was also a welcome surprise because this season I was trying to role-model a bit of fitness, and balanced running the bike shop, leading the HopOn program, and training for a big cycling race. What do they say? Diamonds are only made under pressure! – John Courtney
Instructor Michelle and Grace shared …
This year my daughter, Grace and I coached the “big kids” again and thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids were so great – great attitudes, keen to learn, seemed to enjoy the drills and the games.
We did 5 sessions and managed to incorporate the skills as we enjoyed some trail time with the kids as well.
We focused on balance, cornering, one-handed riding, ratcheting, bike awareness, bike safety . . . it’s amazing how you can “sneak” in all this stuff and they just soak it up and don’t complain or question “why are we doing this”. And as a bonus we felt like everyone improved over the course of the 5 weeks. I always say, even if they learn ONE thing, it’s a win!
We are already looking forward to next year. Thanks for all the support! – Michelle and Grace
Stay tuned for more information on our HopOn After-School page.
