For the fifth year running, Cycling BC partnered with St. John Brebeuf High School to create a HopOn After-School mountain bike program for ages 13-18 in Abbotsford.
Leading instructor Martin Lavrik and his team facilitated the HopOn Abbotsford Mtn. Bike program over four weeks, both in the spring and autumn.
Martin’s program is truly unique. Facilitating the curriculum over 4 weeks, each session is longer than normal at 3 hours, but this provides him with the opportunity to visit different trail systems in the community. Since his program is specific to HopOn Level 5 and above, all of the riders are ready to ride BLUE-rated trails which make for some engaging videos and pictures! These riders rip! – Ben Chaddock
Identifying that Martin’s riders have now progressed well beyond the scope of the HopOn curriculum, he recently pursued additional instructor training. As a result, over the summer, Martin achieved Cycling BC’s Club-Assistant (YELLOW) certificate, including NCCP theory, outdoor coach training with Cycling BC Head Coach Joel Harwood, and PMBIA Level 1 certification!
This autumn, we enjoyed the dry conditions and visited 4 different trail networks. Work by the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association over the past five years has helped numerous trails in the valley achieve ‘sanctioned’ status, allowing municipalities to grant permission to operate non-profit programs like Cycling BC’s HopOn program on those lands. This is another testament to the many people in our community who love bikes and want to see more kids on bikes!
Pursuing the additional instructor and coach training this season was also a big highlight. I enjoy learning and spending the day with Joel energized me for the autumn season!
As an experienced teacher, and Master’s student, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my cycling and teaching skills. I believe role-modeling the life-long learner mentality through this professional development is the best way to help my students prepare for their post-graduation pursuits.
See you all in 2023! – Martin Lavrik
Stay tuned for more information on our HopOn After-School page.
