HopOn Nelson: Bikes’n Bytes Camp

Bikes & Bytes (Nelson)

– A partnership between Cycling BC HopOn, Kootenay Mountain Biking (KMB), and Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST) –

This biking & coding camp offers a fun, safe, educational, and exciting introduction to computer coding and mountain biking. Each day includes 2.5 hrs of coding and 2.5 hrs of cycling.

Participants learn how to create a website, edit a movie using footage from the bike sessions, and design a dungeon/castle/forest adventure game from scratch using pixel art and code they will create themselves. No coding experience is necessary. We can provide 6 computers for each cohort of 12 participants. To maximize learning, participants with access to their laptops can bring them to camp. To maximize the experience, children can bring their own Go-Pro or cameras to capture footage during biking, which can be used during the computer sessions.

Mountain biking sessions are facilitated by Kootenay Mountain Biking, including all rental gear and shuttling support. Develop your cycling skills and confidence with KMB’s professional instructor staff on Nelson’s local mountain bike trails. Read our 2021 news article.

Cycling BC’s insurance with Gallagher provides sports accident and general liability coverage for instructors and participants. Participants may also add the purchase of our HopOn T-shirt, certificate and sticker kit during registration. Learn more at cyclingbc.net/hoponswag.

Open to ages 9-12, HopOn Level 5+ (equivalent to KMB Level 2-3 below)

• KMB Level 2-3 (Intermediate Rippers, Age 9-12)
  • Comfortable on all blue technical trails and can ride all green trails, maintaining momentum while riding through rock and root sections.
  • They are starting to increase their speed with good brake control
  • They can confidently ride raised (ladder) bridges and small rock faces

• KMB Level 3 (Advanced Rippers, Age 9-12)
  • Strong on all blue and easy black trails and can ride all or most of the features.
  • They can ride at a moderate but safe speed and carry momentum
  • They are ready to ride steep roll downs, raised ladder bridges, and more technical trails.
  • Can perform a rear-wheel lift, bunny hops, a track stand, and small jumps and drops with the correct technique.

How do I register my child?

• REGISTER ONLINE ($500)
• The process includes admin fees and the purchase of a Cycling BC membership (HopOn Membership, $17.50), providing families access to $400 a year in financial aid from KidSport.

To prepare, please bring the following:

• SMILES!
• Water, Lunch and snacks,
• Gloves, All-weather clothing
• Helmets (CSA approved)
• Spare tire & levers
• Mountain bike with gears and hand brakes
  • Rental bikes are available. Disclose child height during registration.
  • Conduct a bike safety check at a registered bike shop

Participants receive a welcome email 7-14 days before the program starts. Please review HopOn’s Frequently Asked Questions or send us a message for more information.