The North Okanagan Cycling Society is looking for children between the ages of 10 and 15 who love to ride their mountain bike.
The society’s Trail Ninjas program, which aims to empower youth through mountain biking and trail building knowledge, is in its third season and has been gaining popularity among young bike enthusiasts.
“Similar programs across B.C. and the Yukon have been very successful, so we wanted to put our own twist on it and help youth understand the importance of building and maintaining sustainable trails,” said leader Nicole Guerrero.
“We have beautiful trails here and there is nothing more rewarding than putting work into trails that you can come back to for decades.”
The program, which kicks off April 21, will include four trail building sessions led by Cam Sorenson, of Silver Star Bike Park, and Grant Lamon, of Whistler Trail Solutions, six evening group rides and a wrap-up barbecue on June 17.
New for this year is also a ride academy which incorporates bike handling skills into the program, as well as the Trail Ninjas Tribe for girls.
“Our goal is to build smart, strong and capable bike enthusiasts that are competition ready or riders for life,” said Wade Garrod, leader of the ride academy.
The Trail Ninjas Tribe, also new for this year, aims to provide a girls-only environment that is both fun and encouraging.
“All of the coaches are female and have a variety of experience, knowledge, and certifications,” said Guerrero.
Both of these programs are included in the aforementioned schedule, but will also have some sessions of their own that include group rides and day trips to mountain biking destinations and races.
The deadline to register for any of the Trail Ninjas Program is April 20.
To learn more about the Trail Ninjas Program, or to register, go to www.okcycling.com.