Since the year 2000, Trek Bicycles has been helping women progress their mountain biking skills by hosting their Dirt Series Camps. During the last fifteen years over 12,000 women have attended Trek’s skills camps to learn new techniques, increase their confidence and enjoy two days of riding with a big group of likeminded ladies.
For 2016 there will be 18 camps scattered across Washington, Oregon, California, Utah and a few stops north of the Canadian border in Alberta and British Columbia. The first camp is scheduled for April 30th and they run until September 18th.
And don’t worry, dudes- it’s not just for the ladies anymore! After seeing how much their better halves enjoyed the camps men started requesting the chance to sign up, so four of this year’s stops will be co-ed…
The Dirt Series camps offer instruction for cross country and downhill riding, and accommodate all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Organizers bring a slew of features and obstacles to practice on (like different sized logs, adjustable structures to roll over or drop off) so everyone can work at whatever skills they desire. For the morning skill sessions and afternoon rides, campers are divided into groups based on their experience and interests.
The Dirt Series’ coaches all boast lengthy lists of qualifications and riding accomplishments. The list includes national and World Cup racers, professional team coaches, bike park patrollers and trail builders, not to mention many riders with knowledge of nutrition, kinesthetics, and medical assistance. Each coach has no more than six riders in their group, so everyone gets a personal level of coaching.
Most of the camps are two days long and held on weekends, but several one day clinics will also held on select weekdays this summer. The two day camps include instructional riding sessions, lunches and energy bars, demo equipment from Dirt Series sponsors, evening bike setup and maintenance clinics, and of course some time for sipping, snacking and socializing at the end of the second day. The one day camps offer all the same opportunities and provisions but squeeze it all into a single day. Each camp also includes a group photo, draw prizes, and the chance to exchange contact info with other participants.
2016 Camp Dates:
- April 30 – May 1 Los Gatos, CA
- May 6 Santa Cruz, CA
- May 7-8 Santa Cruz, CA (co-ed)
- May 14-15 Winthrop, WA (co-ed)
- May 28-29 Whistler, BC
- June 4-5 Whistler, BC (FULL-WAIT LIST)
- June 10 Calgary, AB
- June 11-12 Calgary, AB (FULL-WAIT LIST)
- June 18-19 Whistler, BC (co-ed) (FULL-WAIT LIST)
- June 25-26 Whistler, BC
- July 9-10 Hood River, OR
- July 16-17 Park City, UT
- July 30-31 Whistler, BC
- August 6-7 Fernie, BC
- August 13-14 Canmore, AB
- August 27-28 Mammoth, CA
- September 10-11 Whistler, BC (co-ed)
- September 17-18 Fruita, CO
Interested riders can register online now- most camps still have room available, and wait lists are available for sold-out dates. The camps cost $385 (USD or CDN, taxes are additional for Canadian camps) for two days or $195 for the single-day camp. Discounts are available for groups of six or more. Visit the Dirt Series website for further information or to sign up.
