By Chris Vargas
Photos by Winston Walker
We had a great turnout on a beautiful day to ride! All the kids were excited
and raring to go and after a few instructions on safety and trail etiquette
by ride leader Sherry Panttaja, the owner of Switchback Cyclery and one of
the sponsors of the rides, we were off.
We started off riding an easy trail that went around the northwest side of
Peter's Canyon Reservoir for a quick warm up. We soon came upon our first
climb, a short but steep one, and the kids went for it. Although only one of
the "Young Braves" climbed it without walking (Camron age 11, Sherry's son)
they all made it to the top.
We came to our first descent and the kids were game. One of the mothers that
joined us for the ride, after a little instruction in body positioning when
going downhill, for the first time rode this section without walking. All of
the kids gave it a try, even one of the younger girls on a single geared
bike. Although she ended up walking it was great seeing her attempt it.
Now it was time for "Big Red," the hardest climb in Peters Canyon. All but
the youngest kids attempted it and Camron (who is like the Eveready Rabbit
when it comes to climbing) made it.
We then climbed and descended the east ridge of Peters Canyon to the back of
the park and returned via the dirt road that runs through the park. On the
way back to the parking area we stopped at the base of "Big Red" and several
of the kids decided they wanted one more climb and attempted to climb it
again. If we could only bottle these kids's energy and enthusiasm we'd make
a mint.
Tani Walling, owner of The PATH Bike Shop and one of the sponsors of the
"Young Braves" program entertained us with his trials skills, hopping up on
various obstacles.
Watching the kids ride brings out the kid in all of us, and as a parent,
that is what is so great about our "Young Braves" rides.
-Chris
 |
Click here for more |
 |
Copyright© The Warrior's Society® |
|