Passing the Torch -

October 1st, was the  IMBA's eighth annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. Some 30,000 participants at over 300 local events brought the kids out to what is becoming one of my favorite biking events.
Our local event was held at Broemmelsiek Park in St. Charles County.

  This event was heavily supported and organized by St. Charles County Parks,  GORC,
 local and national shops, retailers and advocacy groups. Dozens of volunteers spent their day setting up the obstacle course, coaching the kids on technique and leading rides through the rolling hills of the park.

The kids got top notch level coaching from the GORC crew over the teeter totters, balance beams, progressive log crossings and ramps.

This is great opportunity to pass on the love of mountain biking to the next generation in a safe and friendly environment.
The turnout was great and the registration table was busy nearly every minute signing in anxious newb riders waiting to challenge themselves on the skills obstacles and the guided trail rides.

There was plenty of free give-a-ways to the participants including helmets, jerseys, gloves, backpacks, bottle cages, Clifbars and sticker kits.

 This was my 3rd consecutive year attending the event and my shop, The 2nd Street Bike Stop Cafe was a sponsor of the event. I spent the day basking in the sun, serving coffee to the parents, giving out stickers and tee shirts, prepping loaner bikes and leading rides for the kids. Thanks to Pam Kell and the others from The St. Louis Adventure Group who helped out with loaner bikes and the guided rides. Awesome job by everyone!

Four minute video of the safety and trail etiquette briefing before the kids get to hit the trails!

With the help of Sasha Petrosevich  from Team Seagal  I also had the Airborne Bicycles demo fleet on hand and the Delta Cyclocross bike was missing from it's mount most of the day. I even had one of the bigger kids take the 8" travel Taka out for a full lap in the woods with his friends. How often is it that a fourteen year old from urban St. Louis gets to ride a full on downhill race bike? Not very often!

Thanks to Airborne Bicycles for your generous support over the years. The kid loved every minute and he wants to come back and do it again as soon as possible.

I can't wait to do it again next year!
Thanx for reading!
Tony Caruso
The MTB Whisperer