Sprockids
A two-weeled approach to fun and adventure
Photography: Doug Detwiller
Sprockids is an introductory, educational cycling program designed to show kids how much fun they can have learning about cycling. The summer-long graduated program focuses on four key experiences: safety, etiquette, riding (at two levels), and maintenance.
Sprockids was first devised in 1990 by Doug Detwiller, an elementary schoolteacher and avid outdoors enthusiast in Gibson’s, BC. As a teacher, he naturally developed it as a curriculum: Sprockids was originally designed as a “Self Esteem/Anger Management Program to help students succeed in school.” Detwiller continues, “Since then, Sprockids has evolved into a multi-faceted program engaging young people in the lifelong activity of mountain biking while teaching them the skills, values, and strategies to succeed in life.”
The program is all inclusive and non-competitive in nature; the children move at their own pace through beginner, intermediary, and advanced stages. At the same time, they also learn important life skills such as goal setting, decision making, problem solving, empathy, respect, and an awareness of the environment around them.
In 2002, Sprockids gained national status and became the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) Sprockids National Introduction to Cycling Program. Since then, it has gone international, and today is found in more than 17 countries. In the United States, Sprockids is partnered with the International Mountain Biking Association.
Sprockids programs are taught by qualified leaders (who themselves must be trained and certified), in association with local community organizations, preferably one affiliated with a provincial cycling association – although this is not required. While most of the emphasis in Sprockids is on mountain bike riding, they also teach a bit about riding on the road. Most of the riding skills learned are directly transferable.
The 358-page Sprockids Instructor’s Manual covers topics like proper helmet fit, road safety rules, sprinting, braking, balance, group riding, riding on different surfaces, lubrication, brake adjustment, and inspecting the chain and derailleur. It also includes a separate chapter named Getting Girls on Bikes.
The children enjoy the program; they get to belong to a positive and supportive peer group, and they get to spend time with their friends while being active. They also learn about nutrition, community partnerships, park and ramp building, trail maintenance, and respect for the natural environment. They also learn what “kickers, drops, teeters and skinnies” are. Equally glowing are the testimonials from the parents of the kids.
In Vancouver’s Lower Mainland there are two Sprockids affiliates, both on the North Shore, and both primarily focused on mountain biking. The first is the Shoreriders Sprockids, sponsored by Different Bikes in West Vancouver. The second is the John Henry Bikes Alien Adven-tures Sprockids Youth Riding Club, sponsored by John Henry Bikes in North Vancouver.
Rides take place on Sunday, and prices for the program vary. The Shoreriders club lets you choose a variable number of rides for different prices: 6 rides for $120; 9 rides for $150; 12 rides for $175.
While over at John Henry Bikes, the price is a flat rate: 20 rides for $150, and that includes a T-shirt and a water bottle. The kids bring their own bikes, and John Henry Bikes requires them to own a pricey full face helmet and some body armour to protect knees, shins, and elbows.
Programs generally run from the second weekend in April until the end of September. The average age of the kids is 12 to 13. Locally, kids from 10 to 18 are accepted; in other areas, the age range may vary. And, yes, they do ride in the rain.
Doug Detwiller was honoured with Sport BC’s 2005 “President’s Award” for his work with young people. As he puts it, “Being active and having fun should be a part of everyday life. Nobody sits on the bench in our sport!”
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