Some updates from the bike program, where our season is in full swing across the Division.
- The Bike Program advisors and a select group of patrol representatives are meeting on the first Wednesday of each month to continue to build the program across the Eastern Division. If you are a regional bike advisor or patrol rep and would like to be included, let me know.
- John Wolf of Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol has been appointed as the Assistant Bike Program Supervisor for the Division.
- We have rolled out the bike program ITs and instructors across NY and MA. We’re still looking for ITs and instructors in many other regions.
- Judy Valachovic writes that “The Genesee Valley Region proudly hosted its fourth annual Women’s Mountain Bike Enhancement Seminar on Sunday, May 18. This collaborative effort between the Women’s Program and the Bike Program brought together female riders of all skill levels for a day focused on growth, connection, and fun.
- The event kicked off with a hands-on bike tech session led by local rider and bike shop owner Jamie Gruttadauira. Beth Barrese, a GVR patroller and bike instructor, taught some of the Bike 1 skills, including a thorough safety check.
- The heart of the day was a two-hour instructional ride, led by a trio of local mountain biking experts, including Case Hamilton, a bike patroller, skills instructor, and ski patroller; Anne Schweighardt, a well-known member of the local mountain bike community; and Alexa Harding, an athlete and racer.
- To close the day, Kaitlyn Vittozzi led a calming yoga session, helping riders stretch, recover, and ground themselves after a rewarding morning on the trails.”
- Watch for information about a weekend program on September 14-15 where we’ll be working to plan for the next 2-3 years, ride together on some trails, meet with other bike patrollers (and potential bike patrollers!), and learn together.
For information, contact me at bike@easterndivisionnsp.org or John at john.wolf@libertyskipatrol.org.
