As Sun Peaks readies for another season full of mountain biking, hiking and warm-weather fun, SPIN chatted with Sun Peaks Sports School to learn more about the programs available this summer.
While there are a number of lessons, clinics and camps for everyone from those discovering biking to seasoned cyclists, Zoey Lopez, Sun Peaks Sports School senior coordinator is most looking forward to the locals programs.
“We have a really awesome community up here of people who want to ride together and hang out together and learn together,” Lopez said.
Two programs to facilitate that connection are the weekly kids program, which kicks off July 2, and the Connect Four program for riders 50 years old and up, starting July 4.
The kids program on Tuesdays is split into two groups, minis for riders ages six and seven and kids, riders ages eight to 12. These succession programs are a great way for youth to get to know their coaches, who can track their progress through the summer, Lopez said.
New this year, the Connect Four program on Thursdays offers mature riders the opportunity to practice safe riding practices, Lopez explained, adding both programs help connect locals with others taking up or progressing in biking.
“It’s nice because we get to actually see people progress and see them on their journey,” Lopez said. “A lot of the time with private lessons, you see someone for two hours and then you don’t see them again versus the local program, it’s actually a really nice time to build community.”
Back again this year are the popular women’s nights on Mondays starting July 1, which offer six sessions with two hours of instruction from coaches, many of whom are women, Lopez said.
“I’m really excited because we have mostly the same coaches again this year, which is going to be really positive for a lot of the women, we have a lot of female coaches that love participating in it.”
Bonus! This lesson includes one complimentary Granville Island beverage at Masa’s Bar + Grill.
The weekly men’s nights are also back on Wednesdays starting July 3. Both women’s and men’s nights are available for riders 16 and up, from beginners to advanced.
It’s not just downhill mountain bikers who get all the fun. Two cross-country tours also offer scenic daily trips to McGillivray and Tod Lake.
The three-hour guided tour on the Altitude trail takes intermediate and advanced riders over challenging terrain with climbs, through wildflower meadows to Tod Lake. For first timers to advanced riders, there is the 10 kilometre round-trip tour to McGillivray which offers a low-grade climb.
The Sun Peaks Bike Park opens for the season on June 15, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Sept. 3 to 30 when it closes at 5 p.m. To explore the full list of lessons, camps and clinics offered at the sports school, visit sunpeaksresort.com.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you.
