Having the camp a little later in the year gave us cooler days (and nights) and the weather
was perfect over the entire weekend. Mitch and Mike had spent the previous few days
clearing all new sections for the weekend and collecting enough firewood to ensure a
warming fire for Saturday night’s entertainment. With such an experienced group of coaches, Mitch Green, Mike, Mitch and Boyd
Willcocks, new techniques and skills were on offer for all riders over the two day school.
With each group having six different training sessions over the two days it was a busy
schedule for both riders and coaches. Only five or six riders to a group meant each rider
received quality one on one time with the coaches and got to really work on their
techniques. Importantly all participants seemed to enjoy their stay and improved their
riding skills.
All grades were catered for with kids on 80’s up to expert level. The junior riders were
able to log 10 hours coaching time in their log books for licence renewals. Some of the
sections were very challenging using a wide variety of terrain which included creeks,
banks, hill climb and gullies plus a couple of old favourites - the quarry and Ugly Gully.
The Gap Creek section, which features very slippery rocks, was popular in preparation
for the Nationals at Thunderbird Park. There were plenty of tales and experiences to swap
around the campfire on Saturday night especially when Bart Simpson made a guest
appearance late in the evening. The meals provided by Deb and The Brown’s Bistro were
a real hit especially Saturday night’s feast and I was informed by one happy camper that
he even managed to eat not just one but 3 sticky date puddings, they were just so good.
The event will be held again next year for all those interested. The Willcocks family
would like to thank everyone who helped make this a great weekend and to all the riders
who supported the training camp.