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Kamloops coach gives youth lifelong love of cycling
Photo: DMB Mountain Bike Coaching

Kamloops coach gives youth lifelong love of cycling

KAMLOOPS, British Columbia (BVM) — From bicycling beginners to little shredders who can ride blue trails, kids are climbing to new heights in Kamloops, British Columbia. Riders ages 7-12 have been having fun, developing new skills, and ripping up trails at DMB Mountain Bike Coaching for seven years. And every year, the program is sold out.

The founder and owner of the program is Chris Martin, an elementary school teacher with a passion for mountain biking and coaching youth sports. He loves to see his students grow as riders and as people. His ultimate mission is to give youth a lifelong love of cycling.

“The goal is to get kids stoked on bikes,” Martin said. “The program provides a safe and controlled setting for riders to get the base fundamentals of mountain biking in place so they can get out there and ride the amazing trails that Kamloops has to offer. I want kids to feel what I do when I get on my bike and head out to the grasslands with my friends: energy, freedom, connection to nature and friendship.”

Kamloops is a global mountain bike destination known as the birthplace of freeride mountain biking. It boasts five established, sanctioned and well-maintained riding zones within its city limits, featuring fast and flowy single track for all riding abilities.

In 2013, Martin combined his passion for mountain biking and interest in coaching youth sports to create DMB Mountain Bike Coaching.

“At that time there were some amazing local programs available for kids that could already shred but there was nothing available for families to introduce kids to the sport of mountain biking,” Martin said. “Thanks to the support of The Bicycle Cafe and Giant Bikes Canada, I got involved with the Sprockids program. This program opened the door to coaching and youth learn-to-ride programs in Kamloops. After a few successful years with Sprockids, I knew that I wanted to do more. I upgraded my coaching certification, created our company and went at it.”

It takes a collection of dedicated coaches, sponsors and supportive families working together to help the students succeed. Each session has 10 riders with two coaches, ensuring small coach-to-rider ratios. Every year, 70-90 riders participate. Most of the coaches are certified, with volunteer coaches looking after the beginner groups.

“We have had some amazing coaches join us and share the excitement of riding,” Martin said. “Together, we get back to the basics of cycling and focus on bike handling, safety and fun. We use a controlled environment to build confidence and ensure riders master the basics before heading out on the trails. Students learn the basics of helmets, bike maintenance, braking, climbing, descending and road and trail riding etiquette.”

The program is sponsored by Marin Bikes Canada, District Bicycle Co., CLIF Bar Canada and NRI Distribution. Marin Bikes Canada not only provides bicycles to ride, but they also donate countless prizes to the program. District Bicycle Co. makes sure the bikes are in top shape and donates prizes for the kids as well. CLIF Bar Canada ensures the kids have healthy snacks to keep them fueled while NRI Distribution donates prizes too. Martin is grateful for all their support.

“I cannot thank the people that have supported our program enough,” Martin said. “We have had a few ups and downs, especially this year during the pandemic. But overall, things have gone rather smoothly. If anything, we have had so much interest over the years that we have had to turn people away. In seven years of mountain bike coaching in Kamloops, we have sold out every year. The community of Kamloops has given us so much support of which we are extremely grateful.

“Many of the kids that take part in our summer programs come from biking families. We have had families support us yearly with multiple siblings and recommendations to friends. They keep coming back every summer. We have had nothing but amazing feedback and I have personally seen so much growth and confidence in these little rippers!”

Martin is quick to note that without his family, what he has created would not be possible either.

“DMB Mountain Bike Coaching is a family affair,” Martin added. “The letters DMB stand for Drew, Melody and Brynn, my wife and daughters. Without their support, this company would not exist.”

Once riders ‘age out’ of the program, they can continue enjoying the type of mountain biking that suits them the most. Whether that is cross country, enduro, dirt jumping or down hill, Kamloops has opportunities for all sorts of riding.

Many professional mountain bikers grew up in Kamloops and call Kamloops home. Kids have a unique opportunity to meet these athletes on the trails and see where mountain biking can take them.

The future for DMB Mountain Bike Coaching remains to be seen. For now, Martin intends to keep providing riding opportunities for Kamloops’ youth, fueled by his love of coaching and “seeing kids stoked riding their bikes.”