A ROCI road ahead? 07/06/2010

I’m proud to be supporting Richmondshire Off-road Cycling Initiative (ROCI) as a new Bike Club. ROCI offer mountain bike courses to young people who’d really benefit from a positive activity and the opportunity to work in a team. Young people are referred to the project by the police, social services and schools, then apply for a place, saying why they’d benefit and what they’d like to gain from it. Based in the communities in and around Catterick Garrison, a group of mountain bike enthusiasts from the local police volunteer to share their expertise with young people of all experience and fitness levels over three weeks, culminating in a trailcentre trip to demontrate their new skills. So it was with a little trepidation that I joined them for their final session- after all, they’d had two full days training at the hands of some great instructors, whereas my preparation was to eat a big breakfast and borrow a suitable bike! Riding out with them in Hamsterley Forest last weekend in stunning weather, I was impressed, both by the group’s teamwork and determination, and the way their leaders motivated and encouraged the young people. We ended the day on the skills loop, where the excitement of bumps, berms and boardwalk gave new energy to tired legs, and they all wanted to go around again and again, though by this time I was glad to be taking the photos!