RACE DEVO TEAM
YOUTH SEASON LONG SKILLS COACHING & LOCAL RACING PROGRAM | 10+ YRS
The ZEP RACE DEVO TEAM is an inclusive, diverse program designed to introduce kids to local level racing while developing their technical, mental and social skills to help foster a lifelong passion for the sport, while creating friendships and memories to last a lifetime. This program utilizes weekly coaching sessions, along with local level race events, to build skills and confidence to become safer, smoother, faster riders, with better decision making and people skills.
The seasonal long program is a perfect recipe for the kids to develop their passion and skills for riding and racing, and for parents to be confident in their kids safety and a genuine return on their investment.
THE PROGRAM
Coaching sessions are two days per week, either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Starting in the Spring with AFTER SCHOOL sessions and moving into FULL DAY sessions for the duration of the Summer, with the industry's best coaches… those that also train and certify other coaches!
Coaching will vary between Whistler Valley, Bike Park, Pump Track and Dirt Jump sessions. If you can ride it on two wheels, we’ll be there! We’ll also cover suspension set up, bike set up and maintenance to keep the riders gear top notch. ZEP Coaches always maximize sessions for safety, risk management and skill progression, so the riders can build the skills without the spills.
The Race Devo Team includes coaching prep and support for the Phat Kids and Kidsworx race events. The goal is to provide a fun, friendly and non-competitive atmosphere while we use racing as a tool to learn bike skills, social skills and how to work together with and support fellow team mates.
THE COACHING
CORE COACHES & FLUID GROUPS FOR MAXIMUM FUN, PROGRESSION & TEAM DYNAMICS… The core focus of the ZEP Race Devo Team is to support the development of the riders' technical, mental and social skills. Through our years of experience, ZEP has pioneered many of the leading techniques in the mountain bike coaching industry. ZEP uses a tried and tested approach of blending core coaches with fluid groups. Each rider will be assigned a core coach who will teach and mentor them throughout the season. This inherently creates groups with similar physical and technical abilities that they will ride with most of the time. However, from time to time, the ZEP coaches mix the groups to suit the varied rates of progression and changing interests of the riders, that week. This approach provides the perfect balance of continuity for each rider with their core group and coach, while providing opportunities for them to learn, ride and be inspired by different riders and coaches throughout the season.
As much as kids often like to stay in the same group for social reasons, this doesn’t always create the ideal learning environment as some kids progress at different rates and/or have different interests from week to week. ZEP’s approach addresses this head on, ensuring maximum progression (personally and technically) and fun, while helping to build a true ZEP RACE DEVO TEAM dynamic between all the riders.
THE DETAILS
- Season long program running through the Spring and Summer
- SPRING sessions (May and June) - 2 hr After School, sessions 2 days per week 3:30pm - 5:30pm
- SUMMER sessions (July and August) - Full Day session, 2 days per week 10am - 4pm
- Small group sizes to maximize the fun and progression.
- Core Coaching Groups are based on physical and technical skills of the riders.
- Up to 4 make up sessions for planned absences. For example vacation days (terms and conditions apply)
- Race Coaching support provided for Phat Kids and Crankworx race events
- Coaching in all disciplines and terrain: Bike Park, Enduro, XC, Pump Track, Dirt Jumps
INCLUDES
- ZEP Race Team Troy Lee Designs Jersey
- ZEP Race Team Hat
- ZEP stickers!
- 14 afternoon session
- 18 full day sessions
- Monthly Progress Reports
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
- Whistler Bike Park Pass
- Phat Kids & Kidsworx race entry fees
WHAT LEVEL SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
In order to ensure the best learning experience for all kids in the program, we have implemented a registration system where you sign up for your current riding ability level. Please review the classifications below to ensure you are signing your child up for the correct ability level. If you are unsure or have any questions as to what level to sign up for, please contact us at info@zepmtbcamps.com.
INTERMEDIATE
For NOVICE Riders For INTERMEDIATE Riders For ADVANCED Riders
An intermediate rider is comfortable riding off-road on “blue” trails and can perform all of the listed novice skills above. Would like to take their riding to the 'next level' of skill and trail difficulty, while still consolidating fundamental skills. These riders may begin to explore some of the easier “light black” trails, as an introduction to advanced terrain.
These riders are starting to explore harder terrain, which can increase risk if the rider is unaware of their limits. Intermediate riders can be more cautious when challenged, compared to advanced riders.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT AN INTERMEDIATE RIDER IS LEARNING
- How to ride blue trails with more finesse and easy-black trails with more control and confidence
- Bike and suspension set-up
- How to use gears and brakes to gain more efficiency and control on more challenging terrain
- How to climb and descend steeper, more technical terrain, without skidding
- How to corner with more speed and consistency
- How to perform roll downs (rolling drops) and slow tight turns
- Introduced to small drop - offs and tabletop jumps
- Introduced to front and rear wheel lifts, bunnyhops or trackstands
TRAILS & FITNESS
- Okay brake control on rock slabs
- Can choose the right speed for the right feature
- Can choose a good line to avoid obstacles
- Can do small to medium jumps and drops with good technique
- Can do full climbs with minimal rests
- Can pedal hard on climbs sections of climbs or short climbs
- Can do two rides in a day
- Typically comfortable riding for 2 - 5 hours
Close INTERMEDIATE DESCRIPTION
ADVANCED
For INTERMEDIATE Riders For ADVANCED Riders
An advanced rider is comfortable riding off-road on “blue” trails, some of the easier single-black diamond trails and can perform all of the listed intermediate skills above. They are still learning to refine and build their skills, timing and confidence, to ride all single-black trails confidently.
These riders can more easily get into terrain above their skill level as confidence and skills can be high, relative to their experience and risk assessment skills; which can be limited due to lack of mileage on advanced terrain.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT AN ADVANCED RIDER IS LEARNING
- How to ride all single-black diamond trails confidently
- How to ride green and blue trails with more style and speed.
- Refine body position and balance, for more control efficiency and speed on the descents
- Refine advanced skills such as position/rotation/pressure to develop cornering speed through greater bike body separation and line choice
- Confidently riding medium drop - offs and tabletop jumps
- Introduced to larger tabletop jumps, such as A-line
- Applying technical maneuvers such as wheel lifts, bunnyhop and nose pivots, on the trail
TRAILS & FITNESS
- Can climb technical ascents over rock and roots.
- Can handle steep sections of rock slab, roots and chutes, can link together technical sections
- Can ride at speed through intermediate terrain
- Can pick a variety of lines
- Can do larger jumps and drops
- Can ride all day and do two rides in a day
- Typically comfortable riding for 3 - 6 hours
EXPERT
For ADVANCED Riders For EXPERT Riders
An expert rider is someone who is confident and consistent in any terrain, and has more experience, stronger risk management and decision making skills, to better apply their skills. This makes for a smoother, more efficient and safer rider, more of the time, compared to an advanced rider. These riders would like to start learning more advanced techniques for speed, style and performance.
Expert riders may start to consider racing as a tool to continue their progression and fun on the bike.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT AN EXPERT RIDER IS REFINING
- Detailed bike and suspension set up
- Advanced gear and braking techniques for power, speed & creativity
- How to ride faster and control speed on a larger variety and higher difficult level of trails
- How to refine skills to apply in competition
- How to corner faster in berms, flat and off-camber corners
- Drop offs, rock rolls, jumps, step ups, step downs
- Applying more advanced maneuvers on the trails to be practical, but also creative and stylish - such as manuals, stoppies, bunnyhops, whips and nose-bonks
TRAILS & FITNESS
- Looking for speed on the trail and trying to pick optional lines
- Can do tricks off large jumps and drops
- Can do multiple big rides in one day and ride multiple days in a row
- Typically comfortable riding for 3 - 7 hours
REGISTRATION
PREVIOUS ZEP RIDER & KEEN ON RACING? Click here to register
NEW TO ZEP? ZEP is asking new riders to apply for a position on this team, to ensure strong team dynamics and that the members of the team can all ride well together; boosting fun, coaching potential and therefore outcomes for all involved!
Applications will be open from Dec 1st (subject to availability)
For more information on the key details for application to the 2024 ZEP RACE DEVO TEAM, please email info@zepmtbcamps.com.
DATES & PRICING
| ZEP RACE DEVO Team | ||||
| DAY | DATE | TIME | EARLY BIRD | AFTER JAN. 31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday and Wednesday | May 13th - August 28th | 3:30pm - 5:30pm (May/June) 10am - 4pm (July/Aug) |
$2,645 | $2,795 |
| Tuesday and Thursday | May 14th - August 29th | 3:30pm - 5:30pm (May/June) 10am - 4pm (July/Aug) |
$2,645 | $2,795 |
BOOK MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS
** Release of liability waiver MUST be completed before participating in this activity. **
BOOK TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
** Release of liability waiver MUST be completed before participating in this activity. **
Whistler Bike Park Pass is not included, but is required for this program