Ritchie Shley bike camps...

[Air Supplier]

Just wondering who is (if anyone) going to one of the Ritchie Shley bike camps this summer? My brother and my dad are in the camp August 1-2, right after Crankworx so just wondering if anyone else is going up that day for it.

[Hack On Wheels]

Ahaha, Richie Schley, sorry I just couldn't help it. Some part of me has decided that I don't particularly like him, thats why I couldn't help it. Maybe its his hair? And to answer your question, I am not.

[.Robinson]

is it a how to learn x-ups and 1 handers?

[M@M]

are those the camps that are like 2 grand?

[C.C.]

There are a few different camps out there in Whistler. The longer camps are hosted by assorted riders. Last year, I believe Andrew Shandro and Jordie Lunn hosted the 1 week camp. I attended a 2-day Ritchie Schley camp last year. Here is a mini-review.

The camps are as effective as the student. If you are proactive and ask about specific technique questions, you will benefit from the camp. If you sit back and expect to bust a back flip by watching instead of asking/doing...well, you've signed up for the wrong camp.

The camp I went to featured riders of varying abilities. Some riders were very talented and were dropping the clownshoes drop w/o hesitation. Other riders were riding clapped out glory bikes from the XC days.

One recommendation is to find a group of about 5 friends/riders of the same ability. If you have a large enough group of comrades, an instructor will often take you off in a small pod. I found riding in a group of riders of smilar ability made it easier to progress.

I spent the majority of my second day of the camp in a small pod led by a Banshee rider named Brent Floyd. He was able to pinpoint and give specific advice/techniques. He was super supportive, and to be honest, a better instructor than Ritchie was. I think Brent does private lessons too..also worth looking into.

I also spent a few hours with an instructor named Dean Collingridge. I progressed a lot with him as he pushed me out of my comfort zone. Some people like this approach, while some do not. He's a pretty chill guy, but definitely a motivator.

Overall, I did progress a little from the Ritchie Schley camp, but I progressed a lot more just hitting the same trails over and over again with my friends.

I read a lot of posts about people dissing Ritchie Schley. Maybe these posts are in good fun, but the man can ride. I seriously doubt that the bb posters that critique his style are as talented overall as he is. He might not 360 X-up, but he's got good flow, can ride burly, and has pretty good style overall. And yes, he may stop to answer his cell phone mid ride:)

[Air Supplier]

are those the camps that are like 2 grand?

No, they're only $200/person, and Robinson, I don't think they teach you tricks.

[tFly]

I did the schley camp. I totally agree with being proactive, I told Richie what I wanted to learn and it really helped out a lot. It was good that they did separate riders, my group then went on to dial in the more tech trails and doing all sorts of mini races and contests. It was a great time and I would love to do it again.

[0_o]

I spent the majority of my second day of the camp in a small pod led by a Banshee rider named Brent Floyd. He was able to pinpoint and give specific advice/techniques. He was super supportive, and to be honest, a better instructor than Ritchie was. I think Brent does private lessons too..also worth looking into.


Brent is an awesome guy who specializes in bike camps. Definitely worth looking into.

[0_o]

I do private bike camps as well but they are for ladies only and usually involve a sleepover.

[Lady Gravity]

I do private bike camps as well but they are for ladies only and usually involve a sleepover.

i want my money back, i never got the sleepover

[Dude]

Assuming sleep-over was instructor optional. ;)

[Supervokes]

i want my money back, i never got the sleepover

I think you are supposed to ask for your money back the next morning AFTER the sleepover. :censored:

[tFly]

Bent's an awesome guy. Great instructor for sure. I'm not sure if i preferred him or Richie but both were better than Dean Collingridge.

[terrorfirma]

I do private bike camps as well but they are for ladies only and usually involve a sleepover.

:scream: priceless... and one for the sig