Zootown 16 "Rolling with the Dynamos"

Uploaded by Jed Zilla | June 9, 2011

We rode in Helena to see how we can create a program like the Dynamos.

Still shots by Tom Robertson (http://www.tomrobertsonphoto.com)

Here is a description of our ride from the co-director of the Dynamos Geoff Proctor (Director, EuroCrossCamp and a National Junior/U23 Cyclocross Coach):


We were honored to have Missoula dignitaries Jed Dennison, Tom Roberston, and Troy Kindred here last Friday for Dynamos training. The thinking behind our invitation was to share what we do here in Helena to perhaps ignite something similar in Missoula (and, ultimately, other Montana cities and towns).

We had a ton of fun with Jed riding along with Scott Herzig's beginner group, Troy shredding with one of the intermediate groups, and Tom accompanying me with the advanced group. Despite it being the Friday of a three-day Memorial Day weekend, we still had 43 riders and some 12 ride leaders/parents. The skill of the day was review of switch-back technique and, as is the custom, there were Jelly Belly Sport Beans for all participants (compliments of pro friend Jeremy Powers).

At several points, we shared some of the challenges to getting kids on bikes--from forms we have the kids fill out to how we instruct them when riding through town, from scheduling trail work days to outlining goals of the program. Two principles include working directly through the schools via ride leaders who share an interest in cycling and the objective of creating a broad-based pyramid to establish a pool of riders from which to encourage racing. At this point, we have several Dynamos qualified for Sun Valley MTB Nationals and hope to bring a bunch to Missoula XC as well.

Thank you Jed, Tom, and Troy for making the effort to come over. I know your presence was a treat for the kids too. Geoff Proctor Co-Director Helena Dynamos Youth Cycling Team