July 31, 2007
August 18, 2007 to August 19, 2007SUMMER CAMP IS CANCELLED DUE TO OVERLAPPING RACE
4th ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP IS ON!
The 4th Annual CampCools Summer Camp will be taking place on the weekend of August 18 and 19th at the Airdrie BMX Track.
This is a sleepover camp so get ready for a whole weekend of training and fun. Camp will begin at 9:00am on Saturday morning and run till
4:00 pm Sunday afternoon. This means that you parents get a weekend off ☺.
It will be two 7-hour days of training as well as an evening full of games, pizza and ice cream, BMX videos and other sporting events. The training that the kids will receive will be top notch and will push kids of any skill levels from beginner to pro. The camp will be split into different groups, depending on your skills and your age. Discussion on racing, training and nutrition will be had not only get athletes bodies trained but also their minds.
The cost of the camp will be $150 per rider, which includes the following:
-Two 7-hour days of training on and off track
-Lodging
-Food for two days (healthy food)
-Pizza party
-As much fun as you can handle
For more info please contact Ken.
July 31, 2007
4th ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP IS ON!
The 4th Annual CampCools Summer Camp will be taking place on the weekend of August 18 and 19th at the Airdrie BMX Track.
This is a sleepover camp so get ready for a whole weekend of training and fun. Camp will begin at 9:00am on Saturday morning and run till 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon. This means that you parents get a weekend off ☺.
It will be two 7-hour days of training as well as an evening full of games, pizza and ice cream, BMX videos and other sporting events. The training that the kids will receive will be top notch and will push kids of any skill levels from beginner to pro and from ages 5 and up. The camp will be split into different groups, depending on your skills and your age. Discussion on racing, training and nutrition will be had to not only get athletes bodies trained but also their minds.
The cost of the camp will be $150 per rider, which includes the following:
-Two 7-hour days of training on and off track
-Lodging
-Food for two days (healthy food)
-Pizza party
-As much fun as you can handle
For more info please contact me.
July 31, 2007
UCI WORLDS FULL REPORT
Sorry for not consistently updating from Victoria, even though I said I was going to. Here is my full report of all that happened last week in Victoria from where I left off.
Thursday was the first day of challenge racing for ages 14 and under, boys and girls. It was full of joy and lots of heartbreak and the first day of some really good racing. Two Airdrie boys that I train, Brett Seiders who got 6th in 10 boys and Joel Quenelle who got 7th in 9 boys both ripped it up all day. Parker Simpson of Canada was looking really good and won the 9 boys class, great job Parker. You can check out all the results of the weekend on BMXBC.
The following group is some US riders that I train. Anthony DeRosa killed the 13 boys class and managed to pull off a second. The kid that beat him was about as big as I am. Kelsey Van Ogle followed up last year and retained her W1, good job! Lane Van Ogle and Cole Tesar both had tough luck and weren’t able to defend their W1 plates. From the sounds of it these two will be at my house in a couple of weeks so I can help get them back into top form. I may be doing a high end training camp but more tomorrow.
Drew Mechielsen was out in front in her main when she took a digger on the second straight. Drew is an awesome little girl and I was totally bummed out when I saw her crash. Great job, keep working hard and keep that butt back!!!!!! Her brother Hayden followed up with bringing home a bronze medal to make everyone feel better.
Friday was the rest of the challenge racers and also the first practice for all of the Elites. The racing was awesome all day long even though many of the kids I train crashed all day long. Tory Nyhaug didn’t let down the home crowd and showed the world who the champ is. Tory won 15 boys from wire to wire and it was the most exciting moment of the weekend for me. I couldn’t even imagine how it would feel to win the Worlds at home, the stands went nuts!! You’re the man Tory; I will have an interview with him to come some time next week.
Elites practice was after the racing and it was one of the best parts of the whole event. To see so many fast guys killing the track lap after lap was really fun to watch, hard not to be riding though. Samantha was looking awesome all night, easily a favorite to win as was Bubba. He has been back on my training program for the last 2 months now and he was looking fast fast. Sam and Bubba were both feeling really confident going into the next day and I was nervous as could be. I didn’t get too much sleep that night and was up having coffee with Burlin Harris at 6am already. The way these two practiced I thought it was going to be a GREAT day.
When I got to the track I was told to go to the team Canada pits, as Samantha wanted to see me. I could not get back there as you had to be an athlete with a pass or have proper credentials and I had neither. Sam was having a tough day mentally and she demanded that I get back there, so they snuck me in. It’s funny that Canada had 11 passes for coaches and medical staff and other than my Dad there was NO ONE back there that knows BMX. However, the support staff was awesome with Bruce and Richard and the rest of the people who helped Sam and the team with their bodies but not much support for what happens on the track, which is the most important. By request I started to talk to all the guys back there and give them advice on their riding and racing. I wish I could have been back there for the whole week and helped out with the challenge riders.
Sam had a tough day mentally and did not make it trough her Semi, she just beat herself before she even got into the gate. Without a doubt she should have been on the podium but for some reason she mentally beat herself. Sam is known for pulling it together when it counts and now that she has a ‘coach’ with an entourage it seems that Sam is unsure of herself!! There is more drama on the National team then in an all girls Jr. High. How are these riders suppose to make it happen when they are surrounded by negativity?! Something needs to change or Canada will never be in the Olympics.
Bubba was looking hot all day until him and Mikey Day crashed together in their quarterfinal. Joey Bradford broke his hand a few days before the race and was hurting. He barely made it through practice but gritted his teeth and fought through the pain. In the main Joey was winning all the way ‘till he got passed down the last straight, what a race. Not too many people could have even ridden and Joey got 2nd you’re the man buddy. Kyle Bennett showed everyone what the fastest pro looks like, great job Kyle.
Cruisers raced the next day and I didn’t show up to watch until the Elites rode. I was deflated from the day before and really didn’t even want to show up. Samantha had another great day winning everything until her main, where she couldn’t put it together again. She managed to pull a 5th, not what she wanted though. Jimmy Brown got a 7th in Jr. Cruiser and Kaila Sweeny I think got 7th in Jr. Cruiser as well. My buddy Joe Sowers didn’t manage to repeat his W1 but still got a 2nd in Jr. Cruiser. Peter Jenson got to keep his W1 from what I’ve heard, great job buddy.
Overall the race was awesome. It was really packed and line-ups took forever but it seemed to hold everyone. It was the smallest Worlds in a long time probably because of the location, on an island, but the racing was still great. The weather was really hot all week, which made it tough for Jenn and I to keep Avri cool and comfortable, but we managed. It was great to see everyone that I don’t normally get to see.
There were a few incidences where kids missed their motos. I know that parents were upset but this is the Worlds, they don’t wait for anyone. Athletes who race this race usually are the top in their country and have been doing this for a while so they don’t have issues with staging. It sucks to miss your motto but this race is a learning experience for everyone and I hope there will be good things to come out of this event. Great job guys!
I was asked a lot last week why I am not helping out with coaching. Well here in Canada I am told I am under qualified to be a coach. Last week 2 countries talked to me about heading up their BMX programs and take over training. I don’t think that I will jump ship to another country but I will keep you posted if anything comes up. Here are some pictures of the weekend, I don’t have too many but will post more this week.
July 25, 2007
Day 3 – UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Another day of practice for all the countries and it seems that the drama is starting to build here in Victoria. They got some the jersey sizes messed up and lots of people who are suppose to have XL got youth sizes. So now all these big Dads and older riders look like a bunch of goofs because their jerseys don’t fit. Most people ordered 2 jerseys for this race as one is for racing and the other you can trade with another country, I have many different jerseys from over the years. To get this issue resolved the riders were asked to trade up their second jersey to someone whose does not fit. Well you would think that us Canadians would help each other out! I know there are a few good people who did it with no worries but there are lots of people who don’t care and aren’t willing to help out; come on Canada we need each other this weekend. Help out your fellow Canadian and trade your jersey if you can!
The rider pass is still an issue, as a few Canadians are still not getting into practice and are getting hassled. However, the Columbians hadn’t picked up their stuff yet and they all just got to ride, no pass! Shouldn’t the Canadians be the ones who get special treatment or at least the same treatment!
The number plates got here last night after the Super Cross truck broke down on the way here. During the riders meetings they blamed the number plate fiasco on Super Cross but the real story is that Bill (the owner) got a phone call asking to help them out with the plates. The organizers forgot to order them until 2 weeks ago and now they are blaming it on Bill. I will have the full story about this issue to come. Bill is a great person and is the first of many scapegoats to be called out at this event.
Tomorrow is the start of the challenge races and hopefully will be a better day for all the Canadians. I hear that Sue Morrow is doing her usual awesome job and is really trying to get the troops together. We need more Sues in the power positions here in Canada.
On the good side of things I have been able to see many of my friends and kids that I train. I will post more tomorrow.
Connor Fields W3, Anthony DeRosa W2
Dillon Behen, Justin Posey
Wore out Avrianna, too much BMX already.
July 24, 2007
Day 2 – UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Today was the first day of practice, by country. Canada had the first practice and unfortunately the first to deal with the soft track. The work crew worked hard last night to get the track ready and from a spectator stand point is was looking great. However the underneath was still moist which makes the track a bit spongy and slow in some spots. The weather is suppose to be great for the rest of the week, as it was today, so it won’t take long to get the track ready for show time.
I was impressed on how the place looked compared to what it was in May, but I do still think there is not enough room. Not all countries and riders have been there at the same time so it will be interesting to see how the space issue pans out. On the side of the starting hill they had someone graffiti the retaining wall and it looks pretty slick. The whole track area in my opinion is a really beautiful setting and will be a great place to have some big races next year. ABA or CCA is still to be determined though, I don’t know?
I heard a lot of complaints about the identification wristbands that all the racers have. You are supposed to have a band with a bar code for your wrist and then the corresponding one on your bike. There were more than a few people whose did not match up and they were not allowed to practice. Some got in but then could not get out, then they were accused of steeling their own bikes, drama! I’m sure it will all be figured out but maybe it should have been figured out before the start of the event.
Tomorrow is another practice, this time with the use of the gate. We will be able to see who is going fast a little easier as today was just an open track style practice, not gates. After practice we spent the day with the Wilsons, we had a great time. Avrianna was quite the entertainer today; I think she will be an actress one day. Anyway, Bubbas sisters just got in so I am going to do some catching up.
July 23, 2007
Day 1 – UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Today was the first day that we were in Victoria for this week’s big race. We flew in the early afternoon and had a real easy time getting here, I love Westjet! Apparently if you marry one of the flight attendants you get to fly for free; that’s what the song says! A big thanks to Luke and Cole Wilson who were our afternoon ‘chauffeurs’ as our car wasn’t ready. You guys rock.
The weather here is humid and muggy from all the rain that they have been getting over the last week. It hasn’t rained since I have been here but from what I hear, it’s already done its work on the track. I have not been down there yet but apparently the track is just one big mud trap, nothing anyone can do when Mother Nature takes over. I don’t know if they had any tarps on the track but I will let you know tomorrow after practice what shape the track is in.
I am staying in the same hotel as Burlin, Bubba and the rest of the SuperCamp boys, right next door actually. It wasn’t even planned, I didn’t even know they were staying here. It was good to hang with Bubba for the afternoon; we don’t get to see each other too much anymore. He has been back on my training programs for the past 6 weeks and says he is feeling good again, only time will tell but I hope he kicks everyone’s a**. He was showing me his new IPhone that he got the day it came out, typical Bub. As he was showing off his phone he got a picture text of his drive way. Apparently there was a monsoon type wind at his house in Phoenix and it broke his large front tree in half. That’s about a 15 grand replacement so you know Bubba, he’s going to start hauling again, ha-ha. More tomorrow.
Me and Bub
05 Elite World Champion Bubba, Deak Brown, Karl Clark, ‘06 Jr. Elite Cruiser World Champion Joe Sowers, Me, Burlin Harris
Bubbas drive way!
July 21, 2007
Yesterday was my first day off of camps in over a month so I did a lot of nothing, felt great. Last Tuesday was the start of my pre-worlds camp in Airdrie, and the day went perfect. About 33 kids showed up to ride and they all came with an intense attitude to do some work. The day was hot, like the usual this month, but the kids pulled through it. It turned out to be a great day and everyone pushed himself or herself to get ready for Victoria. That night I taught in Okotoks for their training night, I could hardly keep my eyes open from being so tired. I got through it though and we had a really good night of training, you can tell that the UCI’s are just around the corner.
The next day the track was soaked from an early morning thunderstorm and we couldn’t ride. We put everyone in the stands and had a good talk about what to expect at this race. I have been to a bunch of Worlds and I think it’s the best race of the year, without a doubt. I probably scared a few kids about what they will be up against, but it’s better to know going in so you can deal with it. Most kids get overwhelmed with the level of competition and lose confidence in themselves. Doing this will not allow you to do your best, which I think is the most important thing at this race.
I had to postpone the second day to Thursday; there was a National Team Camp at the track in the evening so I could not push it further into the day. Only about 15 kids showed up as most had made travel plans to leave for the race after the second day, so most of them were half way to Victoria on Thursday.
The small number meant lots of riding but the kids did great. In the afternoon I video taped their gate and then did a review with them, it’s amazing how quick they fixed their mistakes when they see themselves. You can’t get this kind of training at the National Camp. These kids are dialed in and I am looking forward to seeing ALL the Canadians next weekend.
I was going to drive out with Lepp this morning but Jenn, Avrianna and I decided to fly out Monday morning. We have lots of family out there so one of Jenn’s cousins is lending us one of his cars for the week, too good of a deal to give up.
I will be bringing my laptop next week and will be doing Worlds updates for the whole week. I will do my best to keep up with all that is going on and most likely have something to complain about, ha-ha. I just say what everyone is thinking anyway so it’s all good. As long as Sam has a good weekend I will happy. Good luck to everyone (especially those Canadians) and remember THIS RACE IS ONE LAP AT A TIME!!!!!!!!!!
Here are some pictures of the last time we were in Victoria, Dr. William Saharow (Jenn’s Grandpa), Sam and I. My mother in-law Betty catching her first fish last week (34 pds Salmon) and me riding at my last Worlds in France ’05.
July 19, 2007
Its 7:30am and as of right now the camp is a go today. It didn’t rain too much in Airdrie and the sun is peaking out so I will see you in a few hours. I will have a complete write up tonight of how the camp went.
July 16, 2007
Just came home from another great weekend of clinics up in Northern Alberta. We started on Friday doing a make-up camp in Stony Plain, the start of 3 brutally hot days. It was about 38c on Friday and was really hard for our 60 kids to get through the hot day. However, we worked with what we had and the kids kept it together and had a great day.
During warm-up on Friday, Dillon Sweeney crashed hard and hurt his hand, but he sucked it up and rode for the whole day. The next morning his hand was the size of my head and his fingers were black and blue. Since Marnie Vickery was going to the hospital to take “Sponge Ball” because he hurt his hand, she took Dillon with her too and sure enough he came back in a cast with a broken finger.
Saturday, we started the two-day camp in St. Albert and had a less than normal turnout. The kids that did show up were awesome, we had such a great group for the weekend. Again it was 38c outside and we were battling the heat. Roger Tweten, one of the Dads and my photographer for the weekend set up a slip and slide along the first straight away in the grass. The kids and us trainers had a blast after the clinic and it was good to cool off after a day of riding.
Sunday it was a bit cooler but still really hot out. It didn’t take long before Dillon took his cast off and was out on the track with the rest of us. The group of trainers that we had for the weekend was great, lots of skills and everyone was having a blast on our bikes.
Thanks to Roger for all the lunch and fun you helped out with, and to all the parents and kids that made the camp happen over the weekend. The Vickerys, you guys rock and thanks for the coffee, it’s good.
Tomorrow will be the two-day camp in Airdrie. Spots are still open to everyone, all you have to do is show up about 9:30 to sign up and my trainers and I will handle the rest. My list of trainers for tomorrow will be the same as last weekend.
-Ken Cools
-Aaron Lepp
-Shane Clark
-Alex Sailor
-Cameron Quenell
-Cameron Helm
-Dillon Sweeney
-Sam Leuck.
Clinic goes from 10 – 3 both days and will be at a cost of $110 per rider. We are off to ride some trails right now so I may post some more pictures of our session later tonight. See you tomorrow.
July 11, 2007
It’s Stampede time here in Calgary. The Calgary Stampede is “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and a huge rodeo with a ton of prize money, so it’s big. The food there is so good, yet so bad for you that every time I go down there, I take a few years off my life. The rides are really fun but the problem is that there are so many people that go; it’s not worth waiting in line. I usually don’t go because I eat so much crap and I can’t handle all the people who love to run into me. Today was kids day so Jenn and I took Avri for her first Stampede experience. She really loves animals so we planned on going to “the Super dogs” show and then on to the petting zoo. The dog show was fun for a minute, until Avrianna fell asleep, but it was still cool to see dogs at their best. After we headed onto the petting area but this year they did not have one, of course. So after about 5000 calories worth of corn dogs, soft pretzels, mini doughnuts and anything else that will make you fat, we had enough. Till next year.
Here is my list of trainer that will be coming with me this weekend.
-Aaron Lepp
-Alex Sailor
-Dillon Sweeney
-Cam Helm
-Sam Leuck
We will be in Stony Plain on Friday and then off to St. Albert for the weekend. All 3 days are from 10 – 3 and are still open to anyone who wants to join. Even though the Stony Plain camp is a make up, if you weren’t there for the first one you can join in on this one. I will be taking registration about 9:30am on Friday and Saturday so there is no need to pre register, just show up and sign up then. I have enough trainers to help with large groups so we will be splitting both camps into two groups.
I just got the prints for some of the World Championship t-shirts that will be for sale in Victoria. I might not be able to coach there but I sure look good on the t-shirt. ☺
