FXCC campers and counselors on the trail.
Check out this heart warming story about a boys' high school mountain bike team whose members were all born overseas. These boys have very few advantages, but have built their own bikes and are learning to ride, race and have fun as part of a team.
Pink Bike is tallying votes for the 2016 photo of the year, and our very own former counselor, Satchel Cronk, has a photo in the running! If you never had the pleasure of riding with Satchel, you still know his work from our website. He took most of the pictures you see, as well as our small film. He's a very talented photog and an all-around great guy.
Click here to check out the contest.
Vote for Satchel!
We were delighted to watch former FXCC counselor Satchel Cronk's video over on Pink Bike's site yesterday (click here). He did a great job on our video, and it looks like his film skills are only getting better. Added bonus? We've got some roots up in Humboldt, running and mountain biking on those same trails. It was fun to see them featured in all of their muddy, drippy goodness.
Dear FXCC Community,
A cherished thank you from a camper
As we reflect on the upcoming holidays and the closing of 2016, we feel grateful for all of you. Riding mountain bikes on the trails with kids, mentoring our counselors, getting to know you parents - it's all good. At a time when goodness can seem to be in short supply, we cherish the sun-filled memories of summer 2016.
We wish you a holiday filled with loved ones, connections, warmth, calm, cheer, and plenty of time out in nature.
We hope to see many of you next summer. 'Till then, see you on the trails!
Warmly,
Mitch, Eileen, JJ, Matt and Jason
Danny MacAskill's videos are always a hoot to watch. If you haven't already seen his latest, you're in for a treat. Click here to view.
We are thinking we will model next year's skills course on this? What do you say? ;)
Fairfax Festival Parade 2015
If you're like us, and ride at all on the roads, you've had more than your fair share of close calls with cars who are out to teach you a lesson, or just not paying attention. This is so very scary, and reminds us that, in addition to getting more kids on bikes and getting safer bike lanes built, we need to change the way drivers think about cyclists.
We came across this blog today, and think it sounds like a great strategy to get drivers on board with driving safely around cyclists. What do you think?
Photo by James Cacciatore.
We are filling up as summer draws nearer, so if you're still on the fence, here are a few things to consider while you're making summer plans. One of the things which sets us apart from other camps, is that we are owned and run by local school teachers. Though we're not about to add a mythology storytelling festival to camp, we thought some of you (who aren't familiar with Manor School) might be interested to see what our owner and founder does for a day job!Here's a link to a great write-up of what goes on in Mr. Brown's class during the school year.
This got us thinking, maybe we should expand Crazy Outfit Friday to include coming as your favorite figure from mythology? What do you say? Rest assured, our campers get the benefit of the thoughtful attention of educators who plan and run each day, start to finish. And if you haven't seen it yet, check out our video about a day at camp here.
Manor School Walk and Bike Day 2007.
Last week was International Walk and Bike to School day. What a pleasant surprise to find myself stuck in my car while hundreds of Manor School students and parents rolled on down Sir Francis Drake with a Police and Fire escort. This brought up many fond memories.
The first Walk and Bike to School Day we participated in was a revelation. How wonderful to live in a community which cares so much about the environment, children's health, and safe routes for kids to bike and walk to school. What about your community?
At FXCC, we teach kids how to ride safely on the roads and in a pack as we make our way to the trails.
Both kids will be working at camp this summer. My how they've grown!
Fairfax is a town with the enthusiasm to bike and walk, but our infrastructure is not particularly suited to sharing the road. Hopefully, over time, enough engaged and active parents and kids can change this.
Meantime, check out the National Safe Routes to Schools Bike and Roll page to learn how to start a group in your community here. And, if you're a local, next time you see Mayor Renee Goddard, be sure to thank her for her years of work and dedication to making the roads safer for all.
In a show of sneaky and high quality police work, Fairfax PD has been snagging bike thieves. Thank you, officers! The Marin County Bicycle Coalition's Facebook page reports the following:
"ALERT: The Fairfax Police Department has received 23 reports of stolen bicycles since January 1. Some are high end bicycles, taken from the downtown area, in which they were locked to bicycle racks or locked on vehicle racks. Others were taken from residential neighborhood homes, driveways, carports or front yards, usually not locked.
Usually the thefts of high end (locked) bicycles are the work of thieves who are targeting these bicycles for profit. Their thefts are quick and brazen. The lower end bicycles are usually not the work of these more organized thieves, and are not for profit. They are more random and spur of the moment.
In an effort to catch either type of thief, my officers randomly put out "bait" bicycles (usually worth $1000 or more) in various areas. We then monitor the bicycle (stakeout) in hopes of catching the thief. While labor intensive, we have had success in the past."
To read more, click here to be directed to the Marin County Bike Coalition Facebook page.
We are grateful to live in this community which values children and strives to provide them with a quality education, including the arts, PE and libraries. As such, we have donated several weeks of camp to local educational foundations and schools. Currently, the YES online auction is happening. Bid on one week of camp here and help support our schools while you get your child signed up for a screen-free week of summer! We are also proud to have donated one full week of camp to Manor School's Winter Faire, offered special promotions as a YES business partner, supported Corte Madera's SPARK foundation, Marin Waldorf, and Marin Country Day Schools. We encourage you to give what you can to support your child's school. Giving is good!
Have you seen the new film, Screenagers? It was produced by two local moms, and takes on the proliferation of screens in our children's lives, which has happened so quickly, many of us parents have been uncertain how to handle it. The film is thought provoking and good for parents and kids alike. Among the suggestions in the film is to start a weekly "Tech Talk Tuesday," to talk about screen usage as a family every Tuesday at dinner. Parents are also encouraged to self reflect and honestly share their own struggles with screen usage. Anything that gets kids and parents thinking and talking together more is a good thing! Check the schedule here.
Last summer, JJ coined the term, "XBox Detox" to sum up part of what we do at camp. Phones are in pockets at camp, and our campers are on their bikes, playing games, and otherwise spending time face to face with nature and others. Consider giving your child the gift of a week of good old fashioned summer fun at Fairfax Cycling Camp - it's good for body, mind and heart!
We feel fortunate and proud to be able to work with some great people. Among them, is Satchel Cronk. Satchel has been a counselor and adult leader who agreed to share his photography skills with us - you may remember seeing him and his photo gear?
In addition to the fabulous still shots you see on our site (including the one on the right) and Instagram account, Satchel has created the above video. We think he captured the story of a day at Fairfax Cycling Camp with skill, finesse and beauty. Can you spot yourself? Check it out and be sure to share with your friends.
Thanks, Satchel! If you want to follow Satchel on Instagram to see his other photos and videos, click here.
If watching this video makes you yearn for hot summer days on the bike, you're in luck! Summer camp registration is now open, so grab your spot while we've still got 'em.
See you on the trails!
Let's protect them and keep them safe!!
It's getting increasingly contentious out there on the roads of Marin County between cyclists and motorists, which is ironic, given this area's long history of mountain and road biking! It can be annoying when cyclists ride erratically, unpredictably and unsafely, but as a driver, I have never felt my life was endangered by a cyclist. On the other hand, it seems like every time I get on my bike in Marin, I'm risking death or injury. That's not ok. Cyclists (especially kids!!) deserve to be safe and protected while using public infrastructure. Read on to learn more about the "Idaho Stop" and what other communities are doing to address these issues.
At camp, we teach our campers how to ride safely in a pack and be predictable. We also, with local police permission, use our radios to clear intersections and roll through stop signs as a group. This is much safer for the kids, and much faster and more efficient for drivers. Can you imagine if each one of our kids stopped and put a foot down at each stop sign? The traffic backup would be a nightmare! Well, that is just what happened back in July when cyclists in San Francisco staged a protest.
hug a cyclist! show 'em some love!
After the SFPD announced a crackdown on cyclists rolling through stop signs, hundreds of riders showed up at The Wiggle and followed the letter of the law. Irate drivers and traffic backups ensued. Read more about it here, and watch the video. According to SF Weekly,
"Cyclists, along with a growing number of organizations and local politicians, believe bike riders shouldn't be legally treated like cars, but rather treated as what they are — bikers. There's been a growing call for the city and California to adopt what is known as the "Idaho Stop" law. Since 1982, Idaho has permitted cyclists to treat stop signs as yields and red lights as stop signs, which allows bikers to conserve energy, clear intersections faster, and become more visible (and thus safer) by getting in front of traffic."
Learn more about the Idaho Stop, which many bike activists say we need in California & San Francisco (and Marin??). But for now, please remind your cyclist/student to stop at stop signs and follow all the rules. Let's keep it safe and get along out there!
Representin' at the Fairfax Festival Parade. L to R: JJ, Mitch, Eileen & Matt
Though our sixth, and most successful, summer of mountain bike camp is becoming memory, we still find a few "fruity snacks" lingering in our packs. We'd like to share a few highlights with you and thank you for your continued support and interest before the summer's fruities are all gone!
Improving balance and gettin' rad on the teeter totter.
This summer, we: got 100+ local kids out in nature, exercising and away from screens; gave away 7 full weeks of camp to local schools and non-profits; partnered with YES; provided 10 full and partial scholarships to kids in need; ran our first girls only group; played games which strengthened campers' connections to others; increased campers' skills and coordination by biking on structures built by our leaders (teeter totters, bridges, etc.), and by playing games which enforce crossing the midline and brain/body integration; & trained, mentored and employed 10 local bike racers. It was an awesome undertaking, and we couldn't have done it without you!
Thank you all for another wonderful summer. We are honored to have been entrusted with your child/ren!
And, finally, remind your camper to stop at those stop signs on their way to and from school! :)
See you on the trails!
Just came across this hilarious film made in Utrecht, The Netherlands, which you and your child might enjoy watching together.
Utrecht was the "grand depart" city in this year's Tour de France, and this film shows the streets bustling and burgeoning with everyday folks using their bikes to get around town.
It is a must see for bike lovers, and gives a great example of how much better our bike infrastructure could be here in the Bay Area!
Disclaimer: there are very few helmets (and little spandex) in this film. In some parts of the world, cycling is as safe as walking, and used primarily for transportation.
We are still smiling after concluding our first two weeks of camp. We always enjoy watching campers grow as riders and as young people as they make new friends, play games, and challenge themselves on the bike. Last week was special, as we had our first girls' only group, which went swimmingly!
Nicknames were bestowed, and customized motivational rock songs were sung as girls aged 7-14 proved their toughness on the trails, weathering hills, dust and hot days.
Don't take our word for it, check out these sweaty, smiling faces!
Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to seem more awesome pics!
We are still smiling after our Counselor training last weekend. We are so pleased with the quality of people we have the privilege to work with - the vibe was supportive, positive and fun. We have known many of these kids for years (including our son!), and our new additions fit right in. We even have a brother-sister combo on our counseling team this year! The ride was followed up by lunch at Perry's Deli, a perennial favorite!
Matt, Eileen, Mitch and JJ
The whole crew atop pine mountain
Come to Fairfax this weekend for two fun-filled days of racing in the Tamarancho Dirt Classic! Events include a downhill race, cross-country and a dirt short track race for all ranges of ages and abilities. You can even camp out and have meals provided. The Tamarancho Dirt Classic is a fundraiser for NorCal High School MTB League, Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Access4Bikes. Click Here to register and find out more.
We recently interviewed Emile Mulholland about a local mountain bike race for kids and adults, called the Summit Shorty Series. Emile is a local middle school mountain biking coach (San Domenico and Lagunitas), and employee of Sunshine Bicycles in Fairfax.
What is the Summit Shorty Series?
The Summit Shorty Series is a series of short track cross country races, on Wednesday afternoons, that Acme bikes has organized for the last eight or nine years (click here to read more from Acme). Local racers use the Shorty Series to get a good hard workout in the middle of the week and, at the same time, build on their racing skills, like a sparring match for a boxer. The course is a little over a mile long. Racers do multiple laps with most races lasting just under a half hour. There are multiple races held for people of different skill levels so that most of us can find a group where we can be competitive.
For our local middle school cycling enthusiasts the Shorty Series is special. Starting last year, the shorty series includes a race for middle school students at three of its six races. This gives our local mountain bike clubs a reason to come together and kids from schools without a mountain bike club, a place to meet other kids who ride (Younger kids are also welcome to race!).
Who should register?
For most of us, the Shorties are great for anyone who wants to get some racing in without having to travel or pay an arm and a leg. Middle Schoolers should register if they want to experience racing, represent their school's mountain bike club, encourage their school to start a mountain bike club or just have some fun and meet other middle schoolers who ride bikes.
How do I register my child?
Registration for the races is done on site before the start of the race. Kids can come without their parents but they need to have their parents sign the race waiver. The race waiver can be online. Here is a link.
How much does that cost?
Each race costs $10
Does that include insurance?
All questions about race insurance should be directed to Acme Bikes. I know that they do have some liability coverage but I don't know the details.
Who are you, Emile? What's your background, what do you do?
I'm the son of a life-long cyclist who was the first American journalist to be a part of the Tour De France press caravan and wrote the first nationally published article about mountain biking. As a kid, I mostly rode with my dad and always wished that I could ride with more people my own age
As an adult, I've been happy to help build on our local youth cycling community, when given an opportunity. For the last four years, I've volunteered to coach Lagunitas' middle school mountain biking club. This year San Domenico hired me to start a mountain bike club for their middle school. I've, also, coached for a couple high school teams.
I've been proud to coach high school kids to top places in the NorCal league and now watched graduates from my Lagunitas middle school club become successful high school racers. I've been even more proud to watch kids that I have coached develop a love for the outdoors and exercise. Middle school seems to be a great age to teach these qualities and that is why I'm so excited about helping middle schoolers get into biking.
Thanks, Emile!!
The following blog originally appeared in MarinMommies.com
Heading out for a fun day of camp!
From cargo bikes laden with young children, to parents and kids on their own bikes, the popularity of biking is growing in Marin and nationwide. This is something to celebrate! The health benefits of biking are numerous, and consuming less gas gives the earth a little extra breathing room. As cyclists and owners of Fairfax Cycling Camp, we are happy to share some tips and resources to help you bike more safely with your child. We teach our campers these skills every week during our summer mountain bike camp.
Helmets are required by law for all children under 16 in California. Helmets protect your child’s developing brain from trauma which could come from even a seemingly small bump.
Just like on an airplane when you are told to secure your own oxygen mask prior to helping another, make sure your helmet is on properly before biking with your child. This does two things; first, you are protecting your brain and doing your best to make sure you’ll be around to take care of your child in the event of an accident; second, you are modeling appropriate behavior for your child. Research consistently shows that children learn by watching what the adults around them are doing. You are setting an example for your child, one that you hope they will follow long after they’ve begun riding on their own.
Please, wear your helmet, and make sure your child does too.
Check out our blog to see a great photo showing how to properly fit a helmet. Also, watch this fun video with your child, brought to you by the Province of Manitoba.
Talk with your child about the rules of the road before you ride, and make sure they stop at all stop signs looking both ways, staying on the right side of the road.
When riding with your little one, have them ride in front of you. That way, you can keep an eye on them to see how they are riding and what they need help with.
Scan ahead and look for obstacles asking your child, “Ok, what do you see?” Or, “Do you see that there is a driver in that parked car?”
Avoid “the door zone” by leaving enough room between you and any parked car, as the door may swing open without warning.
Pick a line. Safe cyclists pick a relatively straight line and try to stick to it. This makes the rider more predictable for cars and other cyclists.
Get that bike tuned up! Kids have been known to crash due to their bike not being properly maintained. Bikes have lots of moving parts which need regular maintenance!
Check out Marin County Bike Coalition’s Safe Routes to Schools Program for more information on biking safely with your child/ren!
