The first annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Wilder Ranch State Park was a huge success. In fact, it exceeded the event organizers best expectations. The turnout was awesome. We had about 20 kids ride ranging in age between 3 - 13 years old.
The morning coastal fog shrouded all the participants in a warm blanket. Just thick enough to cut out the extreme sun but not thick enough to require a jacket. The group split into two groups: the toddlers and younger kids rode along the coastal Ohlone Bluff trail - a gentle dirt road which meanders along the ocean side cliffs. The older kids (7 and up) rode up the Wilder Ranch loop and along the Dairyman trail for an out and back. Both groups were escorted by at least 2 California State Parks Rangers.
Daryl Breuninger and I led the younger group rode along the ocean cliff down to Fern Grotto beach. The kids played at the beach, climbed on rocks and explored the caves for about half an hour until it was time to head back for the picnic. 5 year old Emeline Fredrick rode the 2.5 mile round trip to Fern Grotto beach on her red "Hot Rod" cruiser all by herself. Very impressive!
Rich Henthorn and Becky Sox led the big kids ride. This was a real mountain bike ride of buff singletrack over gentle rolling hills. The kids were really impressed to see the Rangers ride with them with the full load of State Parks Ranger gear. Imagine wearing the weight of a small bike around your waist while riding single track! When they got to the turn-around, a couple of the kids didn't want to go back because they were worried that the Ranger who went ahead may be left behind The group waited until he came around the corner before continuing back.
Rich gave some of the kids a little "push" up the last climb going back. Michael Light was behind his 7 year old grandson, Connor, and thought that giving a little push up the steeper hills was a great idea. "I couldn't have done it from my bike", he said. "When we got back Connor didn't even remember the push, only that he thought he'd cleared the climb! Of course, we encouraged him and told him that he did it!"
All the kids had fun. 7 year old Tommy Hogye was tearing it up on the trails and was so excited to be first down the hill. He showed tremendous control and skill. His father, Tom, had the most awesome time riding along side of his son just talking and slapping a few high five's as they road along. Little Tommy said that this ride was "the best day of my entire life!".
Both groups met back at the apple orchard at noon for a picnic. The sun beat away the morning fog leaving blue skies in it's wake. Everyone enjoyed a post ride picnic of sandwiches, muffins, fruit and fruit juice.
All the kids on the ride got a ticket for the free raffle. The winner of the grand prize - a Giro Youth Helmet (black with flames) was 3 year old Eli Chang of Capitola. All the kids were winners and no one left empty handed. All got water bottles, t-shirts and stickers.
Thanks to California State Parks including Rangers Joseph Connors, Brett Reid and Joe Walters for hosting the event and helping with the logistics and support. Thanks to Giro Helmets, Fox Racing Shox and Bike2Work Santa Cruz for donating schwag for the raffle and give away.
And finally, thanks to the volunteers for donating their time. I really appreciate you coming out to make this a positive experience for our youngest riders.
