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Level 1 Outdoor Ed
 

Naseby Mountain Bike Camp – Level 1 Outdoor Education

Miss T. Ward amd Miss M. Young, Level 1 Outdoor Education —

On Thursday 6 and Friday 7 June Year 11 Outdoor Education classes headed inland for an amazing mountain biking adventure.

This was a two day camp biking around the single tracks within the Naseby Forest then coming back to sleep in cabins at the Ranfurly Camping Ground.

Students had to complete a minimum of three one hour rides demonstrating the following skills:

  • choosing uphill and downhill controlled lines

  • changing gear for appropriate terrain

  • braking and cornering

  • pacing self to complete the ride

There were challenging moments at different times for everyone however we all managed to navigate the terrain and stay safely on our bikes amongst the snow, ice, mud and waterholes. We biked for a total over six  hours in and out of the forest, around Hoffman’s Dam and the Mount Ida Water Race, over boardwalks and down into Sandpit Gully. One group completed the 10km loop used for the Naseby 12 hour event. There was lots of laughter, exhilaration and adrenaline pumping screams as the students enjoyed their roller-coaster rides.

Everyone has made great progress with their riding skills since the start of the unit. We were fortunate to have two dry days, each with a chilly start, however by mid-morning the sun was shining and we were all warmed up from riding the steep hills.

Special thanks go out to the lovely Sylvia Watt, aka Sylvie, who is an absolute legend and amazing role model to students and staff. Sylvie has been biking for as long as she can remember and knows all the nooks and crannies in the Naseby Forest. A huge thank you to Mrs Clements who was our other superb guide leading us through the forest and making sure we all had a wonderful time.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Kathy Harpur for her instructions during the day rides in preparation for camp; Tim Bartholomew, Mrs McNatty, Mr St Louis and Mrs Davie who helped assist on some of the rides throughout the term. Ms Hokianga and Mr Dixon also supported the day rides with driving the vans to the top of Signal Hill so the students could enjoy the downhill ride. The extra staffing is a necessary and important role in supporting student progress in the outdoors. We can not manage our field trips without you all.