LaRoccaXC
MTB SCHOOL

• The School
• Private / Group Instruction
• The Camps
  • Rock Paper Scissors
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Women’s Weekend
• The Club
• Camp Checklist
• Registration
• Rental
• Our Partners

The School

The mountain bike school is located 35 minutes north of Ottawa on the beautiful grounds of the Creative Wheel Centre. Our training facility boasts 123 meters of elevation and has all the features of a world-class training facility, including 15 km of very technical single track, fast descents and rocky drops.

Our 'snake and ladder' trail layout was designed with the specific goal of instructing and coaching through repetition. Technical single-track loops are stacked on each other offering athletes a great fartlek workout. Interval training can be performed on a super technical single-track climb to the top of the mountain. For riders looking to build their endurance and speed the bigger loops offering more flow riding are found at the top of the mountain.

We start teaching as early as April since our south facing contour trails, designed and built according to the guidelines offered in the IMBA Trail Solutions book, are nice and dry. You won't go home with a muddy drivetrain or the feeling of having damaged any trails.

Private / Group Instruction (for adults and families)

By reservation only: email creativewheel@bell.net or call 819.457.2058

Whether you are a true neophyte who requires a bike rental or an elite cross-country rider, you will find a challenge to master on our little rocky mountain. We aspire to get you ready to ride any technical single track or double black diamond trail in a confident manner.
At the present moment, all private, group and family instructional clinics are offered by two-time national team athlete, wellness consultant and high performance coach Dominique Larocque. Dominique has been coaching mountain biking since 1994.

The cost is $130 + taxes ($149) for a 2 hour session. Our long-time experience has proven that a minimum of 2 hours is required to do a proper evaluation of skills and tailor an individual lesson plan that will guarantee improvement.

Please add $45 + taxes ($52) for every additional rider, up to a maximum of five riders. It is of critical importance that riders have similar riding abilities and fitness level to guarantee full satisfaction. The same fees apply to families. Expect to be challenged in a safe and controlled environment.

Mandatory safety guidelines to be followed at all times

• No baggy shorts, oversize t-shirts and loose clothing that risk getting caught in the bike seat during riding are allowed on the site. Please come dressed appropriately for the activity;
• Open-toe shoes / sandals not allowed during the lesson. Running shoes only.
• CSA approved helmet a must;
• A well tuned bike a must;
• Cycling gloves a must;
• Snacks and water to prevent bonking a must;
• Padded cycling shorts and jersey are highly recommended.
• If you are not super comfortable on your clipless pedals, we suggest bringing running shoes. We will install flat bed pedals on your bike for your lesson.
• Please make sure to select a rain date in case of cancellation. We only cancel if there are thundershowers.
• Registrations are done on site unless indicated on the website.
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson, to allow plenty of time to get properly prepared. Your lesson will start on time.

The Camps

Rock Paper Scissors Camp (RPS) YOUTH 8 to 12

Session 1	July 9 to 13, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 2	July 16 to 20, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 3	August 6 to 10, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 4	August 13 to 17, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 5	August 20 to August 24, 2012	9 am to 4 pm

For an additional cost of $30 (+ taxes) per week per child, we offer supervision from 8 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.

With the RPS camp, our objective is to offer kids ages 8 to 12 a healthy, empowering and relaxed environment where they can learn life skills, develop sportsmanship and grow into responsible and confident teenagers by participating in a wide range of fun activities, such as in mountain biking, outdoor play and creative arts.
Our young campers learn the FUNdamentals of mountain biking such as climbing, descending, riding obstacles, braking, gearing, bike maintenance, emergency repairs, bike safety and lots more. Campers also learn about fitness, sport psychology, the natural environment and other topics related to the sport. Other fun RPS activities include archery, arts and crafts, hiking, drama, games, slack lining, bouldering and, of course, spontaneous rock-paper-scissor duels!
Thanks to our many special guests, great activities and the ongoing creation of new trails, the RPS is even a fun place for returning campers.

RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE.

Please note that we practice the LEAVE NO TRACE philosophy. We are grateful for your help in keeping our beautiful site free of litter.

Environmental Stewardship YOUTH 13+

Session 1	July 9 to 13, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 2	July 16 to 20, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 3	August 6 to 10, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 4	August 13 to 17, 2012	9 am to 4 pm
Session 5	August 20 to August 24, 2012	9 am to 4 pm

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: The responsible use of resources, time and talents aimed at preserving the natural environment for future generations.

This cross-country mountain bike camp is for teenagers who are serious about improving their bike handling skills and fitness while learning about I.M.B.A. sustainable trail building, bike repair and wilderness first aid. This is an excellent program for teenagers interested in pursuing studies in earth sciences, health sciences, environmental studies and trades.

Note that all participants must follow our code of conduct

Our stewardship program is based on the following principles:

• Excellence as demonstrated by a positive attitude, strong core values and a commitment to wholesome living.
• Creativity as demonstrated by an open heart, an open mind and an active body.
• Initiative, as demonstrated by leadership, a thirst for positive change and mindful action.
• Entrepreneurship, as demonstrated by vision, courage and innovation.
• Collaboration, as demonstrated through peace, wisdom and community action.

Our stewards embody the ME TO WE philosophy.

Trail building and mountain bike riding are not free of any risk of injury, and thus are not suitable for immature and reckless teens. Please note that the director and her staff can expel participants who are not meeting the high expectations of this program. Stewards must submit a signed copy of our Code of Conduct prior to participating in this program. Register early, since we only accept 10 stewards per week. Upon invitation by the director, stewards age 15+ can return to camp for a second week at a discounted rate.

Please note that the director and her appointees can expel Stewards who are not meeting the expectations of this program with no reimbursement. Trail building and mountain bike riding are both high-risk activities and leaves very little room for immaturity and recklessness.

RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE.

Please note that we practice the LEAVE NO TRACE philosophy. We are grateful for your help in keeping our beautiful site free of litter.

Women’s Weekend

Weekend #1	June 2-3, 2012	9 am to Sunday evening departure
Weekend #2	June 9-10, 2012	9 am to Sunday evening departure

Originally known as the Wild Women on Wheels Weekend, these two weekends are for any women who wish to live a true life enriching weekend sharing ‘sisterhood, sustainability and spirit’ with other ‘wild’ nature lovers. A true ‘staycation’ for the heart and soul! Expect the right combination of cycling, mountain biking, yoga, hiking, relaxing, eating, story telling, camping, bonfiring…more soon! Mark your calendar and email Dominique at creativewheel@bell.net to receive the weekend agenda and cost. The Creative Wheel team is busy planning a wonderful relaxed weekend sharing our love of land, stars, rock and moon!

RENTALS AVAILABLE ON SITE.

Please note that we practice the LEAVE NO TRACE philosophy. We are grateful for your help in keeping our beautiful site free of litter.

The Club

The LaRoccaXC Cycling Club is an exclusive I.M.B.A. Canada affiliated club for riders who care deeply about sustainability, standards of excellence and the survival of mountain biking (cross-country) in the Outaouais region. All proceeds guarantee the survival of the Centre, ongoing maintenance of the existing trail system and cost of the outdoor outhouse ($1,166.99 from April to November).

For more information to become a member, please contact Dominique at creativewheel@bell.net

Memberships are only sold on site. Thank you.

CLUB FEE	Season (April to November)
Adult (18 years and up)	$185 + taxes  ($213)
Solo Youth 13+ and student (18 to 24)	$120 + taxes  ($138)
Family of 3	$307 + taxes ($353) (add $61 + taxes ($70) per extra family member).

Children less than 13 years of age must be accompanied at all times by an adult when riding at the Centre.

Camp Checklist

Athletes will need the following:

• A CSA approved helmet.
• Cycling gloves. Full finger gloves highly recommended.
• Cycling shorts (to prevent injuries).
• An appropriate mountain bike: your child’s wheel size must be 24 or 26  inches and the bike should have three chain rings in the front. Don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions about your child’s bike.
• A mountain bike that is well tuned and is the proper fit for your child. Note: You will need to rent a bicycle if your child’s bike does not pass our safety test (mechanical and fitting).
• Lunch and lots of healthy snacks (please NO PEANUTS or caffeinated drinks).
• Clipless pedals are not mandatory.
• A complete change of clothes, hat, biodegradable sunscreen.
• Raingear and towel.
• A lightweight backpack for day excursions.
• Favourite game, crafts, pictures or movie your child might want to share with friends at camp.
• Water hydration packs (Camelbak) are great but kids tend to suck on the tube, which impedes proper breathing. If the bike frame has the cage option, please invest in a cage and bottle.

Note: All items, including the bike, may be kept at the Centre for the duration of camp. Do not worry if you don't have all these items for the first day of camp. The most important thing for Monday morning is the bike, helmet, gloves, lunch, snacks and a smile!

Registration

In the past two years, we have simplified our registration process to guarantee efficiency and simplicity. With the exception of the summer camps and Wild Women weekends, all registration is done on site. Find below this year’s registration form. Please take your time to answer all questions since in case of an emergency, clear printing is truly a blessing. Thank you!

Summer Camps (Kids & Youth) & Wild Women Weekends 2012 Registration Form:
Word format
Pdf Format

Rental

Dominique's love affair with Rocky Mountain Bicycles dates back to 1991 when she represented Canada with team mate Alison Sydor at the World's Championship in Lucca, Italy on her Blizzard. Today, Dominique still rides and teaches on her 20th Anniversary Blizzard Edition and is fully committed to the same high standards and hands-on approach that gives Rocky Mountain its reputation. We take pride in giving Rocky Mountain Bicycles a big presence on our very own "rocky mountain"!

Learn more about Rocky Mountain Bicycles philosophy.

We will keep offering RM bicycles in our rental program. Please note that any bicycle you rent with us can be purchased directly through us. We will deduct your day/week/weekend rental fee from the purchase price if you wish to return home with your rental bike.

Please note that we only rent bicycles to program participants. Fees include 5% GST and 9.5% QST.

½ day rental	$25 + taxes ($29)
Full day rental	$35 + taxes ($40)
Weekend (2 days)	$55 + taxes ($63)

Please take note that you can also rent bicycles from the two following supporting boutiques:

OTTAWA: Tall Tree Cycles

GATINEAU: Cycle Outaouais