New track, coach featured in program

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) has a new head coach for its mountain biking program - Thomas Wilkinson.

Coach Wilkinson has been working at Sisters Step & Spine this past year as a physical therapist and is taking on a program that was highly successful in its inception last season. Last season, the program had 10 riders riding trails around the Sisters area.

Coach Wilkinson brings a plethora of experience with him to the biking program.

Wilkinson says, "Mountain biking has been a big part of my life since sixth grade, when I was first introduced to the sport. I have been fortunate enough to ride and race my bike all over the United States, but riding in Central Oregon is some of the best trails I have ridden. I am looking forward to helping each rider progress their skills and knowledge of the sport this season!"

With the addition of the pump track at SPRD, kids enrolled in the program will enjoy a new facility to test their skills this season. The pump track, installed last fall with the help of Noble 911 and Blazin Saddles, sees frequent use by youth riders in the Sisters community. As the weather warmed and the dirt has dried, the Pump Track has reopened for the season just in time for the start of the mountain biking program.

This season riders will take to the trails on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 4 to 5 p.m. beginning on April 5. The primary goal of the program is to give youth the confidence to pursue this lifelong sport and to have fun. Techniques that will be covered in the program are braking, cornering, descending, climbing, and pressure control.

According to Coach Wilkinson, "I have talked with Casey and his crew at Blazin Saddles, and we are working on some fun ideas related to bike maintenance clinics and trail-side repair." Support for enrolled riders is provided by Blazin Saddles.

Registration is still being taken at SPRD and will continue through March. The cost to enroll in the program is $100. For more information and to register, visit www.sistersrecreation.com or call 541-549-2091.