2025 Annie Was Right. Day 2
Annie sang “The sun will come out tomorrow” and today ended up being the tomorrow she must have been dreaming of.
Riders patiently queue up for breakfast.
Another incredible day of mountain bike summer camp at BMA has wrapped up here in beautiful Burke, Vermont, and we are loving it all. As the director, seeing so many enthusiastic young riders grow in skill and confidence is truly the best part of my job. We're all about creating an unforgettable experience, packed with incredible riding, delicious food, and friendships that will last long after the last trail ride.
Coaching Director Jon Spahr leads our students in their morning skills activities.
Coaches do a lot of work on mapping during the week to maximize the thrills per mile for our riders.
Our days kick off with a breakfast that's become legendary: a hearty spread of scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, and crispy bacon. It's the perfect fuel for a morning of shredding! After breakfast, it's time to show off our abilities to our ride coaches on the skills and drills course developed by Coaching Director John Spahr. Our coaches lead engaging skills sessions and fun games that help riders of all levels refine their technique and get to know their riders. . Whether it's mastering switchbacks, dodging trails obstacles, or simply getting more comfortable on varied terrain, the riders impressed their coaches.
The ice cream stand was popular after our ride in almost 90 degree temps
By midday, those morning efforts build up a serious appetite, and there's no better way to refuel than with our camper-favorite mac and cheese lunch. It's always a hit, providing the perfect comfort food boost before our afternoon adventures. With bellies full, we head out to explore the incredible network of trails that surrounds us. From flowy singletrack to more technical climbs and descents, there's a fine time riding the trails to be had by all. Our groups are carefully organized by skill level, ensuring everyone gets to experience the thrill of the ride at their own pace, always with a coach close by to offer tips and encouragement.
Some of our Maryland riders and coaches also enjoyed some creek time after their ride.
As the sun begins its descent, signaling the end of an action-packed day on the trails, the aroma of our much-anticipated taco bar dinner starts wafting through camp. We saw many different tacos built and consumed for dinner. Dinner is a time for camaraderie and winding down, but the fun doesn't stop there!
Our evening activities are the perfect cap to an epic day. From volly and pickleball to pumptrack time to painting bottles and rocks, there is something for almost everyone. These moments, as the sun goes down and the camp settles into a peaceful hum, are when memories are truly forged. It’s not just about the riding; it’s about the whole experience – the friendships, the laughter, the challenges overcome, and the pure joy of summer. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.