OUR STORY
Alan and I moved to Cowichan Bay in 2015, with our then 5 year old grandson, Raymond, whom we are raising. Raymond has always shown an interest in mountain biking and was riding on trails on his little "run" bike at two years old. When he was 7, we realized that none of his friends knew much about mountain biking, and there was no one teaching it for young kids.
I remembered when our sons were growing up, that it was hard to find friends that rode and we really wanted Raymond to have that, as well as the skills required to safely ride. Mountain biking is a lifetime sport for us, and it seemed that Raymond was going in that direction.
Although I was a strong rider, I wasn't qualified to teach so I found the instructor course through PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association) and they had a Level 1 course on while we were holidaying in Whistler. I signed up, took the course, and passed. When we came home, I emailed some of Raymond's friends from school, offered a series of lessons, and that kickstarted "Dirt Groms".
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Pretty quickly, people started contacting me, asking for instruction for their child and we ended up hiring 3 more instructors, all PMBIA certified, including my husband Alan. We have kids as young as 5 years old, and have expanded our teaching to adults, as once the kids started learning to mountain bike, the parents wanted to learn too! We now have various programs running and participants coming from as far as Nanaimo and Victoria.
New for this Spring, we are starting a Dirt Groms Race Team, which we are very excited about! Dirt Groms has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done, watching the improvement in the kids, not only on the bike, but in their overall confidence as people. I love it when I see a family riding together and realize that they all participate in the Dirt Groms programs!
So here we are, grandparents raising our grandson, running this super fun mountain bike program, and getting so many families involved in a sport that we love. We never imagined this is what we would be doing in our retirement!
MEET OUR TEAM
MICHELE CARR
OWNER/INSTRUCTOR
I’ve always been involved in sports, (volleyball, basketball, swimming, triathlons) but running was my passion and competed from the age of 12 until my mid 40’s. I started mountain biking in my early 40’s after watching my younger brother compete in the Test of Metal, a 50 km mountain bike race. I bought a mountain bike shortly thereafter and loved it right from the start. I competed in many mountain bike races, including the Test of Metal. Our two children also got interested in mountain biking and growing up, we had many family holidays with our bikes. I have a background in coaching children in various sports, including soccer, cross country running and other team sports. I took my Level 1 mountain bike instructor training with PMBIA in Whistler in June 2017 and have been coaching since then. I still enjoy competitions and have participated in the Island Cup Enduro races and the Cross on the Rock Cyclocross races series each Fall. In 2023, I participated in the Belgium Waffle Ride and won the 55+ category. In July, after winning the Kazlow Community Award, I competed in my first ever stage mountain bike, the BC Bike Race. I placed 2nd in the 60+ category.
Every August, we take a break from coaching and travel to mountain bike destinations with Raymond, with an extended stop at Whistler. We alway have great rides with all the Dirt Groms families that come to visit us on our holiday.
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Training:
PMBIA Level 1 Instructor - June 2017
PMBIA Level 2 Air Module - July 2021
Bikes:
Mountain Bike: Trek Top Fuel 9.8
Cyclocross: Trek Checkpoint SL5
Downhill: Norco Aurum
Other Sports & Hobbies:
Hiking
Pickleball
Snowboarding
Crocheting (you might see kids out riding with some “gold” stars, tiny monsters, pumpkins, and hearts hanging from their packs. These are my crocheted “prizes” for the kids.)
ALAN CARR
INSTRUCTOR
I started mountain biking in my 40’s, following my kids into the sport. I also came from a competitive running background, and played practically every sport growing up, so I thought “What could be so hard about learning to mountain bike?” I soon found out…
Living in North Vancouver, our home trails were on the famous (or infamous) “North Shore”. Trying to learn on a selection of black, double black, and beyond terrifying trails with no instruction was a big mistake and something I would not recommend for anyone. Finding a good instructor made a world of difference. I went on to do everything from marathon cross country races to Whistler Bike Park laps before moving to road riding with a crazy group of masters athletes, Team VO2Min (Very Old 2Kids Minimum).
I really got back into mountain biking with Raymond and Michele when we moved to the Cowichan Valley, and now lead multiple groups every week. So proud of these kids who are progressing so fast, and motivate us to stay fit ourselves.
Training:
PMBIA Level 1 Instructor - March 2019
PMBIA Level 2 Air Module - July 2021
BSc Kinesiology
Retired CPA (in case the kids need help with their investment portfolios)
Bikes:
Trail: Trek Fuel EXe
Cyclocross: Cervello Aspero
Park, Enduro: Trek Slash
AMY MEERDINK
INSTRUCTOR
I am an enthusiastic mother to four, partner, social worker and mental health advocate. When I was introduced to mountain biking in 2015, I knew I loved it immediately. It was not solely just for the escape from the trials and tribulations of raising young children, but for the aspects of riding that create broader physical and mental health- the discipline that it takes to get good at a sport, the dopamines and endorphins that come from exercise, the comradery and acceptance of the biking community, and the thrill of the trail.
The joy in providing access to mountain biking to others creates meaningful work for me. However, the biggest impact of riding has been on my own family life where I have the opportunity to ride with my children regularly finding connection and fun. I have enjoyed many family vacations and camping trips that center around riding and I have loved how exploring different mountains has brought me to places I may never have gone.
I believe that one must always ride for joy and to this end, my teaching philosophy focuses on showing up as you are with full acceptance and looking to grow from there.
Training: PMBIA Level 1 Instructor
Bikes:
Mountain: Trek Slash
Gravel: Trek Boon 5
I have been riding and racing mountain, gravel, and road bikes for over thirty years
(and still have much to learn!). I have coaching certifications for mountain and road
from PMBIA Level 1 and PMBIA Level 2 - Trail, and Cycling Canada.
When you get tired of technique talk, I can also bore you chatting about the local flora and fauna.
PETER STEVENSON
INSTRUCTOR
CARMEL ECKER
INSTRUCTOR
I’ve been mountain biking for 27 years. From the moment I found single track, there was no looking back and my passion for this sport is as strong now as it was when I started.
I believe there are still plenty of opportunities for me to improve my riding as I help others improve theirs.
My first experience of coaching came in the early 2000s. With no coaching companies consistently offering skills courses on the South Island, I took a coaching theory course and developed beginner mountain bike clinics under the Dirty Girlz Bike Club banner. We introduced a lot of women to the sport through our spring and summer weekend clinics.
I especially love introducing women to mountain biking because it’s more than just a fun thing to do. In my experience, it fosters courage, builds confidence and nurtures powerful friendships.
I’m also a mindset coach and love to discuss the mental aspect of mountain biking when I’m out teaching.
Training: PMBI level 1
Favourite Island trails: Maple Syrup, Morning Beer, Bonestorm
Riding preference: The more technical the better
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KEVIN KNOCK
INSTRUCTOR
Being born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, it’s hard not to love the outdoors, and for me,
there’s no better way to do that then on a bike! As long as I can remember, I’ve been on two
wheels, whether it be on a mountain, road, gravel, cyclocross or even BMX bike. I have an
appreciation for all disciplines.
My favourite trails are those old school ones like Danalizer on Tzouhalem or Upper Line on
Cobble Hill, where technical bike control, balance and fitness all come into play, but that
doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy good flow and feeling weightless like when riding Double D on
Tzouhalem.
My heroes in cycling aren’t always factory sponsored, they might not even race. My heroes are
the advocates, the trail builders, the solo parent that somehow provides a bike and gear for
their child or that older brother that tells you to grab your bike and ride. These are my heroes.
I am very honoured to be an instructor and am passionate about sharing my knowledge of
cycling with all abilities of riders. My ultimate goal with being an instructor is to instill a life-
long appreciation for cycling, the areas we ride and the people we ride with. “Be curious,
challenge yourself and never stop learning.”
Training: PMBIA Level 1
Bikes: Trail/Enduro: Devinci Troy
CX/Gravel: Everti Ti-Fighter
COLIN STEVENSON
INSTRUCTOR
I am a dad to four amazing kids that always keep me going at full speed. I have always been
involved in sports for as long as I can remember. Two wheels have always been a passion of
mine. I have been riding dirt bikes from a young age and continue to as an adult. My kids and I
got into BMX racing when they were little, which eventually crossed us over into the mountain
bike world. This quickly became our family's passion. Riding several days a week for years now,
it was time for me to transition into some coaching. Taking my PMBIA level 1 was the right
choice. This has allowed me to share my passion and help others get involved in this amazing
sport. My hope is to continue with more training and knowledge that I can apply to my
coaching. Mountain biking has given our family so much fun and great relationships in the
community. I look forward to where mountain biking continues to take our family and
community.
Training: PMBIA Level 1 and PMBIA Level 2 Air instructor
Bikes: Enduro: Rocky Mountain Altitude
Downhill: Santa Cruz V10
Gravel: Trek Checkpoint
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Other Sports and Hobbies: Snowboarding, dirt biking, anything outdoors, spending time with
my family, going out for nice meals.
GRAEME LAWRENCE
INSTRUCTOR
I’m a father, husband, life coach and local mountain bike enthusiast.
Here are a few things I love about mountain biking:
The flow of the trials
The wind in my face
The peace of being in nature
The thrill and adventure
My goal is to help you have fun and stay safe on the trails. I want to help sharpen your
skills so that you can create a connection with your bike and the trail.
I love that we can get out in nature and bike throughout the entire year here on
Vancouver Island. I believe it’s important for our mental health and overall wellness to
spend time connecting with our environment.
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Training: PMBIA Level 1 Instructor
Bikes: Mountain Bike – 2018 Norco Sight A7.1
Other Sports & Hobbies: Yoga, skiing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, woodwork, camping, gardening/landscaping.
MEGAN WALTER
INSTRUCTOR
I have been mountain biking since 2017, after a 10+ year break. As a kid, my parents took my brother and I biking regularly - XC trails in nearby Snowden to summer trips all over BC to ride the ski hills. I am so thankful that I learned many of the skills when I was younger as it made jumping back into the sport as an adult less intimidating and incredibly fun! I am often heard on the trails saying “I just LOVE bikes!!”
I am also a Mother to two kids who love playing outside.
My winters are spent Ski Patrolling and Grooming (driving Snow Cat) at Mount Cain. Summers include hiking, camping, coastal exploring and, of course, biking!!
Training:
PMBIA Level 1 Instructor – March 2022
OFA Level 3 First Aid – March 2021
Bikes:
Mountain Bike: Trek Fuel EX 9.7
Gravel : Norco Search XR
MAGGIE PRESTON
INSTRUCTOR
I was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley and have grown to love the local trails. I spend my summers working and riding in the Sea to Sky area and enjoy potato farming at my family’s farm.
My favourite things to do outside of riding are skiing, running, ballet, reading, hanging out with friends, and spending time on bikes and skis with my little brother.
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Training:
PMBIA Level 1 certified coach
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Bike:
Norco Sight
Amanda McArthur
INSTRUCTOR
My name is Amanda McArthur & I am 38 years old. I am a certified holistic nutritionist, a wife,
a mom to my beautiful little boy, the owner/operator of a personal training & fitness business and I have been a 100% natural figure competitor.
I reside in the Cowichan Valley and last year my husband and I decided to make a move closer to the mountains (Tzouhalem & Maple) as we both LOVE cross country mountain biking! I work with a variety of clients in my business, that range in age as well as physical capabilities, and I help them to reach their specific goals, some are preparing for a major event or race, some are on sports teams and looking to improve their fitness specifically for that sport, and most are looking for daily healthy, functionality and wellness.
I personally train 5-6 days a week and it includes strength, cardio and flexibility. I follow a schedule and am consistent...I do not ask my clients to do anything that I would not do for myself. I love working with youth on their fitness goals. I think it is so great when young people are exposed to coaches that look to incorporate all faculties of fitness into their routines cardiovascular-including endurance, strength, and flexibility.
I am both excited and very touched that I was approached to help with the Dirt Groms racing
team this year. I look forward to some hard work, TONS of fun, and getting to see these young
athletes transform and reach new goals.
Our Grandson Raymond
Raymond, 13 years old, is our grandson and the reason we started Dirt Groms. His first bike
was a run bike at 17 months old and he has loved all things “bikes” since. He learned to mountain bike at 7 in our first Dirt Groms “Newbies” program and quickly progressed in all skills. His dedication to the sport clearly shows when you see him ride - practicing whenever he can, never saying “No” to a ride, and working hard whether we are going up or down a trail. He loves participating in the Island Cup Enduro series and the Cross on the Rock cyclocross series, and has had many podium places.
Fun Facts:
Favourite Trails in the Cowichan Valley: DD, Resurrection and Phloem
Favourite Place to Ride: Whistler
Favourite Food: Pizzeria Prima Strada
Current Bikes: Trek Slash 9.8, Trek Boone (cyclocross), Trek Session (downhill)
Other things he loves:
Snowboarding, Rock Climbing, Basketball, Drawing, Skating, Street Hockey
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
