About 25 young bicyclists are riding this week in what might be called the Tour de Fort.
They also are learning skills such as changing a tire, replacing a tube and fixing a bike chain, while instructors stress safety principles and rules of the road that are important for cyclists of all ages.
It’s all part of the summer bicycle camp offered by Vancouver Parks and Recreation. This is the third annual edition of Bike Skills 101, held in partnership with the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Bike Clark County, an educational and advocacy group.
This is a not a learn-to-ride program; participants must be able to ride on two wheels for up to 1 1/2 miles without assistance.
Among other lessons, the young riders “learn how to be safe and visible,” camp lead Julianna Blackmon said Tuesday afternoon.
There also are opportunities for bike rides to destinations in Fort Vancouver, including nearby Pearson Air Museum and the playground at the Visitors Center. The camp is based at a former U.S. Army building just west of the replica Fort Vancouver stockade.
Bicycles are provided, but campers can use their own if it passes a safety inspection. Helmets are mandatory and can be provided.
This is the first of four week-long camps. There are half-day and full-day sessions for children 6 to 9 years old, and all-day sessions for the 10-14 age group.
Fees range from $93 to $190, depending on full-day/half-day options and whether participants are city residents.
Spots are still available in most camp sessions, said Louise Allen, a fitness specialist at Firstenburg and Marshall community centers. For information on the bike skills camps, call Marshall Center at 360-487-7100 or Firstenburg Center at 360-487-7001.
