Day 1: Finding My Groove and Making Connections

As I arrived at Highland Mountain Bike Park on Friday morning, my camera in hand, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Recently relocated from Colorado to New Hampshire, I was eager to capture the energy of the weekend in a new place but didn’t know anyone. That changed quickly as the coaches and fellow attendees greeted me warmly at breakfast and check-in. After a delicious meal, we all gathered under a large tent, which would serve as our meeting point throughout the event. The head coach welcomed us, laying out the plan for the weekend and sharing essential information. Each coach then introduced themselves, sharing their stories and passion for mountain biking.

Our first stop was the indoor park facility, where we stretched and warmed up. As I snapped shots of the group, I could feel the excitement building. Once everyone was ready, we split into smaller groups and got started. We began by discussing our current skill levels and what we hoped to achieve over the weekend. As the group worked on fundamentals and techniques in the skills park, I captured the intense focus and determination on their faces. With new confidence, we headed to the chairlift for our first trail runs.

During those initial runs, the group practiced their newly learned skills, stopping occasionally to focus on specific sections of the trail. Our coach videotaped the riders, providing invaluable feedback. I captured the thrill of their progression as they tackled more challenging features. By the end of day one, everyone in my group had made noticeable progress and formed a tight-knit bond. Dinner was filled with laughter and stories, as if we’d known each other forever. The evening ended perfectly with a campfire, where we recounted the day’s adventures before heading to bed for some much-needed rest.

Day 2: Dialing In and Going Big

Saturday morning was alive with high-fives and smiles as we fueled up with a hearty breakfast and coffee. We quickly regrouped, did some stretches, and hit the mountain. The day started at the jump park, where the riders honed their techniques for bunny hops and popping off lips. As I photographed their soaring jumps, I could see their confidence growing. Feeling dialed in, the group took their skills to the trails. After a few laps down Hellion, their jumping abilities were impressive, and a burrito break was well-deserved.

Refueled and ready, the group tackled technical trails, discussing the best line choices and why they worked. By the next run, their efficiency and speed through these trails had significantly improved. As the day wrapped up, we enjoyed a few chairlift rides under bluebird skies, capturing the joy and camaraderie on their faces during party laps. We ended the day with a taco feast, sharing stories of accomplishments and the jumps and drops that had initially intimidated them but now felt like victories. With day two successfully in the books, we were eager to rest up for the final day.

Day 3: Checking Off Goals and Celebrating Achievements

Sunday morning, we arrived a bit tired but determined to check off the goals set at the beginning of the weekend. We started with some chill laps on green trails, gradually building up to bigger drops and jumps. A few brave souls conquered the Reef Drop and other large features throughout the park. Lunch was a time to relax, share successes, and prepare for the afternoon’s fun.

The goal for the rest of the day was simple: have fun and stay injury-free. Multiple groups joined together for some party laps, making the most of our final hours together. As the sun set and dinner was served, we reflected on the incredible progress, skills learned, and friendships forged. The weekend had been transformative, and it was amazing to see how much progress everyone made with the right coaching and support.

Highland Sessions was more than just a camp; it was an unforgettable experience that left us all with valuable skills, newfound confidence, and lifelong friends. A huge thank you to Highland Bike Park and all the coaches for organizing such an amazing event. I’ll definitely be back for more and to help others achieve their goals, just as I did.

If you’re looking to up your mountain biking game and make some great memories along the way, Highland Sessions is the place to be. See you on the trails!