2008 Loeka Team
Erin Lewis - Campbell River, BC
Name: Erin Ashley Roberts (Lewis)
Nickname: Crash Bandicoot (it's on my bike!) and Whirlwind!
Age: 23
Hometown: Campbell River B.C (Salmon Capital of the WORLD!) ...nothing to do with riding...lol
Riding/walking Season 2008
2007, proved to be a challenging year for myself and my riding endeavors. I learned so much as a young aspiring downhiller. I am sad to report however, that in late September, I endured a serious injury. I ruptured my left Achilles tendon and fractured my tallies in three separate locations. The fractures ranged in severity from occult to complete compound separations. After several misdiagnoses, I finally was on the right track to healing mid way through December! I have since seen more Doctors than I could possible round up over a lifetime. I have continued therapy and am anxiously awaiting a future MRI date and the possibility of surgery to remove some of the accumulated scar tissue. Since March, I have been attending physiotherapy at Summit Physio and rehabilitation at minimum of twice weekly. That being said, I am recovering and according to my posse of medical professionals should be race ready at the END of the 2008 season. Challenging the diagnosis and ignoring my own body and pain sensors is ultimately to blame for the slow recovery of my dubbed "cankle". I am still positive and considering this season to be a life lesson; I'm learning to slow down and listen more to my own capabilities.
As of June 28th 2008, I resumed my position as Bike Guide and Female/Group instructor at the Mount Washington Ski Resort on Vancouver Island. I am returning on my brand-new amazing Transition Blindside shredding in moderation the DH tracks and flaunting the sexy sheen of my pink and white Pokka dotted Female specific slope-style Syren. I am ever so excited to be part of the Mt. Washington team again conducting the "Ladies Day" group rides and private instructions. So far this season has proved to be the strongest yet for the Mountain, and I've never seen such an enthusiastic group of ladies!
Our program has boosted international interest from countries including, Japan, Germany and the US. It has been my utmost pleasure to be their ride guide and instructor. Our lessons range from beginner to advanced rider, we tailor our lessons to the ability of the individual and or group. Recently a local Journalist from the Comox Valley participated in a private four hour female instructional ride with me. Despite getting married in a few weeks, she proved to be fearless and eager to learn. Working hands on and promoting the sport of downhill and Free-ride to females of all ages is hugely satisfying and keeps me focused on promoting my own health and personal riding development.
Depending on how well the rubber side is kept down over the month of August I plan on attending the Women's works during the Kokanee Crank Works, Round 5 of the B.C / Canada Cup series at Sunpeaks Resort, and finishing hopefully with a "bang up" at the Mt. Washington Finals Aug, 31st.
In addition to this I will be promoting in association with Loeka Clothing and the Transition Cycles Grassroots team during the September installment at Interbike. Until then however, I will continue to make myself available for questions and team support... and yelling really loudly from the side lines!
For information regarding the Ladies day program at Mt. Washington, please feel free to reach me @ 250-701-2644 or request Tredshed @ 1-888-231-1499.
I look very much forward to the remainder of the 2008 season, and am focused on health and wellness for the beginning of the 2009 season.
