IT smacked of an old-fashioned barn-raising down at Pioneer Camp May 3. The huge posts and beams lay in order on the ground, their mortises and tenons perfectly chiselled. Predrilled holes awaited the great wooden pegs that would tie the structure together. Block and tackle all ready. Cameras out. An enormous pot of stew simmering in the kitchen . . .

The attractive little barn in question boasts a design that will shelter bicycles rather than livestock. The camp’s bike program is cycling up to a new level this summer. In partnership with Norco, Pioneer is providing top-notch machines for campers, and the new ‘bike barn’ meets the need for storage, maintenance and teaching space.

The barn will also serve as the take-off point when campers hit the trails around Pioneer’s 76 acres. Christopher Wickham, Pioneer’s director, is envisioning a Free Ride signature course, built over the next two years with the help of the camp’s young leaders and volunteer work parties.

– Adele Wickett

June 2008