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A Park City Local

I grew up with Trailside Bike Bike Park in Park City, Utah – right out my backdoor. I’ve spent many evenings here chasing around a whole crew of boys that I raced and rode with all the time. There is no doubt that this little group has been influential in helping me become the rider I am today. However, there has been something special about the empowerment that I have experienced being surrounded by my Clif Pro Teammate’s passion, support, and capability. As time has gone by, my development as a mountain bike racer has progressed just as the park has also developed. From a student at Trailside elementary to a young woman that has had the opportunity to chase my dreams. Traveling the world and racing mountain bikes with seven powerful female mountain bikers on the Clif Pro Team has been amazing.

Little Bellas

Recently, I was able to lend a helping hand for a couple days at the Little Bellas Spring Session. Little Bellas is a program that mentors and empowers girls ages seven through thirteen through the sport of mountain biking. This incredible program began in Vermont as a result of the passion and vision of Sabra and Lea Davison. I was a junior mentor two years ago when the Park City chapter was just getting started in 2016. The excitement, creativity, and community building of the program blew me away even then. To be reminded of this once again and to see how much the Little Bellas program has flourished in my hometown was really special for me.

Smiles for Miles

As I chased the girls all over the trails, I was able to witness some amazing things. I saw their smiles as they conquered a new challenge. I witnessed the joy that they shared with their peers. And I noticed their appreciation for the outdoors and its beauty. On one ride, right outside the bike park, there were lots of little rock sections throughout our route. At first, a few of the girls shouted “I hate rocks!” as they stiffly bounced over the rocky terrain. From then on, we made these rock sections a fun new challenge. We gave the girls a positive outlook on these aspects of the trail. Each time there was another section, I would remind them to keep their arms and knees bent, their eyes up, and to be confident in their abilities.

Welcoming Challenges

They became more and more excited about conquering their fears. And started giving their best effort every time they came across a rougher portion of the trail. Soon they were shouting “Look rocks!” and then rolling out of the section with smiles on their faces. When all the riders would re-group again, they would discuss the section. We would congratulate each other or giggle together as one tells a story about their miraculous save from almost falling over. By going on these little mountain bike adventures, everyone was able to build from their achievements.

Building Skills and Confidence

The rad group of Little Bellas mentors are able to share not only their passion for the sport. But also teach confidence, empowerment, teamwork, goal-setting, and how to live a healthy lifestyle through the program. The little ladies finished the last day of the session ready to tackle any challenge that lay ahead. All they wanted to do was ride lap after lap on the pump track. They were practicing their pumping and cornering skills, and ride the jump line as many times as they could.

The park was filled with Little Bellas trying new wooden features or their favorite section of trail and practicing until they succeeded. They are never alone when they want to try something new. And their effort is always followed with support from their mentors, a peer willing to give it a go right by their side, and supportive cheers from everyone nearby. Little Bellas shows young girls that they ARE capable and that they CAN do absolutely anything.

Role Models

To finish the day of riding, I did a pro question and answer with the whole group. I stood with all those little faces and glowing eyes looking up at me. And I realized that as a young girl, I was just like them. I would ride down these exact trails on my little wheels with the wind in my hair and the biggest smile on my face. Similarly, I looked up to so many inspiring female athletes and only hoped to follow in their footsteps. If I could only tell that “little me” someday those role models would become my teammates.

Growing the Community of Active Girls

Mountain biking has had a huge impact on my life. I see a little of myself in those girls as they are just starting on the life journey of their choice. That day at Little Bellas, I took on a role I never have before and a role that I previously never felt worthy of holding. I have transformed from the girl filled with wonder looking up to the pros. I race my bike and chase my passion. Others were interested in following my journey.

I hope that I was able to inspire some of them with my story which began in such a similar way as theirs. I feel grateful for teaching me that by becoming a role model, I can help them in the pursuit of finding their passion. More than anything, I am thankful to have witnessed the impact that this program is having on so many young women. Unlike them, most of the time I wasn’t following another girl my age down the trail. Little Bellas is changing that. They are growing the community of outdoor, active girls – and that is something really special.

Thanks for the Inspiration

Women inspiring and supporting each other will have a positive impact on this world. And, after feeling that I have been at both the giving and receiving end, I just can’t get enough of it. So, the best way I can think of to properly close is to say thank you. Thank you to all women out there that have inspired others to chase their dreams by leading the way. Thanks for guiding me to become a role model so that I can help empower more young women to someday to the same. Thank you to Little Bellas for providing a platform to empower young women and grow the community in a way that has never been done before.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the mountain biking dads who are helping their children become a part of the wonderful sport of mountain biking. We have fathers from Hong Kong, Venezuela, Italy and Canada sharing some words and pictures. Be sure to follow these dads and their families on Instagram so you can keep up with the progression of these young riders. Many thanks to Steve “Chewy Gould, Marcos Guarapo, Lucio Stefani, and Jason Teetaert for participating.

Steve “Chewy” Gould, Hong Kong

Instagram: @trailripperslord_chewington_and_985_others | Website: Rider Learning

My name is Chewy and I’m a rider, racer, bike coach – and now a dad. I have spent a lot of time and effort prior to the birth of my Daughter CC, forging a lifestyle that enables me the maximum possible amount of time with my kid.

My business is to teach 2 to 5 year old children how to ride balance bikes. I do this this on weekends when my lovely wife Carmen is off work.

As a biking “lifer” I grew up with BMX, motocross and raced mountain bikes for the past 10 years – so it just felt right to share my passion with my little students and now my Daughter.

She is now 11 months old and I have had her on the bike since I noticed she could hold onto the handlebars at 7 months. I have an unlimited amount of energy (and seemingly lower back muscles of steel) for wheeling my daughter about on her Strider. I rarely carry her, seizing almost every opportunity to take her for a quick spin, if even only from the house to the car, we do it on two wheels. I often wheel her through the busy Hong Kong shopping malls and my favorite is peoples faces when they see my Daughter on her bike. At less than 1 year old, she is so tiny, people think it’s some kind of trick.

My goal as a bike dad/coach is for my daughter to have as much fun as I do with two wheels and hopefully travel the world meeting other like minded two wheelers.

Happy Father’s Day. Ride on.

Marcos Guarapo, Venezuela

Instagram: @el_shot

Being a mountain bike dad of two, Karina (4) and Marcos (8) – it’s the coolest thing that ever happened to me. It’s the ride of my life and I’m enjoying it every single day.

Our week goes between job, school, to-do lists, schedules, and all “Real life” that happens from Monday to Friday; but, when the weekend comes, we run as fast as we can to nature.

Share that passion for mountain biking with my loved ones is something a really enjoy. That precious moment when they left my hand for the first time by themselves, riding with nothing but the confidence that I made them feel, gave us that feeling of success and proud. Now they become savvy about themselves and their environment, more confident and brave. They developed that sense of facing a challenge instead of going chicken line, something that goes beyond the trails into their lives. These are the skills that will be with them for a lifetime.

Bring my family to amazing times together, ride in places they love and see their happy faces enjoying dad’s bbq on a bike park, are the things that I wanted from the moment I became a rider and now I have it. I’m planning to lead my pack to the trails as long as I can, because being an MTB family is not a destination, is a journey. I’m a Mountain bike dad and sincerely wish to my fellow bike dads around the world a Happy Father’s Day.

Lucio Stefani, Italy

Instagram: @Armin_Bike | YouTube: Lucio Stefani

Hello! We are Lucio and Armando. We’re a mountain biking father and son from the beautiful valley of Trentino, Italy at the foot of the Dolomites. Primiero. The father many years ago, began to ride in mtb to feel good about himself and live together with nature. When Armando was born, one of the first presents was a bike without pedals.

Now Armando at 8 years old. Together we started cycling between the trails of the Dolomites and we do not stop any more, every occasion is pleasant to ride in mtb, whether it’s a walk, a workout, or a cross country race. So much joy, a lot of happiness that we share on a daily basis on two wheels even with the mother who cycles with us.

Jason Teetaert, Canada

Instagram: @jasonteetaert

As a family living, working and playing in Vancouver, BC, Canada, how can one not bike? Both of our kids have taken to two wheels since we first introduced them to a run-bike at around age 2. Their first smiles on a bike involved taking the run bike off the beaten path – over roots at campsites or through the puddles during Vancouver’s rainy winter season.

Their passion for the bumps and puddles involved into rolls, drops, and jumps. Now at ages 9 and 12 the two brothers can seen riding with friends or with their dad – on the Northshore, Whistler or in Pemberton. Bike camping trips along the Kettle Valley, riding in Jasper are also already on these kids riding logs. I wish that one could look into the future and see where two wheels might take these kids.

As a father – we make choices in what we do with our kids. Some Dad’s will watch the ball game or play catch in the backyard with their children. Our backyard just happens to have some of best mountains in them – so we ride them! I grew up on the prairies, some of the flattest land of Canada and took up mountain biking around the same time as the kids. As they have grown, so have their skills. I have also had to learn how to keep up on the steeper, rocky, drops, and jumps. They go off to bike camp every summer for skills development, and I am quick to get them to teach me the new skills they have acquired… out of necessity to keep up.

Tyson Henrie is a tall, soft-spoken guy who enjoys the best Utah’s outdoors has to offer. During the winter months, he’s on skis coaching at Utah’s Sundance Resort. But as soon as the trails dry out, he’s riding mountain bikes with a group of young girls and boys as the head coach of the Outlaw Bike Team. The Outlaw Bike Team is a kids’ mountain biking team for young riders aged 7 to 18. The name of the game for these groms is gravity-based riding which focuses on the following disciplines of mountain biking: all-mountain, enduro, downhill, dirt jumping and freeride.

Based along the southern end Wasatch Front in the Utah Valley area, the group consists of three separate age/skill levels – MegaShredders, MegaSenders, and the competition team.

By teaching riders the proper techniques for body positioning, braking, and cornering, members of the Outlaw team build a foundation of skills upon which advanced techniques can be applied. Riders on the team who can execute the basics with proficiency are encouraged to increase their skill sets and move on to racing where the trails become technical due to features such as the grade of slope, table and gap jumps, ladders and bridges, rock gardens, and switchback turns.

One thing that makes Outlaw Bike Team notable is the fact that the coaches are experienced, competitive mountain bikers themselves. This provides them with the perspective for guiding the kids. However, sometimes the coaches’ own competitions take a backseat. Tyson says, “With so many kids it’s really hard for me to race. I’m too competitive. So if I can’t give it everything – it’s not worth it for me. It’s tough for me to get my training in with all the kids.”

The Outlaw Bike Team’s Three Different Levels Of Mountain Biking

The Outlaw Bike Team consists of three different levels of riders. The first of them, the MegaShredders, consists of kids aged 7 and up. Kids on this level don’t need to have a full suspension bike, but in order to race, they do need to have a USA Cycling License and a full complement of gear. According to Tyson, “We have multiple, various levels of the team. So for the younger, less experienced kids, it’s not a requirement to compete. If they want to, it’s available.”

The next level up, MegaSenders, is the intermediate group. This team has built upon the mountain biking fundamentals needed in order to move up a level and begin competing. Members of this team (which is also for kids age seven on up) need to adhere to the same regulations and licensing requirements as the MegaShredders. Fall training at this level is available for riders who want to continue to enhance their skills.

As the kids move up through the team levels, the main goal is safety and confidence. Tyson tells us, “Just focusing on those basics have helped them a lot. I’ve noticed the kids are much more comfortable in the air – and they get that part. But for them to ride a technical trail, fast, is a whole different story. That just goes back to the basics of getting them solid in the fundamentals so they can feel comfortable riding anything. My job is to hold them back slightly without letting them know that I’m holding them back so they can slow it down a little bit and be perfect, and then they can add the speed later on.”

Finally, there’s the competition team. This is the team’s highest level. It’s for kids aged nine and up, all of whom must have graduated from MegaShredders and show that they have advanced mountain biking skills. Members of this team need to have a full suspension bike and train often.

Although actual mountain bike training for the competition team lasts from March to November, many of the kids train year round. Outlaw has created an additional training program for them that consists of weight lifting and running. In addition to being a skilled coach in mountain biking and skiing, Tyson also has years of experience with coaching kids in the gym. “The kids can join our training program. They pretty much go year round. We create better athletes that way.”

Developing Friendships Through Teamwork

One of the most important parts of coaching the Outlaw Bike Team’s competition level is the teamwork that develops between the kids. “A lot of them will work really hard to help out their teammates and bring them along. It’s been really cool to see. They have upped their game because they love the sport so much and they enjoy being a part of it. But they’ve also learned that they can do what they previously didn’t think they could do,” said Tyson.

Parent Involvement

Many of the parents of Outlaw Bike Team’s riders are very involved in the sport. Some of them are experienced mountain bikers themselves. “The parents are a huge part of the team. Biking is a great opportunity for the parents to be involved. A lot of times the dads ride with us. Unless I ask them not to! They are extremely supportive. For something like this, with how young the kids are, it’s almost mandatory that they are around or close by. Just in case something happens – you know, if the bike breaks, the kid gets hurt, or something happens – the parents are there to support that,” stated the coach.

Team Sponsorships

Sponsors are what keep the Outlaw Bike Team running. Some of them include Commencal Bikes, Level 9 Sports, 2nd Tracks, Demon United, Leatt neck braces, Fox Suspension, Kenda, and 6D Helmets. Of them, Commencal Bikes is the main sponsor. Coach Tyson tells us, “Recently, five of our athletes – Dylan Flinders, Fred LaRiviere, Finley Kirschenmann, along with Luke and Alex Mallen, were named to Commencal’s Junior Cartel program. That means they get a lot of support from Commencal, and then they gotta show up at races and perform as well. And on top of that, they support the rest of the team with bike maintenance at the big events we go to.”

Future Plans

In the immediate future, all three of Outlaw Bike Team’s levels will be competing in the sport. There are some big plans in place for the Competition team. “We’re hoping to get Dillon [Flinders] to World Junior Champs. Some kids are going to the Pro GRTs and we’re going to Whistler For 3 weeks. Lots of good plans. That’s our ultimate goal – to provide whatever level of coaching and riding is needed for kids in Utah. If they want to go to the World Cup, then hopefully we can provide that base for them to get there,” said Tyson.

Join a NICA Mountain Bike Team – When a friend talked me and two other girls into joining the East High Mountain Bike Team the summer before my seventh grade year, my dad was overjoyed. When my friend and the other girls gave up on the idea, he made me stick with it. The only kid my age on the team, a boy, was a fast biker, so my dad and I ended up riding way behind everyone else at practice. It was lonely, but at least the fast kids couldn’t see me huffing and puffing.  Dad kind of became obsessed with the idea of mountain biking, so every time the family went somewhere, we had to take our bikes with us.

A Part of the Team

I was too shy to take them up on the invitation to ride (there’s no way I could keep up). But now I had someone to look for at the races, and some inspiration for preparing for them. Being part of the East High team helped me meet other kids as well. Even though I still practiced at the back of the pack, the other kids on the Jr. Development team starting noticing me. Saying hi to me in school and giving me high-fives. Which coming from 8^th grade boys is pretty cool for a 7^th grade girl. That first year, there were no other girls on the team to race with. But I did end up seeing my best friend from pre-school at one of the races and got to stage with her. When you join a NICA mountain bike team you’ll meet new people and make friends at your school. 

The East High Mountain Biking Team

NICA has leagues for several states across the country. The East High MTB team was started in 2012 and is part of the Utah High School Cycling League. This group of riders and coaches know how to have a good time. Follow the East High Mountain Biking Team on Instagram to keep up with the antics.

Racing Challenges

Riding is fun, but racing never gets easy. In my second year, when more kids my age joined, I was no longer the slowest. I even kept up with some of the boys. I had been through two races, but I still I got nervous at the beginning of every race. The first race of my second season was in Vernal. I was frightened because I started in the front row of advanced and intermediate girls. It was an early morning start and  when the time came to line up I felt sick to my stomach.

It was the longest five minutes in my life until the horn blew and the race began. In the first 50 feet of the course, a girl cut in front of me and fell off her bike, causing me to brake and fly over my handlebars. I had been warned about slamming my front brakes, but well, you don’t always remember those things in the middle of a race. On the ground, I thought of the moment Kira Crowell went down in her race at Mammoth. So I decided I wanted to finish my race. I wasn’t in much pain, only shock, and luckily no one had run over me. SoI got up and started again. I was hyperventilating because I was so stressed about getting my spot back, so it took a while for me to start going full speed again. I never got back to the front of the line, but I did finish the race, which was the important part.

Jr. Devo to High School Transition

When you move from being a Jr. Devo to a High School racer, your season almost doubles, and so does the fun. This previous season, the coaches put in extra effort to make sure there was a lot of team bonding. Tons more kids joined and it isn’t easy to get to know 35 kids. Instead of just doing practices every couple of days, the coaches organized a lot of adventures as team bonding activities. The first was a cookout/campout. Former team members were invited, and everyone, whether they were experienced riders or not, went for a quick team ride. The uphill was hard, but the downhill was much better because at the end of it, s’mores were waiting for everyone. Some kids even camped out that night.

Adventure and Accomplishment

You might want to join a NICA mountain bike team if you like adventure.  The biggest adventure of the preseason was towards the end of the summer. The coaches were confident the team could take on a big ride and we piled in cars and shuttled up to the famous Crest trail. Crest is a twenty plus mile ride that begins close to 10,000 feet. We were all proud that after training all summer, we made it up Puke Hill without puking (though there were some who had to push our bikes). The first few miles of the ride have a lot of climbing and not much oxygen. But all the miles of downhill, through beautiful alpine country makes it worth it. It’s about the best thing you could do with your summer, and not a bad way to way to start your high school year.

We all support each other

It certainly helps to be confident about a sport. But one of the great things about mountain biking is everyone works at their own pace. We all support each other, whether we’re on the same team or not. At that Vernal race my 8^th grade year, when I was breathing heavy and trying to get my spot back, I was cheered on by one of the senior boys on East. He got up early, for the first race, and was cheering all of us on. This lesson stuck with me.

The first race of this season was nerve-racking, but racing in the morning meant I could get it over with and cheer on everyone else. When we were climbing down the mountain to find a good spot to watch the race at Powder Mountain, four of us found a giant wooden spool. We rolled it to a spot along the course, stood it upright and spent the next 5 hours cheering everyone on through a megaphone one of our teammates had brought. We may have cheered loudest when an East High racer came through, but we made sure to cheer everyone on. I learned that cheering on kids helps the riders a ton. When you join a NICA mountain bike team you’ll be amazed at the support and encouragement you receive. 

Team bonding

You might want to join a NICA mountain bike team for the fun times you get to have with friends.  As important as team friendships are for when you’re racing, the most fun part of being on a team often comes before or after the races. This year, the high school kids traveled to Moab and Cedar City for two races.  These trips were full of hanging out in the hot tub, swimming, and playing ping pong. Of course, we also did some awesome fun rides in red rock country.

We ended the season in Cedar City, the state championships, where we got a team house and spent the weekend together. The first few nights were mellow (we had races, after all), but as the weekend went on, we saw discovered some of our teammate’s true colors. Half the team pulled an all-nighter after the races were done. We made sure not to wake any adults up so we could continue our games. Everybody slept on the way back home, probably dreaming about the fun team bonding the night before.

The best part about being on a mountain biking team is you never have to say “just me” as you pass someone going in the opposite direction. Whether it’s with your parent, other kids, or a coach, you’ve always got someone to help push you up the mountain or yell with joy as you descend.

Interested in how joining a NICA team can affect your life?  Check out our interview with Hannah Finchamp, Pro mountain biker and NICA alumna.