2019 in review

2019 was our first year as an established team. It was also the first year of programming for the Indiana League. We learned a lot about functioning as a team and loved every minute of it.

A quick recap on our team so far: 3 coaches, 3 student athletes and 6 families.

• Of our 3 student athletes, not a single one had prior mountain biking experience. By the end of the season, all 3 had practiced and raced with the Wisconsin NICA league.
• Of our 3 coaches, 2 had prior mountain biking experience. This group of volunteers were recruited and chosen because of their passion for youth development. We don't need coaches who are super fast, super skilled or have race experience. We are looking for people who care about creating a welcoming environment for all student athletes. 
• The 6 families involved in our team include the parents and siblings of our student athletes, coaches and volunteers. We were very fortunate to have great support at all of our events in 2019 and hope to continue that in 2020.

Our team raced in Wisconsin with about 900 student athletes. We came in as a small composite team and were instantly welcomed by everyone that we met. Other coaches, the Wisconsin leadership team, and other families were unbelievably hospitable to the newcomers (us) and we had a wonderful race season because of it! There is something beautiful about people who care about a cause coming together and boosting each other up. 

Meanwhile in the Indiana League, we got the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Adventure Weekend at Griffin Bike Park. This was an epic weekend of adventure, jam packed with riding, games and camaraderie. This was the first time that the Indiana Leadership Team got together to test race equipment and the event was a great success!