Mountain Biking Team for Kids

[Shawn Gossman]

I group ride in Paducah on Mondays (road bike) and there are some kids that ride with us that are a part of the McCracken Mountain Biking racing team. It's turning into a pretty big thing over there. SEMO has it's Mudcats which is also a big deal.

Isn't it time for Southern Illinois bike advocates to start something for mountain biking youth in Southern Illinois?

We have some awesome trails. Touch, GlenDixon, and now Kinkaid and Cedar. I think Touch of Nature could be the ones to get this going in conjunction with SMBA. I feel like this region need it. The more kids we get into mountain biking, the more of reason new trails will be accepted.

What do you all think?

 

[Rom]

Those are NICA teams. There has been talks of trying to get a NICA team here in southern illinois. The problem is population in the area is too low. Lot's of our youths go ride for either SEMO mudcats or McCracken.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Those are NICA teams. There has been talks of trying to get a NICA team here in southern illinois. The problem is population in the area is too low. Lot's of our youths go ride for either SEMO mudcats or McCracken.

I'm glad they're riding with them, but I really feel like one could be created here. Schools could help get kids on board. It's also a healthy initiative.

 

[Rom]

The problem is having an adult to "lead" the team

 

[Shawn Gossman]

The problem is having an adult to "lead" the team

That's true.

I feel like if adults are happy to help coach all these other sports teams, why not with MTB teams?

 

[Rom]

The simple answer is there's a lot more people interested in coaching football/basketball/baseball, there is just less people in the area to coach MTB rides.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

The simple answer is there's a lot more people interested in coaching football/basketball/baseball, there is just less people in the area to coach MTB rides.

We need to change that!

I think cycling parents are the answer! If I had kids or my step kids ever give me grandkids, I'd want more than anything to help them love cycling. I'd definitely be interested in doing it!