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Participating in the Utah High School Cycling League has been invaluable for my 2 sons. I have watched them become more self-motivated, confident, and skilled as they have participated in racing through this league.
Mountain biking embraces everyone, and allows everyone to race, regardless of skill level, I have loved that my boys can honestly be happy for their teammates, instead of fighting for limited "playing time". Inclusion is one of the core principles of this league, and I love to watch that value in action. The vast majority of the students that I have observed in my 2 years of involvement with this sport have been respectful, responsible, and well rounded. They are also display incredible sportsmanship -- they are kind to one another! I also love that this sport is one that students can carry on with throughout their lives, not just through high school. They are developing a love for physical challenges that will extend into their adult lives, keeping them healthy an d balanced. Biking has helped me so much this last year in all aspects. I feel like I became more outgoing and even though I was tired and sore a lot I feel like it helped me academically too. It especially helped me physically, I had been wanting to get back into a sport and I was leery of starting biking cause I was worried I would end up breaking something but my brother pushed me into it and I have loved (almost) every minute of it! All the bruises, scars, and stitches I got from biking definitely were worth it and I love the sport!
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Just 2.5 years ago my son met the love of his life...her name is Lola. Lola is his mountain bike. He learned not just how to ride and ride fast...but he learned how to be a friend and a comrade
to those on the team and to anyone else that shared his love for biking. He learned to be a leader and the team looked up to him as they saw him growing up and progressing in his skills. This Team has taught him to be tough and to not give up. He has had MANY races where his tires went flat, his chain broke, his derailler broke...etc. BUT he kept getting back up and showing up again and again. This sport teaches discipline. The coaches have always been willing to teach and guide and not give up on the kids. My son convinced his sister to ride. We didn't have a bike for her and we weren't sure she would fall in love with the sport like he had. My daughter had many health problems from late 7th grade- 9th grade. She had to be home schooled all of 8th grade. Previous to this she played competitive soccer and loved it, but her health problems had her taking too much time off and she was left behind in the sport of soccer. She started out practicing with the team, with no intentions of joining. But the coaches persistence paid off again as they worked with her, helping her to build her endurance and love of the sport. She had many crashes...a few with minor injuries...and she kept getting back on the bike and racing. The races are amazing. As a parent I have not missed a single race. They are exciting and motivating. We make a day of it and go and cheer for the entire team throughout the day. It is so neat to see the whole team and their parents out there cheering your child to the finish line as well! |
Participating in the Utah High School Cycling League has been a wonderful experience for my son and helped him grow in many
areas...physically, socially, and emotionally. During mountain biking season last year, he was exercising regularly and was in the best
shape of his life. Sometimes when he is active, he has breathing problems, but after just a few weeks of biking regularly, his lungs were stronger and he was not having breathing problems that he normally has. Participating in a team sport has helped him develop
friendships with other students that he would not normally have met. He has really enjoyed meeting other people who share his intense love of biking. Being on the mountain bike team has also helped build his confidence. Having the chance to compete with
others showed him that he has strengths that he was not aware of before. There are some life lessons that are easiest to learn when you are on a team and mountain biking gave him that opportunity that he might not have been able to have otherwise. Not every one can play basketball, football, soccer, or baseball, but most people can ride a bike. The mountain bike team gives everyone a chance to be on a team. I am so grateful that my son had the chance to be on the mountain bike team. There was not even one thing that I would change ...it was an entirely positive experience.
areas...physically, socially, and emotionally. During mountain biking season last year, he was exercising regularly and was in the best
shape of his life. Sometimes when he is active, he has breathing problems, but after just a few weeks of biking regularly, his lungs were stronger and he was not having breathing problems that he normally has. Participating in a team sport has helped him develop
friendships with other students that he would not normally have met. He has really enjoyed meeting other people who share his intense love of biking. Being on the mountain bike team has also helped build his confidence. Having the chance to compete with
others showed him that he has strengths that he was not aware of before. There are some life lessons that are easiest to learn when you are on a team and mountain biking gave him that opportunity that he might not have been able to have otherwise. Not every one can play basketball, football, soccer, or baseball, but most people can ride a bike. The mountain bike team gives everyone a chance to be on a team. I am so grateful that my son had the chance to be on the mountain bike team. There was not even one thing that I would change ...it was an entirely positive experience.