join the Southern Elite
race team sponsored
by Sun and Ski Sports.
That next summer, four
of the boys qualified to
compete in the national
mountain bike
competition. Through
fundraising efforts,
the boys traveled to
Ketchum, Idaho to
participate in the race.
“It was an experience
of a lifetime for these
four young men,” says
Jim. “Our ride team has
grown each year and now
I have four girls, 12 boys
and three younger boys
starting this year.”
Jim will tell you there are three elements you must have in order to be
successful in life and all can be applied to the sport of cycling. You must be
physically, mentally and spiritually prepared. He says that every kid who has
cycled with our program has gained self-confidence and willpower. “They
learn self-determination,” says Jim, “because if they don’t put in the time to
learn the sport, they
only have themselves
to blame.” He
continues, “The key
to self-discipline and
self-satisfaction is
doing something
hard and that few
can do. Finishing a
race is one of the
hardest things a
teen can do. The joy
and satisfaction I
see on a kid’s face is
indescribable when
I see them reach
the finish line, no
matter where he or
she placed in the
race.”
Macleod (age 18) I’ve learned
time management and structure
through cycling. I have to train
so many hours, and I have to
balance my life. I ride four to
five hours a day, go to school 30
hours a week, work and do my
responsibilities. Riding is a boost
for me.
Vannesa (age 18) You have to be
focused and have a mindset to
finish. Seeing other people finish
gives you motivation.
Billie (age 16) Cycling has made
me more determined to finish
things. We are about to start
training for a ride. I like a
challenge. It’s really fun.
Boys and Girls Country News |Spring 2015
5