gmhTODAY 02 gmhToday May June 2015 | Page 14

Gutierrez teaches 7th and 8th graders English and Video Production. “Nathan contacted me about getting students involved in cycling,” Gutierrez said. “I was all for it and so was our Principal, Glen Web. He supported the installation of a storage cage on campus for students’ bikes, scooters and skate- boards.” “Our students are creating videos about the bike-to-school pilot program, including tips from Specialized on safe riding,” Gutierrez said. “The videos are now being included in Britton’s morning announcements. The pilot includes an incentive program where kids who ride to school can earn points and prizes. “We’re also working with Bike Morgan Hill on a bike donation and repair effort we’re calling a ‘Fix It Frenzy’, to support students whose families may not have the means to purchase a bike or helmet.” According to Winchell, the local high schools are considering mountain biking clubs. Specialized funded the development of a film about high school mountain biking that is being shown to high schools through the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), an organization that it co-sponsors. As of this year, NICA’s Norcal league has grown to 65 teams with more than 800 high school student-athletes. Winchell said he’d like to see community support for the development of a local off-road bicycle park in the future. With so much accomplished and more ideas in development, it’s easy to see why John McKay said, “Bicycling is blossoming in South County.” PHOTO BY BRIAN CRANE 14 G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E MAY / JUNE 2015 gmhtoday.com