INSIGHT Magazine June 2017 | Page 38

https://youtu.be/708icVFDnOM Chimney Peak, final climb on ULTRA Course at Cheaha Challenge 2017 organized in 2015, provides mountain biking programs for students in grades 6-12. As of now, the league operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based on the financial support of donors and sponsors. According to the league’s website, the organization operates on five core values. Learn More About Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League . Until each individual school has enough support for a dedicated team, riders from different areas are forming teams. Individual riders are also welcome to participate. One local team is made up of riders from five counties. Wig supports this effort saying, “It’s introducing boys and girls, as early as the 6th grade, into competitive racing… what we’re doing is, we’re turning them into lifelong cyclists.” Naturally, the courses must be certified to keep the sport as safe as possible. As of now, the Anniston area doesn’t have a certified course. Wig hopes that will change, “We’re looking at another couple of sites in town to build the trails specific to the specifications required.” Wig says this is another example of the eco- nomic impact cycling can have on our area. 38 June 2017 INSIGHT