Biking as a Gateway
Throughout my school years, I have tried various sports, but none of them have impacted me quite like mountain biking. The sport has always been a great way to explore nature, stay fit, challenge myself, and, of course, spend time with family. Still, it wasn’t until 8th grade that I joined a PICL team, in a park I had never ridden at before, that I felt like the sport was so much more.
“It became a gateway into an amazing community that inspires its riders to strengthen their skills, create lasting friendships, and better parks and trails for all users. ”
While I did have some on-trail experience to start with, it was nothing compared to the racing and riding atmosphere that PICL events bring. At first, the idea of racing was intimidating, but I was surrounded by a team of experienced coaches who worked all season to prepare me to give it my all. In my case, my first year was deeply riddled by covid, and the events were on a much smaller scale. But even through these modified races and covid guidelines, the PICL spirit of encouragement persevered. I was inspired to train in the off-season and work even harder in practices so that I could be better the following season.
“By striving to better my skills, I have not only learned so much about the sport and being the racer I want to be, but also about how hard work truly does pay off.”
My five seasons in PICL have led me to meet so many amazing people from different schools in my area and from all across the state. It has acted as a bridge into friendships that shaped me as an individual. I look forward to seeing where biking will lead me as college life begins, and I can’t wait to see all the racing this season will hold! (from the sidelines, of course!)