2022 Georgia Cycling Awards Winners

At the end of every season, the Georgia Cycling Association recognizes a group of individuals and teams that embody the mission of Georgia Cycling which is to inspire Georgians to get outside and ride a mountain bike through inclusive programs that champion the interests of everyone who rides or wants to ride a bicycle in our state.

While everyone within our organization plays a part in spreading the word about the benefits of youth mountain biking, the group of people below were recognized by their peers as having done exceptional work during the 2022 season. We are so proud to have these folks as members of the Georgia Cycling family.

GOLDEN PICK AWARD

This award is sponsored by Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land. The goal is to acknowledge community service and promote trail stewardship. Top teams are based on hours per rider. A team from each Division that completes the most trail building hours between July and October earns cash, gift card to REI, and an award with their name and achievement. It is calculated on hours per registered rider. Winners: Allatoona High School

The student-athlete with the most volunteer hours will win a custom engraved McLeod tool, with their name and achievement included on the McLeod. The student-athlete with the most volunteer hours will win a gift card to REI and an award with their name and achievement. Winner: Garrison Riker - Lanier Christian Academy

COACH OF THE YEAR

Acknowledges a coach whose qualities as a leader and motivator, embody the mission to provide student-athletes with the coaching and camaraderie to help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive goals in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Winners:
Amanda Hunt - Forsyth Composite
Eric Buchanan - Big Creek
Payton Miller - White Co

ALL-STAR TEAM

Acknowledges a team that displays exceptional leadership skills, extraordinary sportsmanship, and a commitment to their coaches, athletes, and volunteers, provides service to their communities, and consistently goes above and beyond. Winners: Big Creek Composite and Cherokee Bluff High School

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Trailblazers are student-athlete, coach, or community member who has persevered through challenging circumstances, overcome adversity, and is an inspirational role model to fellow teammates across the entire state. Winners: Thomas Pokusa-Winder Barrow High and Levi Hogan-Yonah Composite

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE

Honors exemplary student-athletes whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others. They demonstrate outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, academic performance, and volunteerism in their team, school, and community.
Winners:
Katherine McKenzie - Sequoyah High School
Khepera Omi - Southwest Atlanta Composite
Shannon Himstedt - Yonah Composite
Peyton McGee - Big Creek Comp

OUT OF THE SADDLE AWARD

Acknowledges individuals who are integral to the success of the Georgia Cycling Association. Their years of commitment, dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm go above and beyond to make a difference in the organization.
Winners:
Josh Camp - Paulding Composite
Jeff Hunt - Riverwood High School
Scott Crocker - Cherokee Bluff High School

OUTSTANDING PARTNER AWARD

Recognizes an individual or organization whose outstanding partnership is integral to the success of the Georgia Cycling Association 2021 Season.
Winners:
Senoia Bike Shop - Carter Schmeck
REI