TOP 10 REASONS TO RIDE WITH GEORGIA CYCLING
DISCOVER THE TOP 10 REASONS to join Georgia cycling
The Georgia Cycling Association provides student-athletes an opportunity to achieve their personal best. From 122 riders in our 2014 inaugural season to over 1,200 registered riders in 2021, interest in youth mountain biking is exploding across the state of Georgia. But what is fueling this excitement around youth mountain biking? Here are the top 10 reasons middle and high school students are signing up in record numbers to join a Georgia Cycling Team.
#10 - FRIENDSHIPS
You’ll ride next to fellow student-athletes that are seeking their personal best. This bond will create a sense of team and create friendships that will last a lifetime.
#9 - EVERYBODY RIDES
Georgia Cycling is open to all students in grades 6-12, regardless of ability. Our cycling teams never hold tryouts. If you have a desire to ride, you are welcome here. We are committed to a cycling culture that is open and inclusive by welcoming diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic background, and skill level.
#8 - financial aid & loaner bikes
The Georgia Cycling Association is committed to making sure student-athletes can participate, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we have a need-based Financial Aid program to help underwrite registration costs for riders. We also offer a Loaner Bike program for students who might not be able to own their own mountain bike.
#7 - Environmental awareness
When you participate in our Georgia Cycling Race Series you’ll experience and develop an appreciation for different ecosystems across the state of Georgia like Dauset Forest (shown in background).
#6 - develop skills
Mountain biking teaches kids how to deal with challenges. As such, you’ll develop skills associated with teamwork, decision making, risk, and safety. Riders learn how to focus on what’s essential as their surroundings whiz by. In addition, we foster a sense of community where riders look out for each other.
#5 - achieve more
Your accomplishments on your bike may lead to higher achievement in the classroom. Participating in physical activity has been shown to boost academic performance. Research has shown a positive correlation between physical activity and an improvement in language, reading, and basic battery scores.
#4 - discover a sense of adventure
When you ride with Georgia Cycling you’ll do things you never thought possible. You’ll extend your limits and surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
#3 - Build a strong body
Childhood obesity is on the rise in America. One way to reduce your risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease later in life is to get regular physical activity when you are young. A benefit of riding with Georgia Cycling is that you develop life-long healthy habits that strengthen your body and increase cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility.
#2 - health over the competition
Georgia Cycling believes maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than winning a race. Our philosophy is to balance competitive and non‐competitive mountain biking pursuits. We understand that while some kids relish competition, many do not. So we focus on fitness, skills, and sportsmanship over “getting the win.”
#1 - have fun and be yourself!
Riding with a Georgia Youth Cycling Team is an opportunity to be part of a team while being able to express your individuality. At the end of the day, it is just a lot of fun to spend time riding with your friends.