HANDOUT PHOTO
The Red Rock Mountain Bike Club shared the positive impacts the sport has on students during a recent presentation at a Medicine Hat Public Board of Education public meeting in June.
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
During the final Medicine Hat Public Board of Education public meeting in June, trustees heard the positive impacts mountain biking has on students who have joined the Red Rock Mountain Bike Club, which offers weekly rides and bike maintenance sessions for more than 100 local students, during a presentation.
Students are taught how to ride the rough and smooth terrain safely in disciplines like cross-country, downhill and trail riding. Additionally students are taught how to maintain mountain bikes that are built for durable performance with strong frame, wide tires and suspension systems.
The mountain bike club is open to public school students in middle and high school and is taught by eight certified mountain bike instructors and allows young riders to build athleticism and friendship in sport that is not traditionally offered in schools.
Trustee members learned the club reached 105 active participants this school year and approximately 80 per cent of its riders were middle school aged students and 60 per cent of all riders don’t play on traditional team sports.
“They’ve grown more confident and push their limits in a safe supportive environment,” read the presentation. “The club has instilled a strong sense of disciple, teamwork, and perseverance, while also fostering friendship and a love for the outdoors.”
The mountain bike club has partnered with both Medicine Hat and Redcliff as well as several community organizations including Cyclepath. The club owns five mountain bikes that can be used by students. The club’s goal is to keep barriers for entry to the sport low and maintain membership retention.
The impacts of mountain biking go far beyond the trails, Trustees heard real life impact statements made from the parents and guardians of students who struggled with mental, physical and emotional health issues and noticed a change after joining the bike club.
“He quickly found purpose, confidence and community through their support and coaching,” writes the parents of an unnamed Grade 7 student. “He now takes pride in his appearance, works part time, sets goals and values his education.
The Red Rock Mountain Bike Club also continues to expand its programming and is working on producing new interactive tutorial videos.
Moving forward the club is also looking to expand to offer its programming to Grade 4-6 students. More information on the club can be found online on the redrockmountainbike Instagram page.
