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An Inclusive Alternative to Traditional Team Sports

This article was published first in Virginia Parks and Recreation Magazine, Fall 2024.

Over the past several years, mountain biking has become a popular alternative to traditional team sports for young people, offering both recreational enjoyment and competitive challenges. As families seek engaging activities beyond the confines of soccer fields or basketball courts, mountain biking provides something different by combining physical activity, mental resilience, and a strong connection to the outdoors. With various programs aimed at getting more children on bikes and lowering financial barriers, the sport continues to grow and proves it can accommodate kids of all backgrounds and abilities.

Traditional team sports like football or basketball emphasize structured competition and group performance. And while some young people thrive in that kind of environment, mountain biking offers a unique combination of individual achievement and community camaraderie. Those looking for competition have an outlet in various kinds of events but the sport often fosters personal growth and self-improvement over a win-at-all-costs mentality. For many riders, the ultimate competition is not against other riders but against the terrain, the clock, or their own previous performance.

The nation’s leading youth mountain biking organization, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), affords young people the opportunity to participate in race events as part of school or regional teams, blending individual and team aspects. NICA emphasizes inclusivity with a “no bench, no tryouts” approach, ensuring every participant has the opportunity to ride and race, regardless of their skill level. This creates an environment where personal progress is celebrated just as much as competition. Ultimately, this kind of approach helps build both self-confidence and teamwork in young riders.

Beyond competition, many young people discover mountain biking as a recreational outlet. Riding trails offers a form of play that feels less rigid than scheduled practices or games. The natural environment provides a constantly changing playground that allows kids to explore, take risks, and build problem-solving skills. In contrast to the structure of traditional sports, mountain biking encourages creativity and self-direction, giving kids the freedom to ride for fun without the pressure of performance.

It’s important to note that mountain biking is also a full-body workout. Pedaling uphill builds cardiovascular fitness, while navigating uneven trails engages core muscles and improves balance. Beyond physical strength, the sport offers psychological benefits, too. Riding through forests or along mountain ridges allows kids to connect with nature, reduces stress, and improves mental well-being. Mountain biking also teaches resilience. Riders learn how to handle setbacks, whether it’s falling off the bike or facing challenging climbs, mountain biking helps develop the grit they need to keep going.

The lack of a scoreboard and the absence of pressure from spectators means that mountain biking can provide a more relaxed setting for kids who may not thrive in highly competitive environments. For those who do enjoy competition, though, race formats include cross-country, enduro, and downhill events, allowing kids to explore different styles of racing. Whether they prefer friendly rides with friends or competitive races, mountain biking meets a wide range of interests. And you don’t necessarily need mountains to enjoy mountain biking. Interestingly enough, one of the more competitive youth mountain biking organizations associated with NICA’s Virginia chapter is Colonial Revolution, which is based out of Williamsburg where there’s not much elevation gain/loss compared to the western and southwestern portions of the Commonwealth.

Despite its benefits, one of the biggest challenges in youth mountain biking is the cost. Purchasing a quality mountain bike, along with a helmet and other safety equipment, can quickly add up. However, numerous programs exist to make the sport more accessible to families with limited financial resources.

Organizations like Little Bellas (littlebellas.com), Outride (outridebike.org), and Trips for Kids (tripsforkids.org) work to break down financial barriers by providing for greater access to bikes, gear, and guided rides for young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Some local bike shops also offer loaner bikes or rental programs, allowing for a chance to try the sport without the immediate expense of purchasing equipment. Events like bike swaps or used gear sales offer another way for families to find affordable bikes and equipment.

Additionally, local youth mountain biking teams and clubs often seek sponsorships and community partnerships to cover race fees, travel expenses, and equipment costs. Many of these same organizations also provide scholarships or gear to help kids from underserved communities participate. Roanoke Star Cycling administers an all-inclusive program called Rising Stars, which works with the local Boys and Girls Club and Roanoke Parks and Recreation to introduce young people to mountain biking. In many cases, these folks are getting on a bike for the very first time.

One of the most appealing aspects of mountain biking is that it’s a lifetime sport. Unlike many traditional team sports that become harder to pursue as we grow older, mountain biking remains accessible well into adulthood. It encourages a lifestyle centered around physical fitness, outdoor exploration, and community involvement. Many programs also emphasize stewardship, teaching young people to care for the trails they use and giving back to their communities by volunteering for trail maintenance days.

Youth involvement in mountain biking is not just about developing skills for the moment – it’s about fostering a long-term relationship with the outdoors and healthy living. Many participants carry their love for the sport into adulthood, continuing to ride recreationally or competitively. In some cases, kids who start in programs like NICA become future mentors, helping the next generation discover the joy of riding.

With its emphasis on personal growth, connection to nature, and community engagement, mountain biking provides benefits that go beyond physical fitness. Whether they are chasing personal records or just enjoying the thrill of the trail, the sport allows young people to experience the joys of movement, adventure, and the outdoors. And most importantly, it’s a sport they can carry with them for a lifetime.