Junior mountain bike program gearing up for summer

The park district’s junior mountain bike program is gearing up for its second year with sponsorship from Team Evergreen and Evergreen Bicycle Outfitters.
“We’re trying to do something new and build on a popular activity,” said Scott Robson, executive director of the Evergreen Park and Recreation District.
Robson and two volunteers started the program for kids ages 8 through 14 last year, training them how to ride and teaching mountain bike etiquette.
Because of the high level of interest in the youth program, Robson said local businesses have decided to lend support. “They’re interested in cycling advocacy and putting more focus on building up the program,” he said. “The concept is like building the little leagues.”
Coaches are nurturing the love for mountain biking in youngsters with a goal of their participation in a high school program.
At least one Team Evergreen member will be a coach in this year’s program along with Kendra Hinkson, recreation supervisor for programs, and Robson.
Evergreen Bicycle Outfitters is planning to offer a bike maintenance clinic and provide supplemental equipment to the youngsters in the mountain bike program, Robson said.
Other local organizations are making contributions to help to purchase custom jerseys for the youths, Robson added.
Mountain biking is a healthy activity in which youngsters are outdoors in a natural environment, said Robson. “It’s so Evergreen,” he said.
This summer the group will meet on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the west entrance of Alderfer/Three Sisters Park and on Sundays at the parking lot of Buchanan Rec Center at 10 a.m. The program begins July 8 and runs through Aug. 26. Participants are divided into groups based on age and abilities, with parent volunteers assisting.
An informational meeting for the junior mountain bike development program will be held Thursday, May 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Buchanan Rec Center, 32003 Ellington Trail (at Evergreen Parkway and Old Squaw Pass Road).
For more information, contact Kendra Hinkson at 720-880-1226.

Contact reporter Sandy Barnes at  HYPERLINK "mailto:sandy@evergreenco.com" sandy@evergreenco.com or call 303-350-1042.