Growing Our Purpose Through Outreach
Networked throughout the competitive cycling junior development landscape, on both coasts, down the middle, and across the pond, Pedal Pedal Pedal can be found on velodromes, taped courses through city parks, within rolling enclosures and, upon rutted trails. There is already a broad network of cycling and related events across North America that welcome all ages to participate in cycling venues and parks.
PPP is working already with USAC Clubs, NICA Teams, Velodrome Programs, and, race promotors in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia… and we are continuing to grow this network of Affiliated Clubs to expand the learning and competition opportunities for our U17, U19 and U23 riders.
These Affiliated Club riders are the ’Shiny Object’ of our fundamental Kids Inspiring Kids ethic. It is our belief that kids of all ages will respond with enthusiasm and mimicking behavior to other KIDS that do cool things: look cool in their matching kits, with their matching bikes and helmets, and, fun breakout demonstrations that capture the imagination of students and introduce concepts found in our Ped(al)gogical Games!
This is a purposeful community service built into our Affiliated Club agreement, where we provide grant money to junior clubs to further their programs and opportunities, while they satisfy our outreach needs. These club riders will, under club leadership, follow our Keynote Script and Engagement Outline while visiting local area elementary, middle and high schools.
Of course this gives purpose - volunteerism, mentorship, and inspiration - and achievement - the feeling of being looked up to, the reward of respect and wonder - to these affiliated club riders. They learn the value of volunteerism, witness the curiosity and excitement in students, and offer a valuable pathway for these students to join club rides and activities while affording continuity to their mentorship.
As students gain proficiency and competitive success within clubs, they can apply to take part in our Regional and National Race Development Programs (see below). These are held out as incentive for deeper engagement, but also, are available for those that seek a learning experience exposing them to culture, language or history, as well as developing independence and leadership skills within the team environment. Successful professionals across many industries - medicine, engineering, astronauts, legal, science, entrepreneurship, etc - come from, and attribute character of their success, to competitive cycling and experiences racing Nationally or Internationally. Obviously, these competitors will join our Outreach Programs to perpetuate this positive impact our programs will have on individual and social growth.
