MiSCA is awesome! My first MiSCA race was my first mountain bike race ever, and I have been hooked ever since! The races and events are very well put-together, and the atmosphere is unfailingly positive, friendly, and really fun! Mountain bike racing with MiSCA provides kids with the opportunity to get outside, challenge themselves, have a really great time, and grow both as riders and as people.
MISCA is such an amazing organization that has an enormous positive impact on my children. Mountain biking is hard, but it has taught my kids that they can do hard things. Being part of a team and the comradery that comes with it has pushed them farther than I thought possible. They have also learned to progress within their own limits and pace. MISCA and the families that involved also demonstrate class and sportsmanship through respect of their opponents.
Our kids love racing with MiSCA! Thanks for your commitment to the youth mountain biking of Michigan!
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Awesome organization to be involved with. This group does a great job of providing an inclusive and encouraging environment for youth riders. When compared to traditional school sports, MiSCA stands out for teamwork (even across rivals), sportsmanship, positivity and just plain old fun. Whether your kid is a bonfire shredder or just pulled off the training wheels, they will be welcome in the misca series.
MISCA is amazing! My children have learned so much from their experience mountain biking on a MISCA team. They have learned safety and biking skills with such POSITIVITY all children feel included and successful. Thank you!!!
My son has been racing in the MiSCA fall race series for 3 years, and we've traveled all over the State to be part of the various race weekends. It became very apparent, very fast, that the group behind MiSCA care deeply about their causes, and they go above and beyond to make the experience for kids a powerful and positive one. We've also attended a couple of the non race rated outings (trips to bike parks, adventure races) and each have been a lot of fun. I can't imagine the time and effort required behind the scenes to make all these events run as smooth as they do, and I'm sure there are always unseen (at least to the participants) challenges, but this organization is like a well oiled machine, and a lot of fun to be a part of!
MiSCA is an incredible organization which encourages young riders to love the outdoors and mountain biking while providing an amazing community. The coaches we have encountered have help my children progress in their skills but more importantly have helped them develop confidence, become good teammates and well rounded athletes. The staff make sure the races are dialed in and we look forward to every event held by MiSCA. Keep up the excellent work!
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We have been involved in MiSCA for 2 years now and cannot say enough about how great the organization is. The staff go above and beyond to create an amazing environment for racers and families. Not only do the kids get an opportunity to mountain bike race but they learn so many valuable life lessons- persistence, discipline, teamwork, integrity, leadership and the list goes on. The community MiSCA has created is amazing and the kid have now been exposed to a lifelong sport that has a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
I am the director of Team Athletic Mentors Junior Development (tamjd.com), a state level, elite, youth cycling program here in Michigan. We have 13 male and female athletes that compete under our colors throughout the year, but all of them look forward to the MiSCA scholastic season. Our program allows them a chance to develop as young people and racers, and these same opportunities are furthered by the great people and coaches that are the MiSCA program. Together, we work to do our part to make youth cycling great in the state of Michigan. Without MiSCA giving these kids a channel to get into racing and all the support that requires, far fewer kids would be racing bikes. They are a HUGE influencer in the explosion of junior involvement with racing throughout the state, not just during the scholastic season. TAMJD appreciates all MiSCA does and looks forward to supporting them in the coming years.
The Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) has been an amazing group to partner with. Their training and coach certification program has facilitated our organization to donate hundreds of hours of coaching and trail work days for the Black Swamp Riders bike team. The race weekends and adventure days they organize are fantastic for the kids
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MiSCA has been wonderful to work with. I have a group of 58 kids of broad socioeconomic backgrounds and athletic ability and every one of them feel like they are part of the competition, they are all cheered on and all love the experiences MiSCA has provided. The comradery and sense of accomplishment these kids have, whether on the podium or just finishing the race, is fantastic. This has been a real blessing to the kids I coach.
Additionally, as a team director, MiSCA provides me organizational support. They allow me to create an inclusive bike club by providing coach training, coach certification, coach background checks and financial management tools all at my fingertips. All of these tasks would be extremely burdensome without this support.
With multiple levels of racing, there's a place for everyone within MISCA. Race weekends are well organized and tons of fun for the whole family. We're so thankful to the entire MISCA program for an incredible opportunity for kids of all ages to get on bikes and have fun racing.
MiSCA is the absolute best organization for youth sports! My son has been racing in their series fir two years now and he has found his thing with MiSCA. All the staff are fantastic and strive to put on the best races as well as cheering on all the racers!
When I told a staff about my son being teased at school for being among the slowest of the racers, MiSCA staff said encouraging words.
MISCA…. Is the family you didn’t know you needed. This organization is full of amazing women and men who share their passion for mountain biking, being in the great outdoors, skills, confidence, grit, patience and energy with our kiddos. Our family is so grateful to have stumbled across this organization for our children. For one kiddo it helps them get out of their head, to let go and just have fun. For the other it’s a safe place for them to channel their energy into something positive. 1000% highly recommend MISCA!
Not every kid finds their place in traditional scholastic sports. MiSCA provides an avenue for kids of all ages to build confidence and athletic skills while learning what it means to participate on a team. But this is not JUST a positive culture for youth athletes, it is healthy competition that pushes each kid to achieve a personal best and strive to do more! We are so happy to have found this organization!
MISCA provides a great sport that pushes kids to find new capabilities. The races are fun, fair, and competitive. The parent coaches are encouraging and well trained. We look forward to racing with MISCA for years to come.
Great events for the whole family, not only the riders. Kids love racing and being able to see the different parts of the beautiful state of Michigan.
My kids have been racing for over 7 years and MiSCA is very well organized. The race calendar is set far in advance, communication is clear and everything runs smoothly. The best youth sports league we’ve participated in. It’s also more organized than many adult races.
Both of my children have had the best experience racing in Misca races. Amazing venues, supportive community, great people!
MiSCA does an amazing job promoting sports with our school age children. Everyone is welcome and included!
This is my sons first year mountain biking and I can’t say enough good things about the events this association puts on. I’m not new to endurance sports and have seen both well run and poorly run events. This is one of the best I’ve seen for kids. I am happy we have this available to us!
MiSCA is one of the most professionally ran organizations I have ever been a part of.
Mostly known for the six race series held throughout the state in the fall, but really the support is driven year round by enabling teams to build community around the state. Through MiSCA, our team has one 100 kids that ride mountain bikes together multiple times per week, building strong work ethics, focusing on a specialized talent, creating long lasting friendships, creating active lifestyles, strengthening parent/ child relationships, and allowing beginners a place to learn and feel welcomed. We owe much of our spring, summer, and fall fun and time to the foundation MiSCA has established.
As for the races, you can't find a much better ran event... especially for kids only. A place where every child plays every minute. An environment where riders, families, & fans cheer on other competitors regardless of their jersey color. There is satisfaction in winning, in reaching the podium, in reaching one spot better than before, and there is satisfaction in just completing the event. Races produce lifetime memories and opportunities for collegiate scholarships and beyond. MiSCA has provided a foundation for kids to succeed in bike racing and in life.
Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association is one of the best non profits that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. As a youth mountain biking league, they have created a community of talented and enthusiastic people that bring the love of the sport to our youth. For many students, this is the sport they have been waiting to find. It’s exciting to watch their personal growth, see them forge new friendships and boost their fitness as they enjoy riding their bikes in the woods. MiSCA has provided this for our youth. I am truly impressed that every year, this organization gets even better.
Great organization that brings out the best in kids and adults! The events are well organized and run efficiently. The rules are fair and enforced. Best of all, the cycling family truly is family, everyone wants the best for each rider and is very supportive!
This program has given our whole family something to look forward to! Our son has gained so much confidence in his riding and having so much fun while doing it! It's so cool to watch all the kids compete and cheer each other on! It's an environment where everyone is so encouraging and supportive no matter who you ride for. Very cool to see!
MiSCA is the most professional nonprofit Organization I know.
The program that they offer has been life-changing not just for my kids, but as well for us as a family. Thanks to them, we were able to launch the first kids montain bike team in the Kalamazoo area or Southwest Michigan and in its 2nd season, the team has grown 2x (from 32 to 74 kids), that's a clear sign that the program was needed in the area.
I look forward to keep involved with MiSCA for many more years to come!!!
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Thanks to Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) who provide coaching curriculum, skills training and general liability insurance to students and coaches, we have been able to create the first mountain biking team in Southwest Michigan for student-athletes in elementary grades .
In addition to the program, MiSCA holds a professionally-run 6 event youth-only mountain bike race series. These races have been a great opportunity for our riders to unleash confidence, strengthen courage and friendship, in a safe and fun way.
MISCA is a great organization whose mission is to get the kids outdoors, provide healthy competition, and want to expand cycling in Michigan. Every race is well organized and a fun environment. Kids are cheering on kids, regardless of the team jersey. There are so many stories on how the kids encourage one another, which comes from the MISCA org. I'm so happy we found this organization for our son.
MISCA is such a great organization - all the parents are supportive of all the kids, not just the ones on their team. And the MISCA staff is lovely. I am truly honored to be able to volunteer at the MISCA events and see these kids put so much into their races. I am a volunteer coach for my scholastic team. We practice 3 times a week, which is a lot for a team that includes kids as young as kindergarten.
But the MISCA staff even outshine the coaches; they clearly care about the kids and about the event, making them the hardest-working people there. The organization has a good website and live race results, which is pretty important for such a small team. I think some parents take them for granted since they are clearly so on top of everything.
MiSCA has been supporting the goal of More Kids on Bikes since my son first became interested in team cycling in 2010. They support primarily mountain biking, but through friendships made within and across teams, many kids have developed a healthy appreciation for all things cycling. The organization is all about giving back to make this happen, by supporting other orgs that get bikes to kids and keep the trails in tip-top shape. As the teams that participate are also supported by volunteers, there is a real 'make it happen' vibe from this organization. They support their coaches as well, through classes and trainings.
MISCA is the best thing that have been created for our kids. They teach our kids the values and create introduction to the sport of mountain biking that will last lifetime. Thank you MISCA for everything you do.
My kids have been involved in MiSCA for a number of years now. It's an empowering organization that has helped them build confidence in facets of their lives far beyond the bike. I would encourage anyone considering MiSCA as a recreational outlet for their children to sign up immediately.
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Our daughters have built confidence both on the bike and off thanks to MiSCA. They've also made friends from across the state, an opportunity that they wouldn't have were it not for MiSCA's broad reach and inclusive atmosphere. As girls in a traditionally male-dominated sport, they also really appreciate MiSCA's approach to supporting girls on bikes. Overall, MiSCA has been an unbelievable benefit to our family and other families on our MTB team. I've since joined the board, and volunteer when I can. We believe in the mission and are thrilled to see it unfold!
Kids just want to find a place they can fit “in”! MiSCA gives them this place of clean friendly sportsmanship and FRIENDSHIPS!
My son (age15) has met many new friends on his team and on other teams and this has helped him at school. Any time he feels like he is alone he can reach out to a MiSCA friend and meet up for a ride or band together (friend group) at a school event. We recommend this family friendly club/sport to all ages and all abilities.
Michigan scholastic cycling Association, MiSCA, has been a spectacular addition to our family. As an organization it is exceptionally well run. MiSCA has an emphasis on volunteerism that engages the whole community while also engaging professionals in the industry that provide high-level expertise and competence.
This group is just amazing! So much work is put into getting and keeping students on bikes! They focus on all age levels, and even organize a balance bike race each year!
I've worked with MiSCA since 2014 and watched the organization grow and mature quickly to satisfy increasing demand from the student-athlete community it serves. The structure and program quality is professionally managed and unmatched in the experience it delivers.
MISCA is well run and does a fantastic job on communicating with its participants. These men and women work hard to help children be physically active, they willingly volunteer their time, and listen to their participants.
I am thankful for the opportunities MiSCA has provided for so many young people throughout Michigan, including my child. It has allowed them to compete all over the state, push themself to be better each day, and make many friends. The people that help drive the engine of MiSCA are passionate, sincere, and energetic!
MiSCA is amazing. They are always so kind and put on great races. The work that MiSCA has done for youth cycling in Michigan is extremely significant and mountain biking is so much more fun because of the amazing races that MiSCA puts on. The atmosphere at all of the races is always exciting, supportive, and fun. I love MiSCA races because they allow me to race with a competitive group while also making great friends who have similar interests to me. Thank you MiSCA!!!
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Mountain biking and mountain bike racing are some of my favorite things to do in the world. MiSCA provides a place for me to race other girls and have tons of fun. MiSCA is different from other mountain bike races because it is entirely focused on kids racing. The races are always set up really well. Also, MiSCA is trying to get more kids, and specifically more girls, into the sport which means that there is a great atmosphere at every one of the races. The races are set up to be competitive if you want them to be and they are always fun no matter what. Everybody is supporting one another no matter what team you are on. I have made friends from all over the state because of MiSCA. MiSCA has helped me have more fun riding bikes in the woods. Thank you so much MiSCA for putting on such well organized and fun races every year!!!
MiSCA is a phenomenal organization that does an excellent job running a competitive mountain biking race series for Michigan's youth. I have a lot of experience in racing (triathlons, running, biking, etc.) and these folks run a tight ship. An enormous amount of work goes into organizing a mountain bike race and every one of their races runs smoothly and efficiently, like a well-oiled machine. The staff are really enthusiastic and supportive of kids of all ages and abilities and try to make the most positive and safe race environment possible.
My son is racing racing the MiSCA series for the 3rd straight year. He is currently in 9th grade.
The events that MiSCA puts on are top notch. It is a great association geared towards kids and families. I am grateful that they provide an opportunity for my son to experience an sport that is solely based on his individual performance. Cycling lets the kids perform the way "they" want, which enriches there personality. My son and myself have made lots of friends thru our involvement with MiSCA.
What makes MIsca extra special is there involvement with USA Cycling. They reliability get the racers results reported. Which is huge for the racers that aspire to compete at the national, collegiate and Olympic levels.
We love MiSCA. My kids are part of it for the 4th year. Olympic games-like atmosphere during races. Teams are like families. Leadership is very responsive to my comments too.
MiSCA has been great! My son has had a great time meeting new friends and riding this season. The staff are helpful in every way. We have felt welcomed from day one. Thx you MiSCA for teaching us all about bike racing and making it fun.
I can’t say enough positive things about this organization, but I will try… MiSCA gets kids OUTSIDE, riding trails, developing character, grit, and sportsmanship. So many parents have learned the sport with their kids and stepped out of their comfort zone. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a sport where more people work together and cheer on not just their own kids, but other kids and teams as well. I have nothing but positive things to say about MiSCA.
Amazing organization. So organized, amazing community built by the organization. Biking is gaining traction because of amazing groups like misca
Such a fantastic organization, helping our kids make friends, build confidence and explore both competition and nature through cycling
My husband and I have been thrilled with MiSCA! This is the first season for our lower elementary boys and they love it! MiSCA is organized, the website is easy to navigate and has all the information you need available. Everyone has been so kind and supportive at the races too. We don’t have a team in our area and my boys still get cheered on by all the other riders, parents and coaches.
Well run and extremely fun organization. There is a place for everyone, racers and coaches, novice to expert. I love being a part of this!
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MiSCA has proven time and again to be vested in providing amazing experiences and opportunities for children all across the state of Michigan, and more. The infrastructure and execution of events is managed with a deep regard for the fun, growth and development, equal opportunity, and safety, of all athletes, parents, and coaches, and in the most organized and streamlined way possible. There is no waste or inefficiency here. The community created by MiSCA is the most supportive, caring, progressive, and exciting communities I've had the pleasure of being part of. I'm so glad my children and I get to be a part of this.
MiSCA has been an amazing experience for our kids! The program is well-run and organized. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this program to your kids!!
MiSCA creates fun and inclusive opportunities for for k-12 student cyclists of all skill levels. They do a great job at getting more kids involved in the sport by developing coaches, teams/clubs, and supporting adventure groups. Through these efforts, they have attracted an amazing community of kids, coaches, volunteers and families who support, encourage, and celebrate the successes of each rider. That aspect is really what makes MiSCA unique - the sense of community among the participants. I love seeing the kids compete on the race course, fist-bump or hug their competitors after the race, and then spend the rest of the day on the trail cheering for other riders.
The races and race staff are top-notch. The courses are challenging, but appropriate for the respective skill levels. The challenging courses help riders develop grit, determination, and perseverance when facing obstacles.
I'm thankful and feel lucky to be part of this organization as a volunteer, coach, and parent of two riders. I'm excited to see what the future holds for MiSCA.
MiSCA made it so easy for a family of cyclists, but not mountain bikers to try and fall in love with this sport. Open and supportive to a very broad range of ages and skills. It’s fun, challenging, and great exercise.
MiSCA is an amazing organization. The benefits of the service they provide are immeasurable. My Daughter has grown in ability, strength and confidence since preparing and participating in these races. All of the volunteers put a lot of effort and care in making a wonderful production!
My kids have learned so much and we love the community. Every team is so nice. I love seeing the kids interact and make lifelong friends!
MiSCA is such a wonderful organization for students K-12th grades who wish to cycle. Our son started riding with MiSCA his Senior year of high school. Everyone within this organization made him and our family feel so welcome. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had with a youth sport. We only wish he would’ve started earlier!
This biking program is an inclusive and fun program for kids. There are not many girls in mountain biking, and as one, it is sometimes hard to find others to race against, but MiSCA not only has competitive girls races, it makes us feel very included while we are racing . They give our races the same attention that they give the boys, which provides an exciting experience that is sometimes not provided in other bike series.
My boys have grown up with MiSCA as a healthy part of their childhood! From the early days when they could barely make it around the courses to the rainy, muddy mess we had at the last race they have enjoyed every minute of it! Years ago I got involved with MiSCA in hopes that my boys could have Cycling as a part of their High School experience. I could not have imagined MiSCA becoming what it is because it is WELL beyond my hopes and expectations!
This organization is amazing and continues to grow in a positive way
MISCA is an incredible organization that the biking community is fortunate to have as friend. My family and the Lake Orion is richer for our association with MISCA. My 15 and 13 year old sons have been participating with MISCA racing for 4 years. They have learned sportsmanship, humility, drive and success. They have made friends within our team and with competitors. MISCA racing is unlike any other youth sport I have been involved with, it is an exceptionally positive environment. Parents and coaches alike cheer on all racers, we root for our team and we root for our competitors. This organization has been a great asset to my family and the biking community.
In awe of this organization. I have two school age children who ride and believe this to be the best sports organization we have been involved in so far. Focused on all the right things: inclusion, sportsmanship, athleticism, service to your community, conservation, on and on. This organization is helping develop some great little humans and life long riders ❤️
Our very 1st race for our 8 year old was last weekend at Hickory Glenn. It was well very organized, with no hiccups at all. We are extremely pleased on how efficient MiSCA was with with the entire race event and keeping everyone safe. All volunteers, parents and participants were wearing mask. The race ran on time. We can’t wait for the next race. Thank you all! Sincerely, Pat, Amanda, and Cole Stapula.
Over the spring we were kinda bored without sports do to covid-19 & decided to get some mountain bikes to try out as a family. Let’s just say we fell in love & the kids are having a blast. That’s when we were introduced to MiSCA & to say that everyone has been helpful & welcoming would be an understatement!
MisCa took my daughter from a timid rider to a confident and strong rider who regularly challenges herself on bikes.
MisCa races is such a joyful event, it's hard not to be moved by seeing so many kids go all out and try their best. Another wonderful thing is 100% of participants participate 100%, no bench sitting here! The races are very organized as well, it's
Thank you, MisCa, for giving kids the gift of a lifetime!
MiSCA has been a powerful force in our family. Our oldest son (11) has raced for two years and our youngest son (9) raced last year. We love that the sport encourages families to participate — we not only get to spectate but coach. This has deepened familial relationships in so many ways.
As an organization, I am amazed at how well run it is. In two years, we have watched it grow and make great improvements at the same time. Pretty amazing. We are so grateful to have this race series in our lives!
Sean_MiSCA 03/21/2019
It's great to hear from a parent/coach that is participating in our growth! Thanks for sharing your story and helping to make MiSCA better.
MiSCA provides a unique opportunity for kids to race and ride bikes together in a supportive, kids-only, environment. The league accommodates riders of all skill levels and backgrounds and strives for diversity and inclusiveness. While I have no kids in this league, I love working with the staff, riders, and parents to make sure kids in Michigan have an opportunity to participate in this wonderful sport. The races themselves are very well run, especially considering the organization is still in a growth spurt, and they have done a lot of good work to promote team growth throughout the area.
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks, Sarah! We appreciate your kind words and love having you as a volunteer throughout the year and at the races!
Our daughter started mountain biking with MiSCA 2 seasons ago. She had never mountain-biked and on her first ride ever she was stung by hornets twice! This didn't deter her. That season she tried a second ride and loved it. Last season she intended to race 2-3 races, not sure that it was her thing yet, but ended up doing all 6, taking 4th in the state in her age group! The atmosphere MiSCA creates makes this experience fun for all. The music pumps up the riders. Competing teams/teammates cheer everyone on, helping to push that last little bit to the finish line, or to start the next lap. Race days are exciting for racers and their families. We love being a part of MiSCA!
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Oh my gosh, Melissa - I was not aware of that hornet story! Gotta love the outdoors. Thank you for your review - we're so happy your daughter enjoyed the 2018 season.
My 9 year old started riding with my husband a few years ago & turns out he’s a natural rider. We found MiSCA & got my son on a team with Cycle Therapy. He loves it. Everyone is so nice & helpful. It’s great for him to watch the older riders too.
There is a lot that goes into making this organization work. I’ve watched & also helped in setting up for a race. What a dedicated crew for the kids.
Race days are so exciting. I love all the hussel & noise & cheers & the ringing of the bells. My son has done great & because of MiSCA I think he’s hooked on biking for life.
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks for taking the time to write this awesome review, Jaime! "Hooked for life" is pretty much the goal, so this is great to read. Looking forward to many years of watching your son progress through the program!
It’s amazing to see such an organization devoted to a racing event just for kids! Super professional. I recommend it to all that are interested in getting their kids into mountain biking.
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks, Greg! We appreciate all you do to get more kids on bikes as well, as a coach, parent, and volunteer.
MiSCA is full of a bunch of enthusiastic people! They put hard work and dedication into getting kids and families active cycling together. This sport is for all ages and ability levels. There mountain biking series ROCKED, and we loved getting into downhill too.
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks for the review! We're so happy you and the kiddos are enjoying the series.
MiSCA is amazing. There is no denying the passion this group has for the sport of mountain biking and especially for getting children involved in mountain biking and racing! They go above and beyond to make children's mountain bike racing safe, accessible, competitive, and fun. MiSCA is a wonderful family organization that we're fortunate to be a part of.
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks for the review, Tina! We put a focus on safety over the last couple years and I'm glad you have recognized the effort. FUN is what it's all about and we know the kids wouldn't do it if they weren't enjoying it.
MISCA has done a great job of getting kids interested in mountain biking and mountain bike racing. They run a safe and fun program that kids of all ages enjoy.
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks, Erin! Looking forward to a great year and appreciate all your support.
We have two girls, ages 10 and 12, who bike MiSCA and we so appreciate the enthusiasm and high expectations for girls-who-bike, not only from the program, but from all of the teams and fans. They have the same grit, determination and strength to compete and it is showcased each time they race! The races are run professionally with the race courses creatively marked in order to showcase different talents and technical levels. Well done, MiSCA!
Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019
Thanks for the kind words, Megan! We put a focus around building our female participation a few years ago, as we were lacking Varsity riders. It's been really cool to see the growth there. Additionally, offering programming for elementary and middle school ages is really important to us and your comment/story means a lot.
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Sean_MiSCA 03/18/2019 Elliot, It's been an awesome experience watching you grow your skills through MiSCA. The entire cycling community appreciates the work your doing to advocate for, build, and maintain local trails. I know many of the younger kids (and their parents) really loved your interactions and the encouragement you provided at the races - sad to see you graduate but hope you'll help out as a Coach!