Cycling Development has made a tremendous impact on our entire family! We have two riders in the program, and my husband volunteers as a ride leader. The skills, endurance, and confidence our kids have gained are truly unmatched. Along the way, we have ALL built lasting friendships and a sense of community that’s incredibly heartwarming. We’re so grateful to be part of Cycling Development!
My family has been involved with Cycling Development since 2017. This is an amazing organization that makes a positive impact on everyone involved (highschool students, parents, adult volunteers), and the greater Sacramento region. Did I already say its amazing?
I am writing this review as a parent/volunteer within the Cycling Development system. I spent the previous season deeply involved in almost every practice, event, and celebration supported by the Cycling Development team. Without hesitation, I highly recommend this organization. I am just getting to know the good folks at the helm, but it is easy to recognize hard work and integrity. Everything the CD team does supports promoting robust youth in terms of their physical, mental, and overall well-being. This is an organization that truly "walks the walk".
I started out with this group in my freshman year, as many other freshman likely did--apprehensive of a new group, and (embarassingly) slightly apathetic. I was interested in mountain biking, but not fully commited to the idea of continuing it for the full 4 years.
When the pre-season started, I found myself looking forward to every Saturday ride. Joining in with a group of likeminded students and coaches--initially strangers who I soon grew to admire. The freedom of exploring the area around where I grew up, but in the completely different context of mountain biking, was amazing.
The normal season was even better! Going out on a ride 4 days each week was exhilirating. A large time intestment--yes. But also a massive help in my general schoolwork. I found that, in mountain biking with this group, I was able to relieve a tremendous amount of stress. Counterintuitively, taking time out of my day ended up making me more productive.
I loved riding in my group--feeling challenged, but not overwhelmed. Every time I moved to the next group felt like an amazing achievement.
Having been part of Cycling Development for all four years of my high school career, I can honestly say that I have been made a better person. This group has taught me to never give up, always striving for more--pushing myself to go just slightly further than the last time (both in biking and in academics). Values of work ethic and volunteering have been instilled in me by this amazing group, and I hope that they may continue this long after I leave.
I would greatly recommend that, if you have the free time, join this group (either as a high school athlete or an older volunteer). Without them, I would not be were I am today.
Mark Ferry and his Cycle Development Team helped get our son from a competitive racer to pro level during his high school years and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to their athletics in developing and supporting them.
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So many volunteers that really care. That is what makes it work, people who actually care enough to
spend the time to help teenagers.
Cycling Development is well organized and most importantly, fun.
My family learned about Cycling Dev when our daughter joined the Vista Del Lago Mountain Bike Team. They have been instrumental in her, well....development, as a competitive cyclist.
Each event has been a great environment for my daughter, and all the riders, to learn and compete.
Cycling Development is a big part of the reason my daughter will be continuing to compete again in the coming season.
My kids' time in Cycling Development was beyond amazing. We've had so many sports experiences where only the top competitors draw the attention of coaches. Not with CD! Here, all kids, no matter their level, feel the support of their ride leaders, coaches, teammates and the family of spectators and volunteers who support them. This cycling community builds more than just cyclists, it also inspires kids, creates responsible and courteous trail stewards, builds character, creates a team atmosphere and requires that each rider (first place or last) develop grit. I call it cycle-therapy. Time in Cycling Development is just so powerful for these kids! I'm so grateful my kids have been a part of this very special cycling community.
Cycling Development has created an environment that high school youth of all riding abilities AND all income status can be part of a sport that will last them a lifetime. The non-profit ensures that their coaches meet the highest of safety and standard of care requirements and that they create a nurturing environment to help our youth learn to love to ride, exercise, and be successful in their endeavors. We are so proud to be a part of this group (family).
Cycling Dev has cultivated not only sports excellence, but leadership excellence for my two daughters. They are a phenomenal organization, helping kids learn and grow their confidence and ability in mountain biking.
Cycling Development has built an organization for teens and young adults to learn, practice, and excel in all aspects of mountain biking in the greater Sacramento area. They help kids at young age to learn basic skills of bicycle handling, promoting wellness, a love of the outdoors, fellowship, and self-reliance. Kids who participate in this program build a strong sense of community, learn leadership skills, and support one another in the pursuit of their fitness and athletic goals.
Cycling Development is a pillar of the Sacramento region. Led by Mark Ferry, it is comprised of teams from Placerville to Rocklin to Sacramento. In my time with CyclingDev, I have found it to be the most positive environment for students, bringing them together to create friendships and foster a healthy competitive vibe that all benefit from. There is a scholarship program to ensure that all interested students can participate, regardless of means. We need more organizations like CyclingDev!
This is such a wonderful group that provides a great opportunity for teens to enjoy the joy of not just riding a bike, but making friends, building confidence and giving back to the community. Nothing’s better than seeing your kid happy, and hope they will be able to continue their cause to create a lot of happy kids for years to come.
Thumbs up to any kid who veers to the great outdoors and has a wonderful time experiencing the trail life. And special thanks to the programs that support them. Cycling Development Mountain Bike has not only been great fun but it has also led to community service on trail clearing and repair events. Some kids, including our son, can continue on to Outdoor First Care and acquire all their first aid certifications via a partnership with The American River Bike Patrol. Great job and thank you for your dedication to teaching the youth and young adults to become solid contributors to their communities.
Get MTBking program for Junior and High School Kids, i couldn't be more happy that this group is existing in my Town, Great Work Cycling Development!
Such a strong community and lots of fun activities during and outside of practice! Cycling development has taught me so many skills in riding mountain bikes and created so much fun for me and other riders. Everyone is so encouraging and you can join with zero riding experience. Best sport and organization out there to get more kids on bikes.
What an amazing organization. Our son was a 4 y are senior and our daughter a 3 year Junior. The commitment for building community, athleticism, health, love for nature and the outdoors for high school students of all abilities is amazing. Thank you for donors, volunteers and organizers that make Cycling development spin. Very grateful for this non profit that truly helps youth!!!
Cycling Development has provided a unique sports opportunity for my children. Thank you for all you give to the development of young minds and bodies to become their best!
I rode with CD for all 4 years of my high school career, and I can’t think of a more supportive, more caring, and more awesome group of people to have worked with. The coaches are all passionate about mountain biking, and all the kids who ride are always pushing themselves to improve and learn more. CyclingDev is a really special organization, and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to ride with everyone.
Teenagers have many choices to pursue athletic participation in high school. The traditional sport teams include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, cross-country running, track & field, wrestling, and certainly more. And yet some high schoolers just don’t fit into these sports.
High school mountain biking. The combination of the simple joy of riding a bike with the rigors of a season of practice and competition. Ten years ago the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) was formed with the goal of organizing a competitive mountain biking league structured as high school athletic endeavor for student athletes. NICA has been a tremendous national success and enjoys continued growth.
Cycling Development is a significant part of the NICA success for student athletes in California’s Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties.
Cycling Development, formed ten years ago also, is a non-profit organization with a simple model. Show up and ride a bike. Regardless if you have the latest model or no bike at all, regardless if you have the lycra pants and jersey or a ripped and torn sweatshirt, regardless if you have clipped-in cycling shoes or muddy sneakers—there is a place for you. Practice as a team and as the season progresses, the student athlete improves physical endurance and gains confidence and skills handling a bike. And then race day. The student athlete will compete against the best in the state and a few will reach the pinnacle of achievement. Or maybe the student athlete will compete in races all season long to finish in the middle of the pack but always improving their personal times. And there are those who find satisfaction in belonging and fulfillment in finishing. There is a place for any and all in high school mountain biking. There is place for student athletes at Cycling Development.
The season runs from cold, wet, and dark December to the sunny springtime warmth of May. My daughter will begin her fourth season later this year. The benefits of sport are clear. Physical fitness and a mental approach to overcome doubts to achieve goals. I know my daughter has a good soul will be a terrific adult yet I am flat out impressed at her character development because of the personal connections she has made at Cycling Development.
And you cannot say enough about the organizers, managers, coaches, and parent participation at Cycling Development. Top-notch in every way.
Patrick Murphy
Sacramento, California
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Remember the joy and exhilaration your children experienced the first time they learned to ride a bicycle? A little trepidation but then mastery of a skill—confidence, independence—hey, I can do this! That is what Cycling Development is all about for our high schoolers. Studies show teenagers participating in high school sports will draw on that experience in their future years. Cut and paste this URL from the New York Times: https://tinyurl.com/y7kcszge You know words like “self-confidence,” “leadership,” and so forth. I’m not sure how it happens but it does, I’ve seen it. Cycling Development puts high school kids on mountain bikes, then they ride and race from December to May. No one wants the season to end so they’ll get together to ride during the summer until the season starts again.
—Patrick Murphy (parent)
Cycling Development is an amazing organization that has helped my son and family appreciate riding bikes and the outdoors. The family atmosphere and group events are always fun and help my son's confidence. I highly recommend this group to any family that has any interest in getting their children on a bicycle.
Our daughters first year mountain bike riding and the coaching and help she has received cannot be measured in STARS! The heart, the hours and the coaching are unlike any other sport my kids have participate in..Thank You
Cycling Development has been such an amazing organization for my son! Awesome team work! Fun rides! Great communication!!
My son has been involved in Cycling Development the last two years and has had a great experience. CD is organized, well run, and completely committed to it’s young riders.
Phenomenal would be the one word I can think of to describe Cycling Development. It is a truly great organization. The coaches, staff, and all the many people who donate their time are wonderful and caring. All the equipment is absolutely first rate. It is obvious everyone in the organization loves what they do. So many, many kids have been so positively impacted by their involvement with Cycling Development that it would be impossible to over-estimate the impact, not only on them, but on the world around them as they become adults. I am nothing but impressed by everything I have seen. Good job!
I have seen the difference this organization has made in the lives of High School Students. Many children from disrupted families need a helping hand, and Cycling Development is development of the entire person, not just the athletic abilities. Their lives are better because of the efforts of Cycling development volunteers
In September will be my 5th year being apart of Cycling Development. 4 days a week for 6 months out of the year it turns into a home away from home (If my home had blood, sweat, and a lot of dirt in it ;) I have learned many important life lessons through this organization such as getting tossed off a bike, thrown down a hill, bleeding from 4 different parts of my body... and I have to get back on and keep up with the group. You can't learn that in school.
Amazing group which takes in people of all abilities. And turns people who could not even ride a bike into mountain bike racers! Great program from top to bottom - how to ride, what to eat, how to train, they help everyone of all abilities.
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When my son was entering High School he saw a table on the Mountain Bike Team. At the time he could not ride 2 miles without stopping. I asked how long the rides and races were - they said they rode over 20 miles for practice and the races were about 15. I looked at him and said you sure?! It took a lot (big understatement!) to get him to learn about conditioning, diet, discipline, teamwork to lean to be a team race member - it is not all about the individual. They did that, and more. The caring, understanding, mechanical and mentality ability of the coaches is the best I have seen in a youth sports program. Definitely a good investment for our future!
My kids practiced and competed with Cycling development this last school year at the high school level and they both had a great experience. I love that they can compete in a sport that doesn’t focus on their ability level but rather getting them out and moving and making new friends in the process. All of the coaches and leaders were great and took such great care of both of the kids. We will be back next year.
this was my first year and as soon as I got to the practice I felt welcomed and the people were very happy that I was there and it was just a great feeling.
This organization is the best organization I have ever been in. Every person in cycling dev is super keep me and is always ready to help. They really do care about the kids and there are no bad apples. Everyone roots on everyone even if they aren’t technically on your team. They are super organized and want everyone to do well as well as grow as people. My time in cycling dev was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Cycling development is a great non profit team. they greet middle school and high school boys and girls all over El dorado county and Folsom to participate in a fantastic athletic
out door competitive sport. The coaches and parent participation is over the top. Simply said it has been the best experience for my son, who's coming into his fourth season. Its also been good for Dad whose become an assistant coach.
I have been able to participate in cycling development as rider for three years and have found it an uplifting and fulfilling experience. The level of dedication shown by the coaches is exemplary and they facilitate an environment in which young riders can build character and develop strong social connections while improving their riding skills and learning the joy achievement.
Wonderful team working hard to provide healthy life long habits for our kids. Can’t say enough about how positive an impact Cycling Dev has had on my son.
I am a member of Cycling Development and they have built my character up so far that I am a totally different person now. They are such great people and I look forward for another season with them.
I have been a volunteer coach with this organization for 10 years and watched its reach in the community grow from an organization that served about 12 local teens to more than 100 this past year. It has been a pleasure helping high school age youth find and enjoy mountain biking, a healthy activity that has grown in popularity due to our organization and others like it. Awesome leadership, awesome teens, awesome community.
Doug Cosens
Great organization getting more kids on bikes. All the volunteers and parents work hard to make it a awesome organization to me part of
Most amazing program for high school students! The dedication and level of commitment to getting students out on bikes is top notch.
My son joined Cycling Development as a sophomore without any prior experience. He loved his time with this organization, and looks forward to the coming years being part of Cycling Development.
I have been a part of many non profit organizations. I can say Cycling Development is a top notch organization. From the camaraderie they build to the professionalism they exude, everything about this organization is what you want to be part of.
The positive impact that Cycling Development has on kids of all ability levels is like nothing I have ever seen before. It has been a privilege to be involved with such an awesome organization.
Last year my son joined Cycling Development as a freshman and loved every aspect of the team. He made some great new friends, was mentored by some fantastic coaches and older riders, and became a much stronger and confident rider and person as the season progressed.
My wife and I appreciated the “family-like” atmosphere of the team and how organized the coaches are (online calendar for races and practices, great communication from the coaches, race day set-up and take-down, etc).
In short, the whole season was pleasant and enjoyable. We are already looking forward to the 2018-2019 season.
Jim and Erin Shoemake
Our family was first introduced to Cycling Development a few years back and have been continually impressed. By no means is it an exaggeration to say that the opportunity provided by Cycling Development changed and improved the lives of all entire family. Cycling Development offers a lifestyle to each of their athletes that allows personal growth within team environment. The growth my son David has experienced directly attributable to Cycling Development is immeasurable and we as a family are thankful to each and every person associated with this outstanding group. I often describe Mark Ferry and the outstanding volunteers as, "The Real Deal". We just completed the first season with our second son Mark and i could not be more pleased. God Bless this group.
We are so thankful for Cycling Development and the opportunity it has provided for our son to pursue a non-traditional team sport. He is so excited about cycling! At times it’s challenging to balance school, homework and training, but he’s learning some great lessons about scheduling and managing his time. He’s also learned a lot about working hard, being consistent and committed. We are so impressed with all of the volunteer coaches and parents, who are just amazing!
- Dion Goldsworthy (parent)
My daughter was new to cycling for the Spring 2018 season and the Cycling Development Team welcomed her with enthusiasm, caring and support. They stayed with her each moment and cheered her on as she was able to challenge herself and push herself beyond limits and see success. The coaching staff was always there to help and answer questions, and the team offered flexibility with her scheduling conflicts when needed. Overall, it was a great experience for her and has made her a stronger, more confident person. It confirmed she can do anything she sets her mind to and overcome any obstacles in her way.
Cycling Development cares about every member, students and adults. They have so many caring adults that coach, cook, set up and take down equipment, store equipment, make deals with cycling companies to get deals for the student athletes and many more jobs like this. The caring is shown on the athlete faces (gleaming smiles) when they accomplish their goals, or even when just riding their bikes. Cycling Dev is not only a great non profit, but a great community. I love it.
“We’re very proud to work with Cycling Development”. They’re program and instructors have given kids that may not fit the “traditional sports” programs at school and opportunity to compete individually and as a team. I can see the value their program and cycling ads to our youth as I was one of “those” kids. As a young student I started cycling and went on to turn professional. Cycling gave me amazing opportunities to travel and compete as a kid and even now as an adult. You won’t find a better cycling mentor program in the country. REALLY.
- John Crews (sponsor)
- BMX Hall of Fame Member
- Owner - Bicycles Plus - “Top 100 Bike Shop in America”
Joining the Cycling Development family was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has taught me key responsibilities, respect, and perseverance. Riding bikes with others who have the same passion and conditioning to reach our own goals was awesome. This sport pushes you to the boundaries, which was hard to find in other previous sports I participated in. If you put in effort through conditioning hard and learning you will see major improvements no matter what. The support provided from families, coaches, and teammates was remarkable. Cycling has been very beneficial to me through keeping me out of trouble, building my confidence, and keeping me in great shape. If your looking for a extreme challenge but an even more satisfying reward Cycling Development is for you!- Jared Green (high school student)
Cycling Development has changed the way I view sports. Being part of one big team composed of so many riders, coaches, leaders and supporters has helped motivate me to achieve higher goals while having a great time spending time with so many great people. There is something extremely satisfying about finishing a hard workout and not being able to walk normally the next day, along with your other friends that worked just as hard as you did. Cycling Development is like one big family that I will never forget.
- Nathan (high school student)
Cycling Development was one of the best parts of my high school experience. The camaraderie from the team members and the support from the amazing ride leaders and coaches created an incredibly supportive atmosphere, where it was safe to push yourself to places you had never gone before. I truly cherish my 3 years in Cycling Development, and given the chance, would do it all over again.
Cycling Dev has made me a stronger person overall. Such as, I have gained many new friends and many new skills. One of those very important skills I learned was how to deal with pain and exhaustion. A skill that separates the good from the best! So without Cycling Dev, I would not be the Great rider I am today!!
- Kort Ramel (high school student and now college student)
Back in middle school I tried all of the usual team sports but none of them really stuck with me. I had few friends since I played no sports and felt like I didn't belong. Then I discovered mountain bike racing through Cycling Development. The first thing that struck me was how friendly and accepting they were. Even though I was slow and came in last place at most races, they kept encouraging me to train and keep at it. Two years later Cycling Development has transformed me from an overweight outcast to a NorCal champion. The most important thing to me about Cycling Development is that we are all one big family. The coaches are such great influences on us riders and never hesitate to help anyone. They are great role models and teach us the value of citizenship and good sportsmanship. Cycling Development has given me a place to belong. It has given me a purpose and ideals to strive for, and taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. Without Cycling Development I don't know where I'd be in life.
- Cody Schwartz (high school student)
Cycling Development was a great way for my son to learn some very valuable life skills. He became a self-reliant person, confident and secure with who he is. Cycling showed him that he could get more out of it with hard work and self discipline. He was a team player and took a leadership role, belonging and contributing to a greater whole, building freindships and respect. He got into phenomenal shape, training with others motivated him and he built high-endurance and skills. Best of all he had fun! – What a great sport and with the support of some very giving people, it was BIG success for him. He continues to excel in new challenges.
- Brad Maur (parent)
Our family has been involved with Cycling Development for the past two years and looking forward, with great expectation, to another fantastic season ahead. Over the years our son has participated in numerous sports including soccer, wrestling, Moto-cross, and others however none of these can compare to his experience with the bike team. Although he excelled at each sport he has participated in, the past two years has seen exponential growth in his self-discipline, physical and mental conditioning, sportsmanship, and overall enjoyment. We clearly attribute this to the outstanding personal character and dedication of the head coach and his coaching volunteers. These coaches take a personal interest in the individual team members and help them each reach their full potential in ways we have not seen previously with any of our four kids. We easily give Cycling Development 5 stars!
- Scott and Kirsten Lewis
Our son joined the high school mountain bike team as a freshman training with Cycling Development. We were impressed from the beginning with the organization and all the people associated with it. From the very beginning we were treated like family. Our son very quickly became stronger, more confident and very motivated. We have made great friends with many parents and coaches and love how involved most of the families are. The coaches are all very generous with their time and committed to helping each child develop to their full potential. We’ve also been impressed with the way experienced team riders consistently support new riders with equipment and training assistance whenever needed. Through their Cycling Development experience we have seen kids develop not only personally and individually but also as leaders and mentors for others. Overall a wonderful sport and organization to be involved in.
James & Lani Foster