It’s always great to see young riders discover cycling, but it’s exceptional when they keep that passion going year after year.

Noah Rocklin is one of those riders.

He joined the Hamden–Cheshire Rail Trailers at just nine years old and has grown up on two wheels, surrounded by teammates, coaches, and friends who share his love for riding. Now, nearly a decade later, Noah still shows up with the same enthusiasm. He's proof that the joy of cycling doesn’t have to fade as kids grow up and life gets busier.

We caught up with Noah to talk about what’s kept him connected to the Rail Trailers, what cycling has taught him, and how he’s using those lessons both on and off the bike.

CCAP - You’ve been with the Rail Trailers for a long time! How old were you when you started, and when you look back, what do you remember about those first practices? What’s kept you coming back all these years?

Noah - I was 9 when I joined the Rail Trailers. I remember being nervous because I was surrounded by lots of talent. But I also felt supported and felt like even if I wasn't the fastest, I wasn't treated less than anyone else on the team. I think that's what kept me coming back.

CCAP - The Cheshire High School Golf Team is successful thanks to you. So, even though cycling hasn’t always been your main sport, you’ve always stayed connected to it. What do you think riding and racing have given you that helps in other parts, like golf, school, or just how you approach challenges?

Noah - Riding and racing have given me so much. I think the biggest thing is that sometimes you have to grind it out, even if it's hard. It has also taught me that life is often a battle against yourself and that you are the only one who decides if you succeed or fail.

CCAP - Wise words for sure, Noah! On the bike, cyclocross is your jam. What do you like most about it, and what kind of rider do you think it brings out in you?

Noah - I love cyclocross because it has a little bit of everything in it. Cyclocross really rewards people who are good in every aspect of biking, and I can appreciate that.

CCAP - If you had to explain cyclocross to one of your golf teammates, how would you do it. And would they believe you?

Noah - Cyclocross is like if Scotty Scheffler rode bikes! He's the best golfer in the world; he is very good at everything golf-wise. So in CX, you need to be an all-round rider. Getting up hills, descending, bumpy technical terrain, sprinting, running, and jumping. It's all there like Scotty.

CCAP - You’ve grown up surrounded by the CCAP community, from teammates to coaches to parents. How has being part of that group shaped you over the years?

Noah - Being part of CCAP has made me realize that a good organization needs everyone to share a common goal. I used to think that the teams were their own little worlds, but now that I’ve been in the organization for a long time, I see that everyone wants the same goal: a happy cycling community that is stronger thanks to the competition.

CCAP - As a long-time Rail Trailers, younger riders probably look up to you now. What do you hope they take away from watching how you approach riding?

Noah - Being a good teammate isn't about being the fastest. Being a better teammate is about supporting everyone and letting them know when they are doing a good job. Giving respect and reassurance!

CCAP - Looking ahead, do you see cycling staying part of your life, even if it’s not about racing, and if so, in what way?

Noah - Cycling will always be a part of my life, probably not the racing aspect, but I will always have the lessons I was taught and will never back down from a session in the woods or ride with my friends.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Noah!

We hope your example inspires families and young kids to give cycling a try. Then to go on to race! Keep up the good work on the links. We know you'll be successful in whatever you choose to pursue in the future!