What Happens When a Young Rider Commits:
Will Wintsch of the Moran Middle School Team
Over the years, the Moran Middle School Cycling Club has helped shape so many youth cycling stories. Here is another one worth sharing!
Meet Will, an 8th grader who saved up money all summer to buy his own road bike. What started as borrowing his sister’s mountain bike turned into a real commitment, new skills, and a willingness to try something out of his comfort zone. We asked a few questions to get to know him a bit better.
CCAP: So, Will, what grade are you in?
Will: 8th grade.
CCAP: How did you first get into biking?
Will: Probably when I would use my sister’s old mountain bike in 3rd grade.
CCAP: So saving up for a road bike is no easy feat. What made you want to do it?
Will: I wanted to save for a road bike because I saw other people doing it, and I wanted to try something different from mountain biking. I also saw people racing and thought it looked fun. Seeing Coach Duane Samuel ride his road bike made me want to go for it.
CCAP: Awesome (Go Coach Samuel!) How did you earn the money?
Will: Over the summer, I was doing yard work for many people. Since I worked all summer and saved, I got enough money to buy a road bike off Facebook Marketplace.
CCAP: Was it easier or harder than you expected?
Will: I think that it was harder. It took a long time to save up for it!
CCAP: How has the MTB team at Moran helped you along the way?
Will: The team has helped by teaching me the needed skills. Also, Coach Duane rides lots of different bikes, which is definitely inspirational.
CCAP: Tell us about what your favorite ride was like.
Will: Probably when I went around 35 miles, going all around different places in my area.
There is something about saving up for your own bike. It’s a timeless lesson in goal-setting and savoring the rewards of your hard work. Way to go, Will. We hope riding your bikes gives you a smile for YEARS to come!.
CCAP: Now that you are familiar with both, what would you say are the noteworthy differences between road and mountain?
Will: Mainly, on the road, you get to go way faster. And further! Of course, you have to be a bit more careful on the road bike. You can't go off-roading on anything you want (like you can on a MTB).
CCAP: Here are some "would you rather" questions. Would you rather never ride in the rain or never have to fix another flat tire?
Will: Not fix a flat.
CCAP: Would you rather cruise along or ride with friends?
Will: Can I choose a mix of both?
CCAP: Good answer! So... Is there anyone you would like to ride with?
Will: I think I would ride with someone who is really good at downhill mountain biking since I have always wanted to try that, and riding with someone who is better than you is the best way to improve yourself.
CCAP: What advice would you give to another kid who wants something big but knows it will take time, work, and patience to get there?
Will: To not give up. To be patient because it would be worth it. And lastly, once they get the bike, to take great care of it.
Thank you for answering our questions, Will. Your story is a great example of what happens when kids are given access, encouragement, and a reason to stick with cycling!
If you want to see more kids like Will get a chance to discover cycling, why not help out by being an assistant coach to a local team? It’s a great excuse to get in more riding! The CCAP will help you get there. Click the link below!