a chat with our program director, molly gamble

Molly was promoted to Program Director in 2023.

Tell us a little about yourself, Molly, and about your role as Program Director with The Cycle Effect. What’s one rewarding thing about your job?

Well, my journey with The Cycle Effect started off as a volunteer with the Edwards team. As I gained confidence coaching mountain biking alongside Tam, Brett, and the other coaches, my role gradually evolved. From assistant coach to head coach, and eventually, I found myself stepping into a full-time position with the organization. Throughout my time here, I've worn multiple hats, transitioning through various roles within the programming side.

Now, as the Program Director, I have the opportunity to bring together all the perspectives and experiences I've gained over the years. It's incredibly fulfilling to lead the programming team, making decisions that ensure we provide top-notch programming while empowering our coaches and volunteers to do the same for our youth and adult participants.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is undoubtedly being out on the trails or in the gym with our teams and coaches. Whether it's training coaches or hitting the trails with the girls, experiencing The Cycle Effect in action is why I joined the organization in the first place. There's nothing quite like the energy and sense of accomplishment that comes from those moments.

Why did The Cycle Effect change the Girls Mountain Bike Program model to revolve around sessions in 2024, from its previous model of continuous programming?
Our Girls Mountain Bike Program has always been about flexibility and inclusivity. Initially, we operated with a model where girls could join at any time and we welcomed them whenever they could make it to practice. This approach worked well in some communities where flexibility was key, ensuring that girls felt supported and could participate without undue stress on their families. However, we began to notice challenges in other communities where sports with specific attendance expectations were prevalent. This led to feelings of strain or guilt among our participants when they couldn't attend Cycle Effect activities due to commitments in other sports.

Recognizing the value of being well-rounded and participating in various activities, including sports, we knew we needed a change. Hence, we transitioned to a session-based model. This shift allows families and girls to commit to specific session attendance, providing clarity and structure akin to other sports teams. By knowing the start and end dates of each session, participants can better manage their schedules and engage more fully with our program without conflicting obligations. Under this new model, participants join for the entire year but attend specific sessions according to their availability. This not only helps in better planning for coaches regarding skill progression and mentorship topics but also allows participants to track their growth over the course of each session.

Overall, we believe this change will empower both our coaches and participants. Coaches can better tailor their sessions, knowing who will be attending and what they'll be working on, ensuring a high-quality experience for everyone involved. We're excited to see how this new structure enhances our program's impact and fosters a supportive environment where every participant can thrive.

Molly rides with enthusiasm on her home trails in Eagle County.

What are you most looking forward to on the programming side of The Cycle Effect this year?

While I thoroughly enjoy the logistical side of things and communicating all the exciting changes happening within our programs, there's one thing that truly ignites my passion every year: the first day of practice out on the bikes. There's just something magical about it.

Seeing everyone's smiles, mixed with a hint of nervousness, as they gear up for their rides is what I live for. Our incredible coaches, with their kindness and compassion, have a way of making that nervousness melt away, creating an environment where girls reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

And it's not just limited to our girls' program; extending that same sense of camaraderie and empowerment to our Mujeres y Pedales practices in every community in 2024 brings me immense joy. There's a special feeling that comes with our programming, and being able to witness firsthand how mountain biking imparts life lessons and makes a profound impact on individuals and our community is truly inspiring.

Tell us about one of your favorite programming memories with The Cycle Effect. 

One unforgettable moment with The Cycle Effect was back when I was in a coach role. We had quite a few girls show up for practice including a group of high schoolers who've been part of our program for years. Instead of sticking to our usual long ride plan, we decided to mix things up with some skill practice because the temperature was pretty hot. We found this spot on the trail with these challenging switchbacks—tricky turns that can throw you off if you're not careful, especially for the newer riders.

We were all geared up and ready to take on the challenge. But here's what made it truly special: our high school girls took the lead in the most incredible way. Instead of just focusing on their own skills, they stepped up as mentors for the younger riders. It was remarkable to see these young women, taking charge and guiding the next generation through each twist and turn with patience and encouragement.

For me, it was a moment of immense pride and joy. It reminded me of the incredible community we've built at The Cycle Effect—a place where everyone supports and uplifts each other and a practice where I could really see The Cycle Effect in action and our more experienced riders chose to demonstrate and practice their leadership skills and our younger riders benefitted from the instruction and from seeing their teammates as mentors and leaders.

Molly is available by email at mgamble@thecycleeffect.org.