The Cycle Effect Changed my Life!
Last year, Saray’s after school activities were limited to babysitting and watching TV. Having never played an organized sport or joined any social groups, this is all that she knew until her neighbor and older sister consistently begged her to come check out a Cycle Effect practice. She was nervous and scared because physical activity would quickly wear her out and she thought it would be impossible to ride a bike. The only bike she had ever ridden was one her father found and fixed up. She knew this would be a challenge, and she wasn’t sure she was up for it.
After the first indoor practice, Saray found she actually enjoyed exercising and she felt great while doing it. She loved the team atmosphere and enjoyed the way it pushed her beyond her limits. Once she got on a bike and realized it was normal to be a little scared and that she could do it, she was hooked. Saray had her first glimpse that great adventures start when you leave your comfort zone!
“The Cycle Effect always pushes me and encourages me to improve beyond what I thought was possible for myself. I know if I fall, it’s ok, as long as I keep trying I know I can get back up and that I can do anything!”
Her physical fitness and overall health improved, and her confidence grew with the support of her coaches and team. “The team and my coaches, who provide year-round support, are my favorite part of The Cycle Effect. I now have a huge support system and we push each other to be our best.”
As a more reserved person, it was always hard for Saray to raise her hand in class. Through the constant advice and encouragement of her coaches, she has become more involved in her classes and has seen her grades improve. “Coach kept telling me...be the first one to raise your hand in class talk and try new things. I am talking more, meeting more people, and my community has grown.”
Through our program, participants learn to transfer determination and overcome obstacles from mountain biking to their everyday lives. At The Cycle Effect, we are dedicated to empowering young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities. Our main goal is to create a path for underserved girls to graduate from high school and move on into a career or college education. The program is more than learning to bike, it is a way of life for participants and their families.100% of program graduates have gone on to college, 75% being the first in their family to go. Saray is now focused on going to college next year. She is committed to continuing to exercise, eating healthier, riding bikes, appreciating the outdoors and staying involved with The Cycle Effect. Her younger siblings are now always asking her to ride bikes, which makes her proud.
“I found a family in The Cycle Effect and in the local community. I look forward to giving back after all I have received from this program.”
Friends like you make it possible for our participants to be inspired and empowered through our program. We hope you will consider making a gift that will help change the lives of more young women in 2018. You can give a girl like Saray a brighter future today! It is only possible with your support.
Donations can be made by mail at: PO Box 1503 Eagle, CO 81631 OR call 970-306- 7572OR visit us online at www.thecycleeffect.org
Thank you for being the power behind our program! Help more young women by donating today!