ASHLAND — Ashland Bike Project’s summer youth program, dubbed Team WILD, is gearing up for its third season after having doubled its size last year.
“Some kids don’t want to play soccer or football. So we get a lot of those kids because they just like riding their bike,” said Ashley Hendershot, the team’s head coach.
Hendershot, an e-MTB national champion with race experience from the United States to Europe to boot, is looking forward to the program’s third year. The former high school teacher said last season drew 50-60 kids to Brookside West Park’s pump track to practice and develop skills on a bicycle.
Hendershot, 33, said any child, whether toddler-aged or high school aged, can join the team. The cost is $25, which covers a team T-shirt and snacks at the bi-weekly practices. The team also has room for coaches, she said.
“So far we have eight to 10 coaches,” Hendershot said. “But I’ll never turn down volunteers — especially not knowing how many kids we’ll have this season.
“The more individualized attention kids can get with more coaches the better.”
Greg Johnson, 42, of Nova has volunteered as a coach since the beginning of the program. He and another volunteer coach the beginner group, typically ages 5- to 8-year-olds.
Johnson has ridden mountain bikes since he was a child. He said he got into coaching because he enjoys riding.
“It’s just a blast. You see some of these kids who are tentative to ride some of the skinny wood planks and now they can ride over those — it’s just fun to see them riding,” he said. Johnson’s three children — aged 5, 7 and 9 — also participate on the team.
His son, Jude Johnson, 5, said he likes “going in the woods” and “going fast.”
Children do not need to be Ashland County residents. Hendershot said a family made the trip down from Akron last summer for practices. Another came from Wooster.
Ashland Bike Project is about fostering community through jumping on the bike saddle. In December, Team WILD members participated in the Ashland Christmas Parade. The team also frequently takes trips to other parts of the state to explore new trails and ride together, Hendershot said.
Also, Hendershot said, if a child is in need of a bike to join the team, there are options.
“We have loner bikes for each practice. And if you’re in need, we have the Rail Rollers program,” she said.
Rail Rollers Bicycle Adventures is a group of riders who ride weekly on bike paths around the area. Some of the members also fix up old, donated bicycles to give them to people — or children — in need.
Team WILD, whose season runs from June to August, also serves as a sort of “pre-season” for those more serious riders who’d like to join the National Interscholastic Cycling Association league.
The NICA league, with a season spanning July to October had its first season last year. The league is designed for middle and high school students who are interested in racing mountain bikes at various venues across the state.
Team WILD was one of 13 teams last year that competed at four races.
Those interested in more information are encouraged to join a parents’ information meeting at 6:30 on May 31 at Brookside West Park. An informational meeting for interested coaches will be held at 9 a.m. on April 23 at Ashland Bike Company.
To register for the new season, click here.
