Mountain Biking Club provides physical, social benefits

Elizabethtown Area SD’s Mountain Biking Club, part of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League, was started as an outlet for students who may not be inclined toward traditional athletic offerings at the school but want to stay active. In fall 2016, middle and high school students were invited to participate in the extracurricular club, which now has 40 members. Community sponsors fund items such as team jerseys, trophies and related items. Coach Jason Thomas and parent coaches lead the students on the school’s single-track practice trail and other local trail networks. The club also competes in races and has set practice times where they work on developing mountain biking skills. The club has been beneficial to all of the students, especially those who start at a low fitness level and progress to being able to ride for extended periods of time. Because the group is inclusive, students with challenges such as autism or attention deficit disorder can also participate and benefit from the physical and social activity. To learn more, listen to the Keystone Education Radio podcast on this program.