039 – There are no benchwarmers on the Vail (AZ) School Mountain Bike Team. (Scott Wraith w/ Shelby & Riley)

Mountain Cog

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In this episode, we hear from Scott Wraith (aka Scotty Van Halen), coach of the Vail Composite Mountain Bike Team, and his daughters/team riders, Shelby and Riley. They discuss the team's history, its mission, and the benefits of participating in competitive mountain biking.
The Vail Composite Mountain Bike Team, a member of the Arizona Cycling Association (ACA), was started 10 years ago by Ben “Bubbles” Chandler with one student and has since grown to include over 50 middle school thru high school age riders from the Vail, AZ area. Demonstrating a culture of inclusivity, Vail Composite welcomes boys and girls of all skill levels with a focus on personal goals and teaching community and social responsibility. The program is successful largely because of the total group effort consisting of many parents and volunteers. The Team’s Booster Club recently applied for their 501(c)(3) to help subsidize race fees where needed.
Scott also shares information about a philanthropic program called El Tour Bikes for Change, which has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs Tucson, Serve Our City and other non-profit entities to deliver new bicycles, helmets, locks and lights to underserved youth. In 2022, they distributed 560 bikes to disadvantaged kids. They hope to more than double that this year . . . with your help. Click on the link in the show notes for details on how to donate.
Overall, the Vail Composite Mountain Bike Team is a great example of how two-wheeled sports can promote fitness, teamwork, and personal growth. This episode provides valuable insights into what it takes to be successful in competitive mountain biking and highlights the positive impact that this sport can have on young people and their families.

DONATE to Vail MTB Team: https://www.venmo.com/u/vailmtb

DONATE to El Tour Bikes for Change https://eltourdetucson.org/el-tour-bikes-for-change/

Vail Composite Mountain Bike Team https://www.facebook.com/vailhighschoolcycling/

Arizona Cycling Association https://arizonacycling.org/

Canyon Ranch Arizona Wellness Resort & Spa: https://www.canyonranch.com/tucson/arizona-resort/

Pivot Cycles https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/

El Tour voted USA Today’s Best Road Cycling Event https://eltourdetucson.org/el-tour-de-tucson-wins-usa-todays-10best-readers-best-road-cycling-events/

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