This is the case for one of Adam and Tracy Piatkowski’s sons. Rather than opt their 12-year-old out of youth sports entirely, the Chestnut Hill couple knew of another option: Independence Youth Cycling (IYC), a nonprofit organization that develops youth cycling and mountain biking programs in the Philadelphia area.
“He loves being outdoors,” Adam said. “He loves to be active. And biking is just a great activity to channel both of those.”
IYC’s team in Northwest Philadelphia, called “Philly Wiss,” proved to be the perfect fit for the Piatkowskis; they have two sons involved in the program and Adam has served as a volunteer coach.
Not only do the couple appreciate the obvious physical benefits of exercise, but the Piatkowskis believe IYC is positively assisting with their children’s psychological and social development. This empowerment is a cornerstone of IYC’s approach.
A supportive environment
IYC comes from a long line of acronyms. The organization started with the Southern Montgomery Youth Mountain Bike Team (SoMont MTB), which is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL) under the National Interscholastic Mountain Bike Association (NICA).
In its inaugural 2016 season, SoMont included nine athletes and 10 adult coaches. By 2020, participation grew to 45 athletes and 25 coaches. Recognizing the need to expand the organization and serve more kids, SoMont leadership created IYC.
Based in Wyncote, IYC covers a large swath of the Philadelphia area. In addition to Philly Wiss, the nonprofit has five other mountain biking teams: Abington, Cheltenham, SoMont West, SoMont East, and just introduced this year, Pennypack (NE Philadelphia). IYC also has two non-NICA/PICL teams.
Kids from grades 6-12 can join an IYC team regardless of prior mountain biking experience, encompassing a wide range of skill levels. In addition to practice 2-3 times a week, athletes are welcome to attend races, where the competition is segmented based on grade. However, attendance is not required.
According to Matthew Braden, secretary of the IYC leadership team and team director of Philly Wiss, there is no pressure for athletes to race.
“Racing and being competitive is a component of this so much as the athlete wants it to be a part of it,” Braden said. “The main thing here is ‘No one sits the bench.’ That is one of the primary things that PICL has really instilled in all of us, and it’s a great mantra. Really, where the magic happens is practice.”
For Philly Wiss, this “magic” occurs in Wissahickon Valley Park. Braden said the best moments full of smiles, laughter, and high fives come when a once-challenging section of trail is easily conquered later in the season. These achievements in practice may not be wins in the traditional sense, but they provide valuable development for athletes.
Braden said, “Sometimes in ‘ball sports,’ you’re not getting off the bench … it’s being driven by who has the ability first and foremost because there is such an emphasis on winning, whereas [IYC’s] emphasis is on development.”
Teaching important lessons
Through the use of cycling, IYC focuses on building character and confidence. According to Braden, their bikes serve as more than just transportation.
“Bikes are a vehicle to teach resilience and self sufficiency, as well as to push yourself … to see what you're physically and mentally capable of doing,” Braden said. “Bikes provide that opportunity, because bikes have a way of humbling you and keeping you in check.”
Even if an athlete excels on the trails, they never know when a mechanical issue with their bike might arise. Rather than immediately jump in to fix a flat tire or broken chain, coaches help the athletes do basic maintenance themselves.
In addition to repairing bikes, IYC also encourages trail repairs as a key component of being a good steward. For Philly Wiss, this means giving back to Wissahickon Valley Park by participating in volunteer days.
Sarah Marley, interim executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon, said the organization has worked with IYC.
“FOW has worked on some trail stewardship projects with a few of the Independence Youth Cycling organization teams,” Marley said. “We're excited to see younger generations engaging in such activities, and learning and practicing encouraging proper trail etiquette with us."
Just as IYC awards cycling performance, it recognizes athletes who excel at using shovels or rakes to maintain trails. Proper trail etiquette, and sharing the trails with others, is also taught as an important part of the program.
Breaking down barriers
IYC acknowledges getting on a bike can be intimidating, especially if finances are a concern, but the organization is committed to knocking down barriers. The nonprofit offers an inventory of bikes and discreet financial assistance to athletes, allowing more people to participate.
According to Braden, unlike many sports, cycling can be a lifelong source of enjoyment.
“[Cycling] can be part of your lifestyle,” Braden said. “This could be something that allows you to exert energy. You get to be in nature. You get to do it with others or you can do it by yourself. … I truly believe bikes are magical.”
