When Frank Burns saw how anxious and isolated kids were following the COVID-19 pandemic, he started organizing small, youth cycling groups. Within about ten minutes of meeting, kids were laughing and joking; by the halfway point, they were fully thriving.
“It was so transformative that we decided we were going to create an organization specifically to deliver that,” Frank said.
He helped found Bikes Are The Answer (BATA), a volunteer-run non-profit that organizes competitive and recreational youth mountain bike teams for grades 2-12.
We caught up with the group at a recent Wednesday night ride at Riverside State Park to hear from youth riders Annika (Lewis and Clark), Oliver (Bryant/TEC) and Miles and Ellis (Wilson) about why they love to ride with BATA.
Younger riders — Rippers — are guided by coaches as they build confidence riding single track trails, including climbing and descending, but mostly get to have fun with friends.
Middle and high school riders join the Devo team, and can ride and train for competitions with the Washington Student Cycling League or enjoy the camaraderie of riding with peers and challenging themselves on biking adventures.
“I just love, like, being on a bike. It's super fun and I love the social aspect with like being with all my friends,” said Oliver.
BATA-supported teams have won the state championship every year Frank has been coaching, and Spokane has grown into a regional hub for youth mountain biking.
Looking for other ways to get kids active and engaged in real life? Visit EngageIRL.com to find your pod!