DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Nestled within Sunderbruch Park, a burgeoning community of young mountain biking enthusiasts is carving through the trails with zeal.
“Everybody is really, really supportive,” remarked Ryan Squires, a sophomore and member of North Scott’s mountain biking club. “I’m following people’s lines. You pass somebody, you give them a fist bump, say ‘Good job, how’s it going, man?’ It’s really fun, it’s a really supportive culture.”
In recent years, the local mountain biking scene has witnessed the establishment of three youth-focused groups, including North Scott, Muscatine Youth Mountain Bike Club, and the Quad City Area Youth Mountain Bike Club.
“Mountain biking is a combination of fitness and skill,” explained Karl Dimmer, the founder and head coach of North Scott Mountain Bike Club. “I think kids are just looking for something new to do. It’s a fun sport, it gets them outside. I just think the word is spreading that the kids enjoy it.”
According to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, there has been a remarkable 35 percent surge in youth riders across the country between 2018 and 2022.
“It’s easy to get addicted we’ll say. People as you get into it’s very enjoyable being out in nature and getting some exercise and challenging yourself with a physical activity,” shared Ben Dalbey, who collaborates with the Muscatine and Quad City Area mountain biking clubs.
Dimmer reflected on the growing enthusiasm within their club, stating, “Our club is about twice the size [it was last year]. All the kids that did it last year came back this year, and we have a lot more especially in the younger group, elementary age. We didn’t have any girls last year, but this year we had seven girls register.”
For Squires, his aspirations reach beyond the local trails; he dreams of showcasing his mountain biking prowess on the international stage.
“A lot of the people that were my roles growing up are these Olympic riders, so to be riding with them would be a dream come true,” expressed Squires.
Dimmer noted that the mountain bike racing season typically spans from April to June, marking a thrilling period for the burgeoning community of young riders.