BETA & Generation ALPHA

Liam S. mid-air at the Harrietstown Bike Park.  Photo by Jordan Craig.

“I do like jumps a lot, except I’m not that good at them. I'm getting better, though,” Leela V., a student at Saranac Lake Middle School, said when asked what makes mountain biking special to her. She continued, “I like being able to push myself to get better at stuff.” 

We were fortunate to be joined by three additional students: Henry H., Simon L., and Sam M.. As we bring 2024 to a close in our final story of the year, we’re excited to hear from these four young riders along with one of their mountain biking club leaders. Their perspectives remind us of the true essence of outdoor recreation and the powerful impact that BETA can have on the lives of young people as a builder, maintainer, and advocate for fun, challenging trails.

Delilah J. (left) and Lucy D. (right) at the Harietstown Bike Park.  Photo by Jordan Craig.

“I like being outside; I like the cool scenery. And I have a need for speed,” Henry, 11, said mischievously between bites of his packed lunch. He continued, “I really like berms and jumps and features and stuff.”

Simon, 13, took the conversation in a different direction and focused on the feeling of freedom and stress relief he gets from mountain biking. “It's basically therapy for me,” he said. Later on he elaborated, “I am just going to confirm, I do really like jumps.”

Sam, 13, got right to the point, saying, “Adrenaline.”

Ryder B. rides at the Harietstown Bike Park as parents watch from the background.  Photo by Jordan Craig.

These four riders share a common bond: they’re all members of the OutRide Club where Saranac Lake Middle School students go mountain biking on local trails after school. One of the leaders of OutRide is Karen Miemis, a teacher at the school, a board member for BETA, and an incredible advocate for local youth in mountain biking.

YOUTH MOUNTAIN BIKING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
“On average, kids spend up to 7 hours a day on screens. Mountain biking gets kids outside. It’s a great way for them to build strength and endurance, connect with the beautiful nature around us, and make new friends,” Karen shared. 

“We're working to bring people together, promote trail stewardship, make the sport more accessible for kids, and increase outdoor fun in our community. … From picking up trash to volunteering on BETA trail days, they're getting their hands dirty and making a real impact on our biking community.”

Sam M. mid-air at the Harrietstown Bike Park.  Photo by Jordan Craig.

HOW THINGS CHANGE
“When I was 4 or 5 and my parents would go to Pisgah, I would walk right up the middle while they were [riding],” Sam recounted. Nowadays, Sam has no problem riding along with them at Pisgah, but his favorite place to bike is Craig Wood and Scott’s Cobble.

Simon thought about how his experience mountain biking has changed with time. “[I remember] looking at [some feature] and thinking, ‘wow, people can do that!?’ and now I'm the person doing it,” Simon said. 

“I think I’ll continue to get way better at [biking]. And people will look up to me because I’m older,“ Henry mused, thinking about what mountain biking will look like for him in the years to come.

Young riders follow one another on a series of rollers at the Harrietstown Bike Park.  Photo by Jordan Craig.

ADVICE FROM YOUNG RIDERS
Henry and Simon had some words of wisdom for folks new to mountain biking. 

“I’d say don't feel like you have to be amazing right away, because you won't be, right?” encouraged Simon. 

Henry added, “Don't get down on yourself too bad. It takes time.”

WHAT THEY KINDLE
These four riders’ reflections remind us that mountain biking trails, like those that BETA works hard to provide, are more than just avenues to a fun-filled afternoon. 

They’re hubs for community and family connections, opportunities for personal growth through overcoming challenges, a place for healthy exercise, and an inspiration for dreaming big. They are soul-stirring places where people of all ages can learn who they are and who they want to be.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this story. It is the fourth and final in a series you’ve seen through the end of the year that featured a handful of incredible community members with a variety of stories and perspectives. We’re glad to have shared them with you as part of our Double Your Donation campaign.

DOUBLE YOUR GIVING POWER

​Happy update: We have hit our original target! Thank you so much to everyone who has given – our community truly rocks. Our anonymous donor was so impressed by your support that he has offered to extend the match from $12,500 to $15,000.

He has pledged to match every dollar of community donations, now up to $15,000, made to BETA between November 15th and December 31st, 2024.  All gifts received by December 31st are eligible to be matched up to a total of $15,000, worth $30,000 if fully matched!

Left to right: Leland C., Lukas M., and Sam M. at the Harrietstown Bike Park.  Photo by Jordan Craig.

Give now to support advocacy efforts and construction projects that make life-changing youth mountain biking possible.

Together, we can ensure that our trails continue to be a source of connection and adventure for our community.

Join us in making a difference.