Sports - Cycling Program

Cycling Program


Cycling As A Sport
Cycling began as a full training and competitive sport in Westmoreland County in May 2000. Our goal was to establish a sport that the athletes could not only enjoy through-out the summer but also could get involved in the camaraderie of a TEAM by training as a group on a regular basis. By participating in cycling, the athletes are learning a sport that they can not only compete in, but also one that they can enjoy when spending time with their family and friends at home or on vacation. "Happy Trails!" Special Olympian Joe Koloski
Today, cycling is one of the fastest growing activities people participate in. Estimates are that more than 99 million Americans are active in cycling. Except for the cost of a bicycle, it is a relatively inexpensive activity to enjoy day to day. With the increase in riding trails in the area, the availability of safe riding courses is on the rise. Special Olympics cyclists tone muscles and strengthen their cardiovascular system. Cycling is also an enjoyable leisure activity that offers relaxation and provides an inexpensive form of transportation. But more than that, cycling is an activity that the athlete’s family can participate in. We encourage all of the athletes families to join us in our training sessions. Family bonds can be strengthened while the athletes continue to train and improve their cycling skills, both at Special Olympics and at home. The athletes and their families can also participate in cycling events, such as fun runs and benefit rides. Back to Top

Equipment
Our fleet of bicycles include twenty-two standard mountain bikes, four mountain bikes with adult stabilizers and nine adult three-wheel bicycles. For team safety, all of our coaches carry two-way radios for on-the-trail communications as well as first-aid kits. We can also train when it rains by setting up, in our training facility, our four trainers that convert a standard bicycle into a stationary bicycle. Cycling helmets are required to be worn by all riders, both athletes and coaches. All of the equipment is provided free of charge to all members of the cycling team, including all volunteers Select a picture to see a larger version of some of our equipment. Back to Top

First Aid Kits	Two-Way Radios		Helmets


Mountain Bike	Adult Three Wheel		Stabilizer Bike

Training
Training sessions and competitions will be held at on the Five Star Trail starting at our training facility near Youngwood. All sessions are held two hours each day, two days per week, from June thru the end of August. All new athletes begin training with sessions in bicycle and riding safety and become familiar with the equipment. Controlled course training sessions are then conducted covering basic riding skills such as steering, braking, turning, scanning, passing on the left and street crossings. After the initial training is complete, distance riding takes place. And this is when the fun begins. The cycling team rides in three groups. The long group rides anywhere up to ten miles while the middle group rides between five and seven miles, between Youngwood and Greensburg. The adult three-wheel bikes ride on the Five Star Trail towards Armbrust, each averaging up to six miles per day. Back to Top
		In 2006, the cycling program conducted a combined 420 hours of athlete training with 19 athletes supported by 23 volunteers who gave 400 hours of their time to work with the athletes.

Competitions
Competitions are held in 100, 200 and 500 meter individually timed events. Because of the width of the trail and with safety being the most important aspect of all competitions, athletes race against the clock, rather than other athletes. Individual times are then compared within age and ability groups to determine placement. Medals are awarded for first, second and third place showings. Back to Top

Everyone is ready for the competition to begin. The athletes are at the start line while the families, friends and race officials are ready at the finish line.
Contact Us
Let us know what you think about our cycling program, have any questions or know someone who might benefit from participation in cycling. One of our Cycling Directors will get back to you as soon as possible. Special Olympics Westmoreland County Cycling Program PO Box 547 Greensburg PA 15601 724-837-6111 Email us at cycling@westspol.org. Cycling Training Facility 271 Armbrust Road Youngwood PA 15697



Special Olympics Westmoreland County Cycling Program Corporate Sponsor Murry Corporate Park Export PA 15632 724-733-2626 The athletes, volunteers and directors of Special Olympics Westmoreland County Cycling want to thank Ferragonio Distributing Company and their employees for their support. Without them, our program would not be what it is today.


Cycling as a Sport See why we like to ride and why it's good for us	Equipment Check out our bikes and other equipment	Training Sessions Read about our hard work and the fun that we have	Competitions As we like to say, "Just do your best!"

Training Facility A place of our own to keep our stuff	Volunteer Join in the fun and come ride with us	Donate You can help us keep our training going	Photos Take a look at us in action