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Pennsylvania-based organizations aim to empower youth and grow cycling in the Lehigh Valley
TREXLERTOWN, Pa. – The Valley Preferred Cycling Center and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League proudly announce their official partnership. The two organizations are looking forward to uniting with the same goal of advancing youth cycling programs while making cycling more accessible to middle and high school students.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the Valley Preferred Cycling Center,” said Mike Kuhn, Director of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL). “This partnership opens up exciting possibilities for expanding the reach of our programs. We are confident that our shared passion for getting more kids on bikes will create lasting impacts and unforgettable experiences for young riders.”
Valley Preferred Cycling Center Executive Director, Bobby Lea, shares his enthusiasm, stating, “Partnering with PICL presents an exciting opportunity for the local youth cycling community. We both believe that everything is better when more kids ride bikes, and we are excited to work together to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of cyclists.”
Both organizations share a common goal: to engage, educate, and empower young athletes through the world of cycling. The partnership will encompass various initiatives designed to enrich the lives of Lehigh Valley youth and provide them with the skills and opportunities they need to excel on and off the bike.
Key highlights of the partnership include:
Youth Development Programs: The Valley Preferred Cycling Center and PICL will collaborate to offer a wide range of youth development programs, including skills clinics, coaching certifications, and mentorship opportunities. These programs will instill values such as teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship while fostering a love for cycling.
Expanding Scholastic Mountain Biking and Track Cycling: Together, the VPCC and PICL will work to expand school-based mountain biking and track cycling in the Lehigh Valley. This expansion will provide local students with the chance to experience the thrill of mountain biking in a supportive and structured environment.
Community Engagement: The two organizations will collaborate on community events and fundraising initiatives, encouraging active participation from the Lehigh Valley community. These activities will not only promote healthy lifestyles but also raise awareness about the positive impact of cycling.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Valley Preferred Cycling Center’s facilities, including the 333-meter concrete velodrome, will be a hub for youth development for both disciplines.
PICL will leverage these resources to support its mission of bringing youth mountain biking to the forefront.
The first event of the partnership will take place at NICA Regional Championships on November 10-12 in Fair Hill, Maryland. The VPCC will host grass track racing and a Wattbike contest for all competitors at the event.
For more information about bringing the VPCC and PICL to a school, please contact Valley Preferred Cycling Center Marketing and Communications Director Elspeth Huyett elspeth.huyett@thevelodrome.com.
About Valley Preferred Cycling Center (VPCC)
The Valley Preferred Cycling Center, located in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, is a world-renowned velodrome and cycling facility. Constructed in 1975 by Bob Rodale and later donated to Lehigh County, the Valley Preferred Cycling Center has been a hub for cycling enthusiasts, athletes, and spectators worldwide for over four decades. It offers a wide range of competitive events, cycling programs, and opportunities for healthy community engagement.
About Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL)
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League is a youth development organization that uses mountain biking to inspire healthy lifestyles, build strong communities, and engage youth in trail stewardship. Over the past eight years, PICL has grown to over 1,360 student-athletes and more than 800 coaches on 70 teams across PA. The Pennsylvania League operates under the auspices of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), whose mission is to build strong mind, body, character, and community by developing interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.
Information provided to TVL by:
Hayden Rinde
Lehigh Valley Chamber
https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/
