Make no mistake, being a coach for Norte Youth Cycling’s afterschool and summer bike programs takes a lot of skills — but probably not the ones you’re expecting.
The term “coach” might harken up (possibly dark) memories of your gruff high school football coach making you run hills because one team member blinked without permission. Or the X’s and O’s basketball coach with a grease board permanently squeaking in her hands.
Coaching at Norte isn’t that.
Coaching kids on bikes is closer to being a science teacher. I don’t care what age they are, kids are fascinated by sticks. And bugs. And rocks? Don’t even get those punks started on rocks. The academic and field-based study of geology has a very bright future.
It’s also a bit like being a psychologist. Kids today don’t just bring their bikes, helmets and snacks to practice. They’re bringing the extreme highs and lows of childhood, an experience made even more challenging today by the incessant connectedness of social media.
Social behavior IRL (that’s “in real life” for us elders) hasn’t been much easier. A nationally representative study of kids ages 13-19 conducted in 2022 found increased rates of anxiety, depression and a greater need for social support.
It’s a story that’s become a truism in youth-focused organizations: Kids have never been more connected and never felt more alone.
There is no single solution to these problems, but there aren’t many better ways to address these complicated issues than a simple bike ride with friends. Norte’s afterschool programs put thousands of kids on bikes, on the move and away from their screens for a few hours each day, a few days a week. For many, it’s the longest break from the pings and beeps of a 5G and WiFi-connected device they take during waking hours. It’s probably a good break for us adults, too.
You don’t have to be the next Lance Armstrong (in fact, it’s a lot better if you aren’t) to coach with Norte. All you need is a little time, a little energy, and a willingness to make a kid’s day. And a pocket-sized geology book might not hurt.