Cycling BC’s HopOn program is dedicated to bridging barriers to cycling sport.
During the autumn cyclocross season, one of the best ways to meet people in the cycling community, develop bike-handling skills, and build fitness in a safe environment. Held on closed multi-surface courses—usually on grass and dirt—riders learn to turn, sprint, and navigate group-riding scenarios through the excitement of cyclocross racing.
Cycling BC would like to introduce more young riders to cyclocross racing, and this season we are calling on any youth who would like to get started to reach out to us and try a cyclocross race.
If you are 12-18 years old and wish to make new friends in cycling, need equipment to race, or need instruction to get started in cyclocross — Cycling BC can help. Cycling BC has a limited number of youth-size cyclocross bikes available and can even help transport bikes and riders to local events in the Lower Mainland.
There could also be an opportunity for those interested to compete at the Canadian Cyclocross National Championships in Victoria on November 26-27, 2022.
Contact us today about attending an autumn cyclocross race with help from Cycling BC.
This new HopOn initiative is inspired by Angesom Kelete, an aspiring young Cycling BC member from Eritrea. Motivated by his compatriot’s hard work and success, professional Eritrean road cyclist Biniam Girmay, Angesom connected with Cycling BC this summer to help him start his cycling journey. Fun fact, Biniam Girmay was coached by former Cycling BC High-Performance coach Richard Wooles, at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland.
Angesom has demonstrated a great passion for cycling since his introduction to the sport by attending introductory track cycling sessions at the Burnaby Velodrome, riding Seymour Mtn, and learning intermediate road cycling skills with coach Ben Chaddock.
“This summer, I met young riders who are passionate about cycling and I wish to help them connect with others in our community. Some of the riders are newcomers to Canada from Africa, the Middle East, whereas others grew up in British Columbia but have just started cycling. If you know someone who wants to try it out, please share this message and let’s create something special together” – Ben Chaddock, Cycling BC Head of Coach Development and HopOn Manager.
Gear and equipment donations from our gracious champions such Geoff Kabush, Sandra Walter, and Michael van den Ham, have helped kids in our HopOn youth initiatives access clothing and equipment for events throughout the calendar year, including at the BC High School Mtn. Bike Championships. Thank you to our gracious champions. We also wish to express special thanks to Caps Bike Shop in New Westminster for helping us source a pair of road shoes and pedals for Angesom!
If you know of a young person interested in cycling as a participant or an instructor, please contact us by email at hopon@cyclingbc.net or call 604-224-7433.
