The 2018 Riding for Focus School Champions Saddle Up For Training

Over 46 Riding for Focus School Champions from 30 states (and Washington, DC) representing 38 schools joined The Specialized Foundation team at Specialized Bicycle Components corporate headquarters in Morgan Hill, California for a four-day training to prep for the new school year and get more kids on bikes!

Watch this video snapshot capturing all the highlights of the Champion Training.

The training was mainly focused around curriculum training, but the Champions also squeezed in some fun too! The training included: a warm welcome by President and Founder, Mike Sinyard, a whirl-wind-tunnel tour, and a behind the scenes look at concept bikes through the eyes of Robert Egger, Creative Director at Specialized. 

Central Michigan University (CMU) partner and curriculum developers, Ben Rollenhagen and Dr. Ray Allen, Chairs of the Physical Education and Sport Department, created a program that's specifically designed to meet national standards for physical education classes.

It was a jammed packed training to say the least. Wake up calls at 5am?  Heck yeah -- no problem! Daily group rides provided the Champions an opportunity to test new bikes and gear and practice important program lessons.

Key elements included: mastering bike skills 101 (remember shoulder checks and hand signals?) and tips and tricks to reach target heart rate zones critical to the ongoing research to determine how cycling impacts attention and directs focus.

And now, let's hear a few parting words from our champions...

"Getting the bikes alone is a big honor, but then to be a part of a group of people who truly want to make a difference in our student’s lives and advocate for physical activity, was truly amazing.  Thank you for all the work that you do." Jackie Jensen Gordon, Boeckman Middle School, Farmington, MN.

“Thank you again for everything!  It was a great week.I loved being able to discuss with the other members on how they are going to set everything up. I am so excited to get this program going. On my way to the cycling shop to help un-box bikes. They have 15 of them already made”. Lisa Schneider, Baylor College of Medicine Biotech Academy at Rusk, Houston, TX

Jared Davis, from Duval Charter School, Jacksonville, FL, wrapped it up best, “As our last training comes to a close, I’m humbled and in awe of what The Specialized Foundation has in store for us. Riding for Focus will change lives across the world, and I’m excited to make Jackson, Florida one of the epicenters of change. Cali, you’re beautiful and I’ll miss you. Florida, it’s time to do work!".