Perimeter Bicycling Association of America Inc / Cochise Classic

Cochise Classic Youth Cycling Program
a program of Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc.

The Cochise Classic Youth Cycling Program is a 12 week cycling training program for at-risk children and youth in Cochise County, ages 11-18 who are enrolled in public, private, or home school.  Many are underactive and/or overweight or have financial barriers that keep them from participating in extra-curricular activities.  The children will be prepared to ride in the 27 mile Cenpatico Integrated Care  Cochise County Cycling Classic presented by Canyon Vista Medical Center.  For most of these children, it will be their first organized bicycle ride and finishing it will be quite an accomplishment.

This is a comprehensive program administered by experts in the health and sports fields.  The fitness levels of the children will be monitored at the beginning of the program, at intervals during the program, and at the end of the program.  Youth will attend tri-weekly training sessions to learn correct exercise techniques and fitness.  A registered dietician will cover basics of nutrition and proper hydration during exercise.  Nutritional counseling will lay a foundation for improved food choices to combat the increasing problem of obesity.  Participating youth will also be properly trained in riding techniques, safety, and equipment repair and maintenance.  They will go on training rides in various terrains with cycling specialists to ensure that they are well-prepared for the ride.  The focus is on safety and on fun and fitness meant to last a lifetime.  All necessary equipment will be provided, including bicycles.

A more formal plan now includes a post-ride follow-up phase which will support and encourage young cyclists to continue cycling.  They will have opportunities to go on training rides, participate in cycling activities, and will be encouraged to return to the program in following years as mentors and volunteers.  Youth will be able to continue to ride in groups and in other local rides thus effectively making this a year-round program.  As such, we will be better able to accomplish the goal of teaching them how to take responsibility for their own health and fitness now and into the future.

The purpose of this program is not only to foster fitness and sports participation in children who need some extra support, although this is one important goal. Through this program and its follow-up and mentoring, we want to create a group of well-trained young people who can share their knowledge and passion for healthy lifestyle and the sport of cycling.  We plan to give them the best support tools possible so that they can use this knowledge to start cycling groups at their schools, volunteer at bicycling events, and come back to help with this training program in the future.  With community support and involvement, this program can be a model of how to encourage children to embrace long-term fitness through participation in a sport.

About Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc. -- a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization responsible for the production and promotion of four major cycling events: Tucson Medical Center El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino Del Sol Resort, Holualoa Companies El Tour de Mesa, Cenpatico Integrated Care Cochise County Cycling Classic presented by Canyon Vista Medical Center and Indoor El Tour. Each Perimeter Bicycling event raises funds for non-profit charitable agencies. Other Perimeter Bicycling events include: an annual Bike, Fitness & Health Expo, El Tour Walk/Run, and El Tour Fun Rides for El Tour de Mesa and El Tour de Tucson.