Avery, 15, Riding with El Grupo since August 2014

If I had a Superpower: I would control atoms

Hidden Talent: I’m really good at losing things.

Favorite Style of Riding: Mountain Bike and Cyclocross

Favorite Ride in Town: Sweetwater

Favorite Hobby apart from Riding Bikes: Anything water-related activities

Favorite Race: Whiskey and TBC

Quotable quote by Ignacio: ATTACK…ATTACK…ATTACK! Or he blames me for eating all the food out of the fridge.

Tell me why you like to ride your bike.

It’s fun. I enjoy it because you’re in control of what you can do on the bike. When I first joined the team, I wasn’t very fast but I’ve really seen how I’ve improved. I also like to race, so I definitely like to ride.

Tell me about the first time you rode with El Grupo. Do you see any changes in your bike skills or character?

I actually first rode with El Grupo when I was eight years old. More recently I joined and didn’t know what to expect with a group of kids that rode bikes. It could have been either really weird or really cool- everybody turned out to be really good people and really nice. I’ve gotten a lot better at dealing with ‘things’ in general. My bike skills have improved a lot. I definitely care for my bike a lot more. I used to just ride it but now I care for my bike.

How does El Grupo challenge you?

It challenges me physically on rides. For example, the TBC (Tucson Bicycle Classic) was just a few months ago and I rode with Ignacio. I got dropped and instead of congratulating me, coach Ignacio (like any good coach would do) reprimanded me for not sticking with him. That really motivates me to go faster. I’m challenged with the expectations to keep my grades up and stay out of trouble as well.

What are your goals with El Grupo?

Race-wise, I want to be able to perform really well in whatever races I’m doing. Besides that, I’d want to get skills on my bike and taking care of my bike mechanically.

What are three things you’ve gotten out of El Grupo?

I’ve gotten a lot faster. I’ve made a lot of good friends. I developed a love for bikes, maybe even a passion for bikes in my life.

When you tell your friends about El Grupo, what do you say?

I tell them we race, we ride, we have fun on bikes together.

What do you like about being on a cycling team?

I like that it’s given me a coach. I couldn’t do half the things I do with the team, alone. I couldn’t imagine not being involved with El Grupo if I can help it.

Susie, 12, Riding with El Grupo since August 2014

If I had a Superpower: It would be the ability to beat an Olympian in cycling

Hidden Talent: Babysitting. I’m really good with kids.

Favorite Style of Riding: Road

Favorite Bike Ride in Town: Sweetwater

Favorite Hobby outside of Riding Bikes: Hanging out with friends

Favorite Race: Road Race at TBC

Quotable quote by Ignacio: It doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.

Tell me why you like riding your bike.

I like riding my bike because it’s a way to get outside and be out in nature. My dad and I both do it, so it’s a great way to bond too.

Tell me about the first time you rode with El Grupo and now.

When I first rode with El Grupo, I was extremely shy because all of the A Team riders- they were really big and scary fast. Now, I get along and can mess with the A Team riders. I’m a lot more comfortable around the team. My riding skills have changed a lot. I only used to be able to ride 11 miles/hour, but my pace now is about 20/hour.

How does El Grupo challenge you?

The practices during our build up weeks are really hard and push you. All the coaches cheer you on and expect your best. My motivation to get through a hard ride is chocolate or food! It’s good to think about other stuff.

What are your goals with El Grupo?

I want to work up to being able to go to Nationals and do really well.

In your time with El Grupo, what are three things you’ve gotten out of it?

Friendship

A second family

Exercise

When you tell your friends about El Grupo, how do you explain it?

I call El Grupo ‘My Thing’, but it’s a youth cycling team that wants people on bikes and tries to open kids up more with their team, having fun, and working along the way.

What do you like about being on a cycling team?

They are more like a family. I like that they’re always there for you. During a race, when a teammate goes by, you cheer hard and you want them to do really well.

How would describe your relationship with your coaches?

I definitely think of them as aunts and uncles. Today I was actually on the path and saw Veronique. We embraced each other and squealed like we hadn’t seen each other in forever.

Walker, 18, Riding with El Grupo since August 2014

If I had a Superpower: Pausing Time

Favorite Hobby: Drawing and Calligraphy

Favorite Style of Riding: Road

Favorite Ride in Tucson: Kitt Peak

Tell me why you like riding your bike.

It makes me healthy, it makes me fit, it makes me feel good, and it’s just fun!

Tell me about the first time you rode with El Grupo.

My first ride with El Grupo, I crashed twice. It was nice to be part of the group and still really fun.

How have you changed in skills and character since that ride?

I’ve definitely fallen into part of the group. I feel more comfortable group riding and working with the team. I feel like I fit in more and know how the group works. I’ve learned how to ride the bike more efficiently- how to move my body and adjust the bike, drafting, turning and a lot of stuff I wouldn’t have figured out on my own.

How does El Grupo challenge you?

The schedule can be challenging- getting up on time when it’s so early on the weekends. It’s not something I had to do before, but it’s always worth it to put in the time to meet those challenges. Anything that’s physically demanding I always try to put in 100%- it’s always worth it but can be very painful in the moment! I know I’ll feel great afterwards, especially if I give 110% of my effort.

What are your goals with El Grupo?

To race a few times and get that under my belt, improve myself and put in as much as I can with the time I have. After El Grupo, I hope to keep working on my bike.

In your time with El Grupo, what are three things you’ve gained?

Social Aspect, Time Management, and Fitness

Samantha, 18, Riding with El Grupo since 2014 My Superpower would be- Flying! Hidden Talent- Sleeping anytime and anywhere Favorite style of riding- Road Biking Favorite trip/race/camp- Kitt Peak Favorite hobby outside of riding bikes- Swimming Favorite bike ride in town- Shootout Favorite quote by Ignacio- “If you’re talking, you’re not working hard enough” Favorite… Read more »

Biking open up a whole new world of places you can go! My knowledge of places near Tucson has expanded massively.

El Grupo challenges me in a really good way.

[From being with El Grupo, I’ve gained] a lot of trust. Also, being a role model to the younger kids who’ve joined the team. I’ve met a lot of friends and got to know people better. Now that I know people, it’s way better.

You have to come to practice everyday if you want to improve yourself. You just have to challenge yourself-

I like riding my bike because it’s fun and a fun way to get exercise. It’s a new way for me to make friends and know my way around town a little better.

Before El Grupo, I didn’t have confidence in myself. I didn’t know how far I could actually go. I didn’t find the pleasure in the pain.