Become an El Grupo Volunteer
El Grupito – 7-13 Year old youth: Semester-long after-school program that encourages youth to build skills and confidence, be active and healthy, and have fun through bike riding and camaraderie. Practice Schedule: Mondays through Thursdays, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. plus a few weekend events each month.
El Grupo – 12-18 Year old youth: Year-round after school program that fosters healthy values that support youth both on and off the bike, now and into their future through goal-oriented cycling and leadership development. Practice Schedule: Tuesdays through Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. plus some weekend mornings.
Bike Packing – 13-18 Year old youth: Semester-long after-school program that is goal-oriented, skill-building, and builds a sense of self by challenging the participants to be self-sufficient in the wilderness. The youth in this program are challenged by loading their bikes with gear and riding into the mountains to camp. Practice Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m, as well as Saturday mornings
Bike Club – 3rd – 5th Graders: School-year after school program. Housed out of Manzo elementary, Bike Club teaches youth the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate their neighborhoods and beyond safely. Practice Schedule: Mondays and Fridays 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Currently based out of Menlo Park)
Minimum Qualifications to Volunteer
*Qualifications for each program are slightly different based on the level of riding
- Available at least once a week.
- Appropriate equipment for rides (road or mountain bike, helmet).
- Ability to be self-sufficient on rides. This includes having basic tools and knowledge to fix a flat, put a chain on, and other minor mechanical issues one might encounter on the road or trails.
- Group ride experience and etiquette.
- Willingness and ability to try new things such as ride up and downstairs.
- Experience completing events that require preparation and conditioning such as El Tour de Tucson or other road/mountain bike events.
Do you meet the basic qualifications? If so complete this volunteer application.
We recognize that it takes a village to provide quality programming for youth and we hope you can be part of that village!
See what volunteer coaches have to say about volunteering with El Grupo:
“Volunteering with El Grupo means being part of something that is bigger than myself. I get to positively influence youth cyclists, challenge both my physical and leadership abilities, and promote the sport of cycling at a grassroots level. The biggest reward is watching your efforts pay off when a youth cyclist succeeds.”
“Volunteer coaching has been challenging physically and mentally but immensely rewarding. The riders are all faster and stronger and more capable every ride so I always have to come to practice prepared to work, but it feels awesome to be part of it and see them grow.”
“My time with El Grupo is inspirational, motivational, and very rewarding. I have been inspired by the genuine caring support shared by the el Grupo youth and staff. I am motivated to be the best I can be to support these great young athletes and this exceptional program. I am rewarded knowing I have the opportunity to contribute to the future success of El Grupo. ¡Viva el Grupo!”
“The most rewarding thing about volunteering is seeing the riders get excited about bikes at around the same age as I did. Cycling has given me so much joy and knowledge that helping them experience even a fraction of that makes me happy every time I go for a ride with the club or even just see an El Grupo jersey around town.”
“My experience as a coach has been the most rewarding volunteer work I’ve ever done. I get to see immediate, tangible results. While working with the young riders of el Grupo, I have watched them develop into amazing cyclists with spillover benefits in all spheres of their lives. Through cycling, they gain a greater consciousness of the environment and their role as a team member. They develop an intimate relationship with the cause and effect of hard work and results. As a coach, I have had the same benefit! I have become a fitter, more conscious rider and member of our community. The experiences I have had through el Grupo have been amazing and life-changing. In sum, I can truly say that el Grupo has given me far more than I can ever give in return.”
Ready to volunteer? If so, please complete this volunteer application.
