A Small Decision That Changed My Life

By Aeva Dye, Dixie High School Student

Around this time last year, I made a small decision that changed my life. Almost on impulse, I joined my school mountain biking team. Prior to joining, I’d been only a casual cyclist, so joining the team was a huge step—and it was terrifying. The first few weeks on the team, I certainly regretted my decision. Now, almost a year later, I couldn’t be more happy that I made that choice. Reflecting on my progress since last March, I’ve discovered just how much mountain biking and being part of a team has helped me grow, not just as a cyclist, but as an confident, competent teammate and individual.

Most obviously, mountain biking on a team taught me the importance of dedication and hard work. The team only functions properly if each person is willing to commit to it and to help others do the same. Our season ended in October, but as I’ve trained by myself in the off season, I have built some of that essential dedication. Being committed to cycling is difficult; it can be hard on your body and time consuming, and sometimes, you just don’t want to go out. Having something to which I’m 100 percent committed—especially something that lends itself to specific, measurable goals—has paid off. I’ve seen the dedication I’ve built transfer itself to schoolwork, personal pursuits, and relationships.

Equally important to my journey as a cyclist are the relationship skills that I have built over the past year. Mountain biking is a very social sport, especially while on a close-knit team. This aspect of the sport was intimidating at first, but eventually, I was able to open up and connect myself to the team, and my cycling skills improved because of it. Now, some of my closest friends are from my team. For any high school student looking to build strong and supportive connections, joining a cycling team is the way to go.

Finally, mountain biking has been instrumental in improving my relationship with myself. For all that it is social and close knit, mountain biking is, first and foremost, deeply personal. In order to be the best cyclist you can, you are forced to become aware of and responsive to your own needs. Sometimes, that can look like forcing yourself on a hard ride, even when you don’t want to go. Sometimes it can be making yourself stay in. Whatever the consequences, self awareness is essential to cycling, and that awareness transfers.

A year after joining my school’s mountain biking team, the rewards are evident. When I compare myself to where I was a year ago, I see a stronger person, both physically and otherwise. Cycling has taught me a myriad of transferable skills that have been critical to my development as a teenager and as a person. I’m so grateful for my team, for the resources I have, and especially for that decision I made last March. I don’t know where I’d be without it.