Pictured: Coach Kate Maccarone with a youth athlete.

Adventure for All (AFA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental exceptionalities, is proud to introduce its groundbreaking Adventure Biking Program. The program aims to empower individuals with exceptionalities, fostering self-confidence, independence, and personal growth through the skill of biking. AFA's program received essential support through a generous grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. The Adventure Biking Program offers participants three progressive levels of instruction. The Intro to Biking program focuses on building foundational skills, with the goal of participants being able to pedal independently for at least 20 yards. In the LVL Up program, participants advance their skills by learning how to turn the bikes with control in each direction, brake with control, and stand on the pedals off the seat while moving. Finally, the BLAST program, the most advanced level, focuses on decision-making, predicting terrain, and further building confidence and control on the bike. As a culmination of the BLAST program, participants embark on group biking trails, experiencing the thrill of riding trails together for the first time. AFA is proud to announce that eight individuals, ranging in age from 9 to 15 years old, have successfully completed the beginner and intermediate levels of the Adventure Biking Program. Their dedication and progress have earned them the opportunity to advance to the BLAST program, the highest level of instruction offered by AFA. In the BLAST program, participants will further develop their biking skills, focusing on decision-making, predicting terrain, and building confidence and control on the bike.

"We believe that every individual, regardless of their exceptionalities, deserves the chance to experience the thrill of adventure and the freedom of riding a bike," says Chase Pettey, Founder of Adventure for All. "The Adventure Biking Program is not just about teaching biking skills; it's about empowering our participants with a newfound sense of self-belief and the courage to conquer challenges. Witnessing their smiles, laughter, and the sheer joy they experience as they ride independently is an incredibly moving and rewarding experience." The Adventure Biking Program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with exceptionalities, breaking down barriers and challenging societal limitations. By providing participants with the opportunity to learn and excel in biking, the program goes beyond physical activity and instills essential life skills, improved communication abilities, and a growth mindset. Barancik Foundation's support has been instrumental in the launch and sustainability of the Adventure Biking Program.

Pictured: Coach Kate Maccarone with a youth athlete.

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