Changing the face of Mountain Biking: Meet Chris Bahr, Founder of Cycle4Success

People of Charlotte, please meet Chris Bahr, Executive Director and Founder of Cycle4Success.

In 2023, you set out to turn an inspired idea into a reality impacting underserved Charlotte youth. Please share.

Yes, what started as an observation became a non-profit called Cycle4Success with the goal of increasing diversity in mountain biking by offering scholarships to youth in underserved Charlotte communities.

As a lifelong cyclist, I began to pay attention and noticed the lack of representation, particularly within the mountain bike community. It is such a great sport, so I wanted to share the benefits of physical fitness, mental health, and social connections that I had experienced. So we organized with the mission to eliminate barriers to access and cultivate mountain bike role models within minority communities.

Our inaugural season began in 2023, and we successfully raised funds to provide ten scholarships for riders aged 10 to 14. The program provided riders with six months of coaching designed around three phases:

1. Build Skills: Weekly rides with a full-time mountain bike coach.

2. Test Skills: Participation in the KASK Winter Short Track Series, a five-race event in Rock Hill.

3. Maintain Skills: Learning bike maintenance and road safety.

Upon completing the program, participants will gain life skills, cycling knowledge, a supportive community of peers, essential gear (helmet, gloves, glasses, water bottle, outerwear, a lock), and an upcycled bike from Trips for Kids and the Re-Cyclery (the Executive Director, Eric Supil, is on our board). 

We have seen that while trying something new can be intimidating, the enthusiasm and dedication of our participants made our first year a tremendous success.

How can riders sign up? Where do riders meet for their weekly practice? Do they have a certified coach?

We are excited to share that for the 2024-25 season, all spots are filled. However, we have started a waiting list for next year, which begin in Sept 2025. Interested riders (ages 10-14) and their parents can visit our website to access signup information. Riders must attend at least 70% of the instructional days to qualify for their bike at the end of the program.

Our team rides from the Southview Recreation Center off West Blvd.

Yes, our coach, Shawn Gentry of CLT MTB, is a certified mountain bike coach and has trained over 1,000 students over 10,000 plus hours. 

Where did the inspiration for Cycle4Success originate from?

The idea came to me in 2020 while cycling on my spin bike and watching a documentary called A Most Beautiful Thing, a critically acclaimed film based on Arshay Cooper’s book. It tells the story of the first Black American high school rowing team.

The team, who also came from underserved neighborhoods, broke stereotypes of a “typical” crew team and built relationships that lasted a lifetime. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Arshay, who continues to advocate for rowing, academic support, and college access to under-resourced communities. I can’t say enough about his incredible impact on the world. His story and mission deeply inspired us.

What are the founding principles of Cycle4Success?

At Cycle4Success, our mission is to make mountain biking accessible to youth in underserved communities. We aim to share the many benefits of cycling—freedom, fitness, fellowship, and fun—while encouraging time spent outdoors. Our core belief is that we have far more in common than we have differences.

We believe that through our unique program, Charlotte can lead the way in promoting diversity, breaking down barriers to access, and fostering a more inclusive mountain biking community. And the skills and confidence gained through this program will help dispel myths and stereotypes, open new opportunities, and empower young people to thrive.

How can the community get involved?

The founding members and I welcome any form of support—whether it’s volunteer hours or monetary or in-kind donations. We’re also always looking for mentors to teach life skills to our youth.

Your involvement can make a big difference! Please visit the support page on our website to learn more.

You mentioned saving a collection of inspiring quotes. Can you share one?

Two that continue to resonate are, “Nice is an adjective, and kind is a verb.” and “Kindness is something everyone can give, but many keep to themselves.” I struggle frequently, but I do my best to keep these quotes in mind, pay it forward, and proactively practice kindness.

Now, let’s play favorites!

Favorite mountain biking trail: Lake Norman State Park

Favorite place for a meeting: Community Matters Cafe

Favorite lunchtime spot: Roasting Company or Suffolk Punch

Favorite sport or hobby: three-way tie: mountain biking (of course), golf, and skiing

Connect and learn more about Cycle4Success here:

Website: cycle4success.org

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