Team has roots in family passion

A budding passion for downhill mountain biking that blossomed within a family has extended its branches to the community, shaping a youth team led by a mother-son duo.

Brian and Joann Pleva, longtime cycling enthusiasts, always had a special place in their hearts for biking.

Their decision to buy a house in Vernon was strongly influenced by its proximity to the Mountain Creek Resort, which has a bike park with more than 50 trails.

The couple always wanted to live somewhere where the adrenaline-charged sport of mountain biking was easily accessible. This love for biking would soon become a family affair.

Their son, Cooper, picked up biking very early. By age 13, he had plunged into the exciting world of downhill mountain bike races.

Today, at age 20, Cooper races in the prestigious USA Cycling Pro/Elite class and continues to bask in every exhilarating minute of it.

His passion for biking is unwavering, but it doesn’t stop there. He has bigger aspirations, ones that encompass his local community.

Last summer, he approached his mother with an idea: he wanted to start a team for children interested in downhill mountain bike racing. Cooper recognized a gap, a need for a structured framework for those whose parents might be unfamiliar with the sport.

His idea was born from his experiences and passion for the sport. He wanted to ensure that others who shared the same interest had the chance to explore it.

His enthusiasm for this new endeavor resonated with Joann, who also saw the value of such an initiative.

Nonprofit organization

Together, they created the Gears In Action (GIA) race team, which is the first to be formed as a nonprofit organization.

The team works with riders of all skill levels.

At the first race that the team did as a unit, it rained all weekend during practice and during the race, she said. “We were all soaked and muddy. Despite this, the kids still bonded, cheering each other on and helping the less experienced racers analyze the race course. The parents all chipped in to bring snacks and help keep the pit area tidy.”

At the end of May, GIA competed in the USA Cycling Spring National race at Mountain Creek, “a very exciting time for our racers,” she said. “Riders from all over the world come to race. It is an enriching experience for the kids to be able to participate in this race at their home mountain.”

In the category for 15- and 16-year-olds, GIA riders placed first, second, third and fourth and the team’s female member won her race.

Since then, the team has raced in West Virginia, Massachusetts and Vermont and members have continued to place in the top five spots.

Matt Spain, who races in the Junior Expert class, placed first in two races and earned a photo and mention on PinkBike.com.

Team goals

GIA’s goals are to grow the sport, promote team building and sportsmanship, bolster confidence and teach bicycle safety.

Team members prepare for races with winter strength training, then start on the bike training in March. The team has trained at the Vernon pump track, which offers unique skill and fitness training for mountain biking, she said.

“At races, we offer mechanical support, ensuring the bicycles are safe to ride. Our coaches review race courses with the riders, give advice, and ensure that riders are using proper form and technique.”

Joann said the team hopes to contribute to the Vernon community by offering “ride with our team days” at the pump track where children age 12 and younger could ride with more experienced members of the team.

GIA’s biggest challenge was securing funding for the race pit infrastructure, she said. “Canopy tents, tools for bike repair, spare parts and extra safety equipment are costly.”

The team relies heavily on monetary donations from sponsors to reduce costs. To make a donation, go online to https://spokeapparel.com/gia/