UNI staff members launch Cedar Valley Youth Cycling, training teens for RAGBRAI
UNI staff members launch Cedar Valley Youth Cycling, training teens for RAGBRAI
A group of Cedar Valley teenagers is about to take on one of Iowa’s most iconic summer traditions: riding their bikes across the state as part of RAGBRAI.
Since March, the young cyclists have been logging hundreds of miles and building strength, stamina, and confidence in preparation for the weeklong ride—thanks to Cedar Valley Youth Cycling, a new nonprofit founded by UNI staff members Jie Liu and Josh Sebree, who lead the program in their free time.
The group is a partnership venture with the long-running Dream Team Des Moines program, which has trained hundreds of youth over nearly 30 years to experience the power of cycling. “They’ve done a lot of work to teach us how to do this,” said Sebree, a UNI chemistry professor.
“We both believe that the Cedar Valley has the right community support for a youth riding program like this,” said Liu, who is a laboratory specialist in UNI’s chemistry and biochemistry department. “There are so many kids in the area who could benefit from the experience.”
Liu and Sebree were inspired not only by the Dream Team’s impact but also by their own love of cycling. Josh, a veteran rider and five-time RAGBRAI participant, completed the 2024 ride with their 12-year-old son.
Most of the riders in the inaugural Cedar Valley Youth Cycling team are just 13 years old. Members are recruited through word of mouth and social media, but once selected, the young cyclists are expected to attend weekly training rides. The teens must also attend at least two camping weekends and complete 1,000 miles of training before the big ride across the state.
In return, participants receive a brand-new bike, cycling gear and registration for RAGBRAI – all at no cost to them or their families. After completing the ride, the youth get to keep their bikes and are encouraged to return in future years as Junior Mentors.
As the mileage builds, so does the confidence. “The youth have grown stronger at a fast rate,” said Sebree. “Some are starting to outpace the adult mentors!”
What started as 20-mile rides has quickly escalated into 30 miles on “short days” and even a recent 70+ mile ride. Several team members have crossed their 1,000 mile mark in training.
Beyond the physical gains, the mental growth has been just as impressive. “One youth told a mentor that pushing yourself mentally can be harder than the physical part,” said Liu. “That kind of self-awareness is powerful – especially coming from a teenager.”
The program has received overwhelming community support, including grants from the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership, donations from area cyclists and organizations like Cedar Valley Cyclists, local businesses and the City of Cedar Falls.
Cedar Valley Youth Cycling will join Dream Team Des Moines when RAGBRAI begins on Sunday, July 20. The teams will ride and camp together as a united group during the week-long adventure. Along the way, you might spot the Cedar Valley Youth Cycling team sporting new purple and gold jerseys—a color pairing that feels right at home in Panther Country!
