Season: July through October
Email: SOMOcycling@somdmontgomery.org
Overview: The cycling program provides opportunities for an athlete to get a workout in a safe environment and compete in qualifiers and state cycling events, no matter how fast or slow they go.
We offer a variety of cycling levels, averaging speeds from 3 mph to 15 mph. Athletes can use tricycles, tandem bicycles, recumbent bicycles, and traditional bicycles.
The cycling program competes in local and regional qualifiers in Maryland and Delaware. Athletes will also have the opportunity to compete in the State Cycling Games in October. The races range from 500 meters to 10K, and we may even have some athletes do a 20K.
Cycling is an exciting sporting event that tones muscles and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Cycling is not a learn-to-ride program! All Athletes must be able to ride independently.
| Coaches | Welcome to our new Head Coach Bill Kokiko, Coach Renny has retired! Margie Young – Team Manager |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Every Saturday from 7:45 to 10:00 am starting 7/13/2024 until the State Competition on October 19, 2024. Practice will be in 2 groups 7:45 to 9:15 and 9:00 to 10:00. For safety reason the Coach will assign athletes to a group. Weather Issues: It the temperature is 80 degrees at 8:00 practice will be cancelled. If practice is cancelled due to weather an email will be sent to athletes by 7:30. Qualifiers: Dover, Delaware – mid-September Other Competitions – TBD. Typically there is a meet in Prince Georges County in August and another in St. Mary’s County in early October. State Games: Fall Fest October 19, 2024, in Fort Ritchie, MD |
| Medical & Volunteer Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date The expiration date on an athlete’s Medical form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above date to participate in the upcoming season. Check athlete status here. Check volunteer status here. |
Safety Considerations: During practices and competitions, athletes often ride out of view of our coaches. Most athletes require a Unified Partner to ride with them to assure safety on the course. Unified partners can be a family member, a counselor, or a family friend. They must be at least 13-years-old. Unified Partners must be able to keep up with the athlete they support.
In limited circumstances, the Head Coach can waive the Unified Partner requirement for athletes who demonstrate the skill and independence required to ride safely out of view of our coaches.
Special Olympics Resources for Cycling
Equipment: Athletes and Unified Partners must provide their own equipment (helmet, bicycle, tandem or tricycle, water bottle, bell, etc.)
Uniform Requirements: SOMO will provide a cycling uniform for competition.
Practice Overview:
Location: Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD (next to Gaithersburg High School)
Timing: Practice starts with an equipment check beginning at 8:30 for the first group and 9:30 for the second group. Each group will ride for about 90 minutes.
The first two weeks of practice are a tryout period. During this time, the coaches will evaluate all athletes to determine (1) can our program safely support the athlete and (2) which practice group best suits each athlete.
For safety reasons, coaches divide athletes into two separate practice groups. Coaches will inform returning athletes of their practice group before the season starts. New athletes will begin in the second group for their initial evaluation.
Timing: Practice starts with an equipment check beginning at 8:30 for the first group and 9:30 for the second group. Each group will ride for about 90 minutes.
The first two weeks of practice are a tryout period. During this time, the coaches will evaluate all athletes to determine (1) can our program safely support the athlete and (2) which practice group best suits each athlete.
For safety reasons, coaches divide athletes into two separate practice groups. Coaches will inform returning athletes of their practice group before the season starts. New athletes will begin in the second group for their initial evaluation.
Qualifiers: The SOMO Cycling Team participates in the following Cycling Qualifiers
- Dover, Delaware – mid-September
- Other Competitions: TBD. Typically, there is a meet in Prince Georges County in August and another in St. Mary’s County in early October.
State Games Mid-October
State Competition: The State Competition for Cycling is held at Mount St. Mary’s University, Knott ARCC, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rod, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
Eligibility for State Competition: To be eligible to attend State Games, athletes must attend a minimum of 8 practices, and participate in 2 formal competitions. We know that cycling season overlaps with vacations, so we have scheduled plenty of practices to ensure there is ample chance for athletes to attend the minimum number of practices. The 8-practice requirement is a minimum. Once that minimum is met, we expect that athletes going to state games will continue to practice. As we get closer to the end of the season, practice attendance is critical to helping athletes get in shape for the Games.
General Information:
- Please inform our Team Manager, Margie Young, of any planned vacation or other commitments that will cause you to miss practice.
- Get your bike tuned up at a local bike shop. Having a bike that is in good working order is important, especially the brakes.
- Practice starts on time, but that means we are on the trail riding. Please arrive about 15 minutes early to stretch, pump up tires, and go over any administrative details.
FINALLY- WE WOULD LOVE SOME MORE COACHES!! It is not very hard, it will allow us to work more with the athletes, and makes it easier to cover the practices. Especially now that we are dividing the team into two practices.