2WHEEL ACADEMY
WHAT THE ACADEMY IS ALL ABOUT
The 2Wheel Academy was developed to do what we believe sport does best, create a competitive learning environment where kids can learn the behaviours of success.
As a joint initiative with the TORQ Merida Mountain Bike Team, the 2Wheel Academy is based around the ideals and philosophies that have made this the most successful in Australia over the last 10 years. We believe there are 4 important attributes all truly successful, happy people possess and we want to ensure all kids have the opportunity to learn them.
1. Self-reliance
The 2Wheel Academy provides the opportunity for kids to learn the skills required to be in control of their own life, regardless of its challenges.
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The 2Wheel Academy provides the opportunity for kids to learn the skills required to be in control of their environment, regardless of its challenges. As they progress to handling more challenging terrain, longer distances or tougher obstacles they prove to themselves that no matter what life throws at them, with the right process and support, they can be in control of where they are going.
2. Understanding Winning
The 2Wheel Academy focus is on “wins”, not medals or someone else’s idea of “first”. Whilst we strongly encourage riders to race and seek any opportunities to test themselves, our focus is on the personal “little wins” that add up to winning in life.
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3. The power of Teams
The 2Wheel Academy is structured around small teams because whilst you can ride on your own, there’s always more fun and development when we push each other in a competitive, but supportive environment.
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The 2Wheel Academy is structured around small teams because whilst riding can be a solo activity, there’s always more fun and more development when we push each other in a competitive, but supportive environment.
Where teammates can celebrate each other’s successes, help with their challenges and leverage each other’s strengths. It’s just more fun together.
4. The importance of community
From understanding the vital role local small businesses play, to the operations and impact of their local club as well as the importance of representing themselves and their tribe, these community skills are a vital part of a successful happy life.
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Forming relationships of mutual support is vital to our success and therefore learning to be an important part of and contributor to their communities are important lessons for all kids.
From understanding the vital role local small businesses play, to the operations and impact of their local club as well as the importance of representing themselves and their tribe, these community skills are a vital part of a successful happy life.
WHAT'S INVOLVED
To ensure the long-term success of the program we believe there are some key elements that all teams must have. These include:
LOCAL BIKE SHOP
Acts as the “clubhouse” and will provide support to riders as well as access to senior and elite role models for riders to learn from. Each shop will nominate a liaison person to coordinate with the team to help with smooth running. This liaison will also be the direct contact with the Academy.
TEAM MANAGER
A responsible adult will be nominated from each team to help ensure the smooth running of the team. They will ensure team members meet and ride together regularly as well as coordinating team entries to events etc.
LOCAL MTB CLUB
Clubs provide the organisational support and infrastructure to ensure there are good trails to ride as well as a range of races and events for participation. Whilst we’d encourage riders to participate in any event they wish, supporting their local MTB club is a priority.
6-8 RIDERS
Aged between 12-18 years old. Each must have their own bike (obviously) and be MTBA members linked to a local club.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
RIDERS
Young people are encouraged to apply if ….
You are a boy or girl aged between 12 and 18 years
You love riding your mountain bike
You are already competing in regular local club based events
You want to make MTB your first sport
You are willing to attend regular training sessions and group rides
All teams will be linked to local bike shops so check with shops in your area or click here for participating shops. If you apply to the 2Wheel Academy directly we will let you know of any teams in your area as they come on board.
BIKE STORES
Bike stores should apply to have a team based from their store if ….
There is a local MTB club that regularly runs races in your area
You want to help grow the sport of mountain biking across Australia
You have a passion for helping young people be the best they can be
WHAT YOU GET
All our kit and casual gear is made by Motion – cause we never stop either! Motion design and make high end cycling and casual gear for wearing on an off the bike but also make team wear for the Avanti Racing Team and TORQ Merida – so you know it’s good.
You can find Motion gear in Bike Shops or online at www.motionneverstop.com.au.
RIDERS
2WHEEL ACADEMY RIDING KIT
All our kit and casual gear is made by Motion – cause we never stop either! Motion design and make high end cycling and casual gear for wearing on an off the bike but also make team wear for the Avanti Racing Team and TORQ Merida – so you know it’s good.
2 x jerseys (Race Squad) 1 x jersey (Development Team)
2 x bibs (Race Squad) 1 x bibs (Development Team)
2 x riding socks
1 x riding gloves
2Wheel Academy T-shirt
2Wheel Academy Hoodie
2Wheel Academy Cap
2 Drink Bottles
AND IN THE FUTURE WE HOPE TO PROVIDE
Discount entry to major MTB events
Access to parts and equipment at wholesale costs
Annual national camp
Rider exchange program (the chance for 2Wheel Academy members to spend time with other affiliated teams during school holidays etc to gain experience at different venues)
ACCESS TO TRAINING RESOURCES
General, training and race nutrition
Training education and programs through FTP Training
BIKE STORES
More exposure to your local MTB market
Increased patronage of your store
The great feeling of helping kids ride their bikes more and helping their development- see them become great riders and great people
WHAT DOES IT COST
RIDERS
Annual Membership fee $300 per rider for Race Squad and $200 for Development Team. This fee helps cover some of the cost of your kit and ensures we can support more teams.
Time. Expect to ride your bike. Lots. We expect you to learn from senior riders how to ride your bike better in all aspects but especially bike handling skills. We expect you to then spend hours practicing these skills so you can have more fun and be safer on the trails.
BIKE STORES
There is no direct financial cost for stores to be involved, but we will require the store to nominate a liaison person for each team. This person will act as the contact point between the store and team (via team manager) as well as to the Academy.
We may have supplier support from time to time which may allow stores to offer preferential pricing of equipment to team riders and of course stores are free to support their teams in any way they wish. The principal idea however is not to impose any financial cost to stores. We appreciate that most bike shops are small businesses and like any small business, need to control costs as much as possible. The 2Wheel Academy is designed to support stores by giving them another avenue to engage with their community.
Riders will be encouraged to patronise stores for repairs, upgrades etc as well as encouraging their friends and family to do so as well.
SPONSORS – get your logo on your own Academy team
A key objective of the 2Wheel Academy is to seek “out of industry” support. Once the Academy concept is established, we plan to seek a national sponsor to help expand the number of teams. We also recognise that local businesses may wish to be involved or even have their own team. We have therefore included the option for an additional team sponsor logo to be included on individual team kit. Team sponsorship is just $1,000 per team and will get your logo out there.
SUPPORT – great idea, how can I support?
There are a number of levels where people or organisations can support the 2Wheel Academy. Get involved with your local bike shop and sponsor your own team, talk to us about becoming a major sponsor or simply get online and buy some Academy supporter wear. Most importantly, encourage kids to ride and to apply to join a team.
There are a number of ways you can support the Academy:
- Get your kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids etc to join a team
- Get yourself some Academy supporter gear
- Support the organisations who support us or our Teams – tell ‘em we sent you!
- Become a Sponsor
- Sponsor your own team (or 2, or 3, or…..)
- Become a National Sponsor
TEAM TYPES
To help cater to the widest range of riders, the Academy has two different types of teams. There’s no specific criteria for one versus another – it’s really up to each team how they want to be but we recognise that some riders will want to make racing MTB their main sport and possibly even ultimately their career, whilst others will just want to rider for fun, friendship and to learn some great skills.
Development Squad
These teams are for riders who just want to ride, learn some skills and have heaps of fun with some other great kids. They ride for skills, fun and to make great mates. Development Team riders will race their local club races and lots of other events but rather than race the field, these guys race themselves (and maybe their mates for bragging rights…).
Race Squad
These riders are a bit more serious about racing (so they need a 2nd set of kit!). Your ultimate goal might not be the Olympics or World Cups but if you’re a more experienced rider who wants to race hard and be the best you can be, then a Race Squad might be more your thing. Race Squad riders will generally be or aiming to be competing at National Level events. Bike skills will still be a major focus but most Race Squad riders will be looking at specific performance training and even getting their own coach.