Multimedia: Kids learn grit, character, resiliency on the South City Composite Otters mountain bike team
The South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practices on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码.
Lincoln Steele, 12, a homeschooled 7th grader, listens to coaches at the end of South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码.
River Custis, 16, a student at Metro High School, leads the team in a drill during South City Composite Otters mountain bike practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码.
Anthony Barbata, 12, a 6th grader at Gateway Science Academy, competes in a practice relay during South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码.
Members of the South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice hills, speed, and endurance on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码.
Natalie Fantozzi, 11, left, rides as coach Michelle Caudell, right, shouts during the "granny gear" team relays during South City Composite Otters mountain bike practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码.聽
South City Composite Otters mountain bike team members, including Lincoln Steele, 12, center left; Charlie Vorst, 13, center; and Maggie Zebrowski, 11, center right, help close out practice with a team cheer on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Anjay Naidoo, 13, an 8th grader at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy, center, and Angus Lehrer, 12, a 7th grader at Grand Center Arts Academy, right, work on a skill during a South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Coach Kristin Fantozzi helps sixth grader Cora Purkis, 11, with bike control during a South City Composite Otters mountain bike practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Homeschooled seventh grader Gussie Rennier, 12, practices bike control by doing a water-bottle-pickup drill during a South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Right: 鈥淚 like learning a new skill,鈥 said Michael Zimmer, 12, a sixth grader at Rockwood South Middle school, who joined the South City Composite Otters mountain bike team this year and loves being outside on his bike. He is pictured here at practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Team captain Bella Fantozzi, 16, center, a junior at Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, competes in the "granny gear" relays at a South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Cora Purkis, 11, from left; Maggie Zebrowski, 11; and Natalie Fantozzi, 11, chit-chat during a South City Composite Otters mountain bike team practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Francis Park in St. 亚洲无码 Hills.
Laurie Skrivan
Photographer
Mountain biking has emerged as a more inclusive alternative to high-priced, selective club sports.
