From April through October, the CAF-Idaho Adaptive Mountain Bike Club turned Boise’s trail system into a gathering place for riders of every skill level. Based out of the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, the club spent the season exploring some of the region’s most scenic routes, including Military Reserve, Camel’s Back Reserve, and the newly opened Kevin Pavlis Park in Avimor. 

This wasn’t a one-time event. It was a season-long commitment to building skills, confidence, and friendships on two wheels. Athletes with physical disabilities showed up ride after ride, pushing themselves on new terrain while connecting with coaches, volunteers, and each other. 

By the numbers, the season told a strong story: 37 participants, 3 coaches, and 17 volunteers came together across the program. Rides averaged 17 athletes and volunteers each time out, and ten riders tried adaptive mountain biking for the first time. All participants were 18 and older, representing a wide range of experience, from brand-new riders to those who’ve been on the trails for years. 

Getting the Right Gear on the Right Trails

Access to proper equipment makes a huge difference in adaptive mountain biking, and CAF’s support showed up clearly this season. The club loaned out 14 bikes total, including 12 adaptive mountain bikes and two e-assist upright bikes. For many riders, this gear was the difference between staying on the sidelines and getting out on singletrack. 

Two riders with visual impairments took advantage of CAF’s tandem mountain bike, riding alongside guide pilots who helped them navigate the trails safely. This setup opened up a sport that might otherwise feel inaccessible, giving these athletes the chance to feel the speed and flow of mountain biking firsthand. 

Meanwhile, two participants from the Fieldhouse FORGED program put their developing aMTB skills to the test on real trails, moving from training ground to the actual terrain they’d been preparing for. 

Grant Bikes, New Beginnings

Some of the season’s most meaningful moments came from athletes finally getting to ride bikes of their own. Grant recipients Becki Walters and David Vogt hit the trails on bikes awarded through CAF grants, a milestone that gave them lasting access to the sport beyond club rides and loaner equipment. 

Owning a bike changes the relationship an athlete has with the sport. It means being able to ride whenever the trails call, not just when a club session is scheduled. For Becki and David, this grant represented independence and a deeper connection to mountain biking in Idaho. 

Consistency Pays Off

The season built on momentum from April’s Mountain Bike Basecamp, and the data showed real follow-through. James Barnett attended 75% of all rides throughout the season, a level of consistency that speaks to both his dedication and the club’s ability to keep athletes engaged. Becki Walters participated in half of the season’s rides, continuing to build her skills and confidence trail by trail. 

This kind of ongoing participation is exactly what the club hopes to see. One clinic can introduce someone to adaptive mountain biking, but a full season of rides is what turns a first try into a genuine hobby, and sometimes a passion.