Driven Cycling Academy
We would like to recognize Driven Cycling Academy which is ran by local BMX Pro Jeff Upshaw. The Treasure Valley is very LUCKY to have a mentor/teacher of the sport.
BMX is a competitive sport that all ages can join! It is a blast to see the 60+ cruiser classes! Nothing is more satisfying than watching the strider riders as young as 1 and 2 years old riding!
Currently we have 2 tracks in the valley, Eagle park BMX and Caldwell BMX. USA BMX runs the events, and keeps track of points for every rider.
We had the opportunity to interview Coach Jeff and ask some questions.
I moved to the Treasure Valley September of 2017. Going on 4 years this September.
I have maneuvered around to find my place to excel in the sport. I moved here from sunny San Diego where I lived for 2 years prior, training for the 2016 BMX Olympic team.
November 9th will be my 27th season.
My father was a D.A.R.E officer in the military. He did some research about BMX for a project he had made out for his D.A.R.E program attendees, the goal was to come up with non traditional sports for the youth to get involved in. We went out to a BMX track prior to my 7th birthday and I have been hooked ever since.
BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross
I would have to say the 2013 USA BMX grand Nationals
In 2013 I was going through a very tough time. Things started heading in a better direction for me leading up to the Grands. However, earlier that year my father had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We unfortunately said our final good byes just a few weeks prior to the Grands and that race was my first race with out him being on the side lines or even just a phone call away. I never questioned going though as I know BMX is what my father always wanted for me. It was even more special to me because my mother—who normally doesn’t like to travel, attended that race weekend. We traveled there together and had a great time. I ended being on the podium on day 1 and got the over all win on day 2. I shared the stage with my mom and got to say a few words about my dad. Definitely a day to remember. 7a. Is BMX a safe sport for the Treasure Valley Youth? Yes, There is a lot of positives that come from the sport of BMX. At the BMX track you get to put on a helmet and become your own character. It is a individual sport so it helps the rider find their identity through hard work, dedication and overcoming adversity day in and day out. No one sits the bench in BMX, you get rewarded based on how much effort you put in—such as life. Self development is built on 2 wheels and a BMX track. The kid who would get picked on at school because he may not have fit in with a specific group, fits right in at the BMX track. We all share the same passion and that’s to become better at our craft.
If you are looking to get started In BMX I would recommend you to come on out to the local track (Eagle park BMX or Caldwell BMX) to check it out. While at the track you will find families and local track members to help you along your journey. The community is very helpful and loving.
In certain Parts of the country you can race up to 2-5x a week. Here In Boise we have a pretty full schedule with racing being 2-3 a week (Wednesday evenings, Friday nights) and practice running Monday and Tuesday between both tracks.
Driven Cycling Academy is a program to help riders learn how to be prepared for competition day. We use a group style training format where riders get to compete against there team mates who are similar in skill level week in and week out. This program has been known to build bonds and friends ships as well as helping those riders gain confidence and trust into the process of becoming who they desire to be in the sport. Riders have 2-8 days a month of in person training with me and also a training app with home work to help them be ready for the test (Race day)
Driven consists of 3 programs. Development, National and Elite. The development program has youth riders from the age 6-15 currently. The national team has riders from the age 9-48. The Elite portion of the program is set up for those rider who are considered graduated expert riders, ages ranging from 13-23. Each program is based on the needs desired at the time you sign up.
It does. As well as communication, trust and the ability to believe in yourself and to help encourage those around you
Not just anyone can join the Driven team. There is a few things that we look for when choosing riders to join the program such as, committed, respectful, and humble riders willing to learn. The rest of the tools can be taught once those traits are found
You can email us at DrivencyclingAcademy@gmail.com |
We had the opportunity to speak with some of the riders on the Driven Cycling Academy team. The following are questions and answers for a few of the Expert riders. In order to become an expert you must first win 10 Novice wins, then 20 Intermediate wins. This shows the levels of bmx each person can attain in the USA BMX.
