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Driven Cycling Academy

Posted on April 7, 2021May 25, 2021 by purresadmin

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.

  1. How long have you lived in the Treasure Valley area?

I moved to the Treasure Valley September of 2017. Going on 4 years this September.

  1. Where did you live prior to the Treasure Valley?

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.

  1. How long have you been racing BMX?

November 9th will be my 27th season.

  1. How did you get involved in BMX?

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.

  1. Do you mind explaining what BMX stands for? For those who may have never heard of it?

BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross

  1. What was the most exciting or thrilling BMX event you have been a part of?

I would have to say the 2013 USA BMX grand Nationals

  1. What made this event the most exciting event?

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.
  1. How could the youth start BMX racing?

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.

  1. How often could the youth race?

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.

  1. Would you mind explaining what Driven Cycling Academy does for the youth?

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)

  1. How many youth are currently on the team?

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.

  1. Does the Driven Cycling Academy program help build confidence?

It does. As well as communication, trust and the ability to believe in yourself and to help encourage those around you

  1. Can anyone join the team?

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

  1. How would one interested find out more information?
You can email us at DrivencyclingAcademy@gmail.com for now. Website to come in the upcoming weeks…  https://www.drivencyclingacademy.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.

Garret Montney 14 EXPERT
 
How has it been being apart of Driven Cycling Academy?
Great I enjoy it and it’s very helpful to progress to the next level, Jeff gives you workouts specific to your needs.
 
 
What drew you to join the DCA program?
Watching DCA rode and how Jeff worked with them
 
 
How has DCA impacted your racing?
Helped with getting more consistent with my gates and getting more comfortable with jumping and manualing in races
 
What Challenges have you faced and how has DCA helped to solve them?
DCA has helped with my strength and fine tuning my skills by giving me workouts designed for bmx and tailored for me.
 
In one word what is it like being apart of DCA?
Encouraging
 
Jaxon Bloxham 8 EXPERT
 
 
How has it been being apart of Driven Cycling Academy?
I love being on Driven!  I have the best coach and the best teammates!
 
What drew you to join the DCA program?
My parents wanted the best coach for me
 
 
How has DCA impacted your racing?
DCA has impacted my racing by making me be a better rider.  I learned how to high low, get close to people on the turns, be faster out of the gate, and be a more confident rider!
 
 
What Challenges have you faced and how has DCA helped to solve them?
I just moved up to expert the end of last season and have not been able to make my mains. Coach Jeff keeps me motivated by telling me to keep trying and work hard. He coaches me on what I need help with and posts on Instagram when I do good!
 
 
In one word what is it like being apart of DCA?
Awesome
Cyrus Russell 14 expert
 
 
How has it been being apart of Driven Cycling Academy?
Great
 
 
What drew you to join the DCA program?
Because Jeff is a good coach
 
 
How has DCA impacted your racing?
I went from getting Moto at at nationals now I make quarters and Semi‘s
 
 
What Challenges have you faced and how has DCA helped to solve them?
Manual and and jumping by take me to the track every day I’m getting me better at jumping and manuallng
 
 
In one word what is it like being apart of DCA?
Amazing
Mikey Bryant 15 expert
 
 
How has it been being apart of Driven Cycling Academy?
Fun like a family, pushing each other to do better.
 
 
What drew you to join the DCA program?
I joined the team to learn how to beat the people who where on the team that where once beating me.
 
How has DCA impacted your racing?
Everything from start to finish on and off the track
 
 
What Challenges have you faced and how has DCA helped to solve them?
My mental game and trying my hardest in all rounds. I now know where I am and who I can beat, I can now get better laps leading up to my main.
 
 
In one word what is it like being apart of DCA?
Fun
Alyssa Forman 13 girl expert
 
How has it been being apart of Driven Cycling Academy?
Pretty fun the people are nice
 
 
What drew you to join the DCA program?
I wanted to be on a team with people i like and that with get me somewhere
 
 
How has DCA impacted your racing?
Its helped me become a better rider mentally and physically
 
 
What Challenges have you faced and how has DCA helped to solve them?
I wasnt very confident but DCA showed me how to be more confident in myself.
 
 
In one word what is it like being apart of DCA?
Immaculate
Ellie Griffin 12 girl expert
 
 
How has it been being apart of Driven Cycling Academy?
It’s a great and fun time
 
What drew you to join the DCA program?
It looked like it was a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people. Also it was my dream team
 
 
How has DCA impacted your racing?
It as made me be stronger and not as scared to race
 
 
What Challenges have you faced and how has DCA helped to solve them?
I was always scared to be aggressive and to race at all and the team helped me to be more confident
 
 
In one word what is it like being apart of DCA?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
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