USA Cycling hosted its inaugural Regional Development Camp and Education Summit August 7-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, bringing together 35 junior athletes from across the country for a weekend focused on skill development, education, and the athlete development pathway.
Held at Thaden School, the two-day camp combined classroom education with eight hours of on-the-bike instruction at Slaughter Pen Bike Trail and Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. The camp began with an assessment of each rider, then progressed through foundational skills before advancing to more physically and mentally demanding riding.
The skills sessions were led by Rich Drew of The Ride Series. Riders worked through body position, efficiency, turning, jumping, obstacles, and other dynamic movements while learning how small changes in technique can translate to greater control and speed on the bike.
When asked how the camp was going after day one, Drew said, "We have an amazing group of young athletes. We did our best to position them to grow both physically and mentally, and we asked a lot out of them. I can tell you I was incredibly pleased with the effort they put in in both of those realms, and I'm confident that they grew immensely."
Efficiency remained a central theme throughout the camp. Drew emphasized how small changes in technique could help riders move faster with less wasted effort. Every movement coming at a cost, and making the return on investment of that effort an important part of how athletes approached each skill.
Drew's support coach, Andy Lai, added, "This is a great chance for us to develop the foundation for these kids and plant seeds here and there on how they can improve. Not only on the bike but off the bike, being better human beings, and representing USA, the programs they are a part of, and just leaving that legacy behind for the next generation."
As the sessions progressed, athletes continued to build on the skills introduced earlier in the camp. On day two, the focus shifted to more advanced drills that challenged riders both physically and mentally. Athletes worked on timing, jumps, and body-bike connection, requiring them to maintain control and make adjustments as the difficulty increased.
Drew also encouraged riders to ask questions and think critically about how they applied the instruction on the bike.
"We can sit down and talk through theory and break it down a little bit more, which I think is critical for an athlete's success moving forward," said Drew. "They need to think through what they're doing, and that will allow them to go physically execute it much better."
Dalton Beal (Kevil, Ky.; McCracken County High School) came to Bentonville looking to improve his riding and make new connections.
"I came here to improve myself, get new connections, meet new people, and possibly go somewhere," said Beal. "It's been really beneficial for me because I've learned a lot of techniques I didn't know really existed."
When asked about Drew's teaching style, Beal added, "It's probably one of the best teaching styles I've personally been met with. Drew's coaching style is so much different. He seems harsh, but he's not that bad. He knows what he's talking about, and if you listen to him and apply what he says, you'll definitely be a better rider when you come to the end of it."
Classroom sessions complemented the on-the-bike instruction, with representatives from USADA, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and USA Cycling staff presenting on topics related to athlete development, competition, and the broader support system around junior athletes. The sessions gave riders and parents additional context on the resources, expectations, and pathways available as athletes continue to progress in the sport.
The Education Summit provided parents with a closer look at the athlete development pathway and the resources available to support their riders. Parents attended educational sessions at Thaden School, observed portions of the on-the-bike instruction, and had the opportunity to ask Drew questions about the skills and concepts being taught throughout the camp.
Parents Nathan and Shannon Boone of Bella Vista, Arkansas, shared their experience from the weekend.
"We've gotten an immense amount of knowledge on what it's like to be a parent to help guide the child through the process of USA Cycling, points, coaching, and the system, as well as the experiences they have been getting through the skills training with Rich Drew," they said.
Shannon Boone added, "It's been great to see the confidence our son came home with yesterday. They are going over really basic skills, but being taught in a way that he is learning more from them and knowing how to apply them on trail and be a faster and safer rider."
