From One Generation to the Next
This interview originally appeared in the June 2023 CCAP newsletter
In honor of Father's Day this Sunday, we got a hold of one of the longest-running CCAP team coaches around, West Hartford's Scott Rosenthal, and asked him a few questions in the hopes that his experiences inspire other dads out there to get involved in their local CCAP regional team.
CCAP: What's the best part of being involved with the CCAP?
Scott: Being a part of CCAP allows me to help young riders have their own incredible experiences on a bike. In my own life, I've had so many great experiences in as a result of cycling. I've explored new places, ridden to school/work, and made great friends. CCAP parents and riders are all so welcoming, and we all want a positive environment for the riders to feel empowered as they start building bicycling-related memories of their own. The high-fives and smiles at every CCAP gathering are infectious. The community is so supportive.
CCAP: You've been a CCAP coach for a long time. What keeps you coming back to your team, season after season?
Scott: I am inspired by the joy and progress many riders exhibit. Also, Seeing kids and now young adults that still take pleasure from the simple activity of riding their bicycles is what keeps me coming back. Some riders were just getting started when my son and I joined CCAP, and they are still passionate about cycling. Some of them are now racing at the collegiate level. Some youngsters started with me on the Central Wheelers MTB team that are now among the most confident and capable riders.
CCAP: How has your son Noah benefitted from being on the team?
Scott: I remember the first few practices we attended. Noah watched from a distance as Coach Morgan Rueckert led the kids through various activities. Although it took him a little while to participate, Noah quickly implemented the same activities on his own, building confidence and assuring himself that he could do it. Since then, Noah has been a steady participant on CCAP road, MTB, and cyclocross teams. His confidence as a cyclist has grown tremendously. More important, though, is the positive interaction with other kids and adults. Noah has become a mentor to younger riders on our MBT team, and he's building a wider network of friendships through participation in CCAP.
A fantastic example of this is that he helped one of our injured coaches out of the woods earlier this season. I'm so proud of that maturity and care for others.
CCAP: Has being involved with youth cycling made you a better Dad? A better cyclist? And if so, can you give some pointers to all the other CCAP-Dads-in-waiting out there?
Scott: Working with youth cyclists has definitely made me a better Dad. I've been passionate about cycling since I was a teenager. As a young adult, I worked in bike shops through college and in the bike industry. When we started our family, I couldn't wait to share my passion for cycling with my kids. But you can't just put your child on a bike and expect them to match your level of enthusiasm for riding immediately. It takes patience, slowing down, adjusting expectations, and usually some ice cream!
All of those things are huge parts of the CCAP community. I recommend that every parent get involved with CCAP, along with their young children, because being a part of the CCAP is the cycling equivalent of community parenting. The kids love riding together, and the parents/coaches love riding with them.
Thank you, Scott! We are humbly grateful for your support over the years, and we are very proud of your team and your son Noah!
The CCAP is appreciative of all the fathers (and moms!) that get involved in helping lead their local cycling teams. One of the missions of the CCAP is to make it simple for enthusiastic adults to start sustainable youth programs.
The CCAP handles training, insurance, permissions, and many other administrative details so that you can focus on riding and teaching your young cyclists!
If you would like more information on starting a team, or if you’d like to assistant coach a local team, reach out to our Program Director Gregg Ferraris by using the link below.
