CAF-Idaho Adaptive Mountain Bike Club Empowers 37 Riders This Season

Ten riders tried adaptive mountain biking for the first time this season, and 14 bikes changed hands through the program’s loaner fleet, Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Idaho chapter reported as it wrapped up a seven-month season of rides across Boise’s trail system.

From April through October, the CAF-Idaho Adaptive Mountain Bike Club, based out of the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, turned Military Reserve, Camel’s Back Reserve, and the newly opened Kevin Pavlis Park in Avimor into a weekly gathering place for athletes with physical disabilities. The season drew 37 participants, 3 coaches, and 17 volunteers, with rides averaging 17 athletes and volunteers each time out. All participants were 18 and older, ranging from brand-new riders to veterans of the trails.

Gear That Gets Riders on Singletrack

Access to proper equipment made the difference between watching from the sidelines and riding, and the club’s support showed up in the numbers. CAF loaned out 14 bikes total, including 12 adaptive mountain bikes and two e-assist upright bikes. Two riders with visual impairments used the club’s tandem mountain bike, riding beside guide pilots who helped them follow the trails safely, making the sport more accessible.

Two participants from the Fieldhouse FORGED program also put their developing adaptive mountain bike skills to the test on real trails, moving from the training ground to the terrain they had been preparing for.

Grant Bikes Mean Independence

Some of the season’s most meaningful moments came from athletes getting bikes of their own. CAF grant recipients Becki Walters and David Vogt took to the trails on bicycles provided through foundation grants, a milestone that ensured they could enjoy the sport long after club outings and borrowed gear were no longer available. Owning a bike changes the relationship an athlete has with the sport: it means riding whenever the trails call, not just when a club session is scheduled.

Consistency That Turns a First Try Into a Passion

The season built on momentum from April’s Mountain Bike Basecamp, and the attendance data showed real follow-through. Throughout the season, James Barnett made it to 75% of all rides, demonstrating a consistency that highlights both his commitment and the club’s success at maintaining athlete involvement. Becki Walters participated in half of the season’s rides, continuing to build skills and confidence trail by trail. While a single clinic may familiarize a person with adaptive mountain biking, participating in rides across an entire season is what transforms an initial attempt into a true passion.

A Community Built on Trails and Trust

Beyond the equipment and the mileage, what stood out was the sense of community. Riders returned week after week not just for the trails but for the people. Coaches worked one-on-one with athletes to refine techniques, volunteers logged hours assisting with setup and support, and the group created an environment where riders felt comfortable pushing their limits. Community partners were instrumental: Ridge to Rivers enabled entry to several of Boise’s finest trail networks, Mission43 and SWIMBA offered assistance to expand the program’s scope, and 100% supplied resources that ensured athletes remained properly and safely outfitted for each outing. Photographer Josh Sweeney captured riders climbing, handling difficult terrain, and celebrating after a ride.

What the Season Proves About Boise’s Trails

The season demonstrated that given appropriate gear, guidance, and a supportive community, Boise’s trail systems welcome cyclists regardless of their skill level or physical capability. Whether someone came out for a first ride or a fiftieth, the season offered a place to grow, connect, and ride.