Cadence Cycling Foundation Update
By David Berson

The Cadence Cycling Foundation has been training over 60 inner-city children to help them grow not only as athletes, but in all areas of their lives. Brandon Waite, 17, of Southwest Philadelphia is the oldest of five boys, will be a senior at Penn Wood High School, and hopes to attend Drexel or Temple University after graduation. Dasan Gregory, 15, of South Philadelphia will enter the 10th grade at Edward Bok Technical School in September. He is also the quarterback of the football team. We asked both participants the same questions. Here’s what they had to say about their involvement in the Cadence Cycling Foundation.

LSM: What were your initial thoughts about joining the Cadence program?

Brandon: The program is really cool – I really love coming to the sessions.

Dasan: I didn’t really know much about cycling before I joined the program. I ride with the Interstate Properties team. It’s been a lot of fun and we’ve had some great experiences.

LSM: What is the most important thing that you have learned so far in the program?

Brandon: I have learned that there is more to the sport of cycling than just riding a bike. There are a lot of tactics and subtle things you need to do in order to do well.

Dasan: The importance of hard work and also nutrition. I learned how important nutrition was during the Cancer Ride in July.

LSM: Have the lessons learned during your participation in the Cadence Cycling Foundation crossed over into your every day life?

Brandon: Yes. The foundation and training have given me a lot of confidence which carries over to my every day life. I realize that I need to be a role model for the younger kids in the program and the CCF is giving me the opportunities to be that leader or role model.

Dasan: Yes – they have carried over to my job in that I need to show everyday. Also, that you need to put in the hard work to see success or improvement.

LSM: What has been the reaction of your family to your involvement in cycling?

Brandon: My family has been supportive even though they don’t have much knowledge of cycling. They like the fact that I’m involved in an activity.

Dasan: They have been very supportive. They like it that the program keeps me off the street and involved with a healthy activity. Also, they like it that I’m riding to help other people like the cancer ride this past July.

LSM: Describe the coolest thing you have done so far. What was the most challenging?

Brandon: The coolest thing so far was going to the press conference in Doylestown, PA for the Univest Grand Prix, which we’ll be racing at in September. It was great meeting John Eustice. (Ed. Former pro cyclist, National Champion, and promoter of the Univest Grand Prix) The hardest thing so far has been the TT efforts in Fairmont Park. They were really hard!

Dasan: The coolest things so far in the program were beating Cadence Coach and Pro Cyclist, Tucker Brown, in several sprints during the winter training at Cadence. Also, riding the CompuTrainer during the winter was really cool. The biggest challenge so far was the cancer ride.

LSM: Where do you see yourself in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years? Has the foundation changed your outlook of what you are capable of?

Brandon: In one year, I see myself racing and on a team. In 5 years, I hope to be racing professionally. In 10 years, still racing, but settled down somewhere. The foundation has given me more confidence and motivation heading into the school year.

Dasan: In one year racing bikes and playing football. In five years either racing in college or playing football in college. In 10 years racing professionally or playing in the NFL.

The Cadence Cycling Foundation is teaching its participants about commitment, discipline, and setting goals, not only in sport but also in life. The implication is clear. American and European racing will be getting an injection of talented, strong, and well-trained athletes. Colleges will see more students enter and succeed and employers will see focused and goal oriented individuals entering the workforce.
Find our more on the Cadence Cycling Foundation at www.cadencecycling.com.

The Cadence Cycling Foundation is a non-profit, 501 C3 organization. Volunteers to provide mentoring are needed and donations are tax deductible. Is your neighborhood, school, or child interested in the program? Contact Ryan at 215-508-4300 or by email at roelkers@cadencecycling.com for more information.

Ed. note: Liberty Sports Magazine is a supporter of the Cadence Cycling Foundation. We will be featuring a profile of individuals and groups as they rise through the foundation.