Introducing Johnson City’s new program lead

“Boring” isn’t a word Meredith Muse has much use for. She started mountain biking because it challenged both her brain and her body and, if that wasn’t enough to keep things lively, now she carries an app with her that allows her to identify plant and animal species when she’s out riding. It’s this curiosity and zest for learning that Meredith will bring to the Little Bellas program in Johnson City, Tenn. this year. She’s stepping into the role of Lead after signing up to be a mentor last year.

Financial Assistance and Gear Up

2020 was a challenging year for holding Little Bellas camps like the one in Johnson City but despite COVID, demand for programs didn’t diminish going into 2021. Johnson City already has an abundance of natural resources for mountain biking, and Little Bellas is making sure that program participants have the necessary resources too through its Financial Assistance and Gear Up programs.

“A lot of people hear mountain biking and think that it requires all this gear,” Meredith said. “I always say, ‘Ride what you have, wear what you have,’ – you don’t need all that stuff to be a mountain biker. I think the Financial Assistance and Gear Up programs reinforce that.”

Financial Assistance

Little Bellas provides financial assistance to help cover up to 100% of the registration cost for participants in need. Families may register a participant(s) at zero dollars to secure a spot in each of our programs. 

Gear Up

Little Bellas provides gear to participants who need a bike and/or helmet to use during its programs.

Both programs are described in more detail on the FA/GU page at littlebellas.com.

Winged Deer Park

Another way in which Little Bellas helps make mountain biking more accessible for girls is to hold camps in areas that accommodate a wide range of skills. Winged Deer Park north of Johnson City has an appealing mix of rolling terrain with some surprise pitches to keep Little Bellas challenged and alert. The well-thought-out program curriculum has been designed to empower young women through mountain biking, and key to that is the venue that’s neither too easy nor too difficult. Overcoming obstacles breeds self-confidence, and Winged Deer Park is the perfect setting for victories both big and small.

“I want the girls to come away with a sense of confidence,” Meredith said. “There’s only one ‘you’ – you don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be.”

Quack Quack where to go for a post-ride snack!

After a Little Bellas session Meredith suggested hitting up White Duck Taco and its neighbor Yee-Haw Brewing for some one-of-a-kind taste treats at the end of the trail. She added that Yee-Haw has been a big supporter of mountain biking in Johnson City and hosts pint nights to benefit the SORBA Tri-Cities non-profit mountain bike advocacy organization. Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza also made her list for kid-friendly places to go once the wheels come to a stop for the day.

The Johnson City Little Bellas program starts June 8; registration is currently open. To learn more or to register, click here.

Want to know more about mountain biking in Johnson City?

We first wrote about JC in our “Postcard from…” series about new Little Bellas programs for 2020. Click here to read “Next stop Johnson City.”

Or, our friends at Bikerumor.com featured JC as part of its “Where to ride” series.