Cordova high students embarking on 32-mile bike ride on American River Trail

Eighteen Cordova High School students are embarking on a fun, challenging and fulfilling endeavor on October 31; they will be riding all 32 miles of the American River Trail as the grand finale of this year's Bike Academy graduation. The Bike Academy is a 10-week program, organized by the American River Bike Patrol. The ARBP Bike Academy aims to introduce students from all walks of life to the joy of cycling and teach safe biking skills for both trails and city streets. The program also teaches the concepts of persistence, teamwork, and practical skills such as bike maintenance and first aid. The program also exposes students to the trails and rivers that define the Sacramento region, say organizers. Students who take part in the program are selected by school staff; they commit to bike riding ten Saturdays in the fall. Mentors of the program teach the students core riding, mechanic, first aid and safety skills. Weekly rides for the students begin with 5 miles and they gradually build up to the grand finale of the 32-mile trek along the entire American River Trail. Those who complete the program receive a brand-new Trek FX bicycle. Cordova High School Principal Amy Strawn said in an informational guide about the program that this bike academy is much more significant than learning about riding a bike. "This is more than a ride. It's a path to self-confidence," said Strawn. This year's ceremony is going to be attended by Rancho Cordova Mayor Garrett Gatewood, Rancho Cordova Police Chief Shaun Hampton (who will be one of the police motorcycle officers escorting the riders over the finish line), Sacramento County Parks Director Liz Bellas and Sacramento Fire Chief Chris Costamagna.The ride begins at 8am from Beales Point and ends at about 1130am at Discovery Park.