RANCHO CORDOVA — Twenty-six students from Cordova High School are riding into the future with new skills, new confidence and brand-new bicycles after completing a comprehensive 10-week cycling academy hosted by the American River Bike Patrol (ARBP). The achievement marks a major milestone for the Cordova High Velo Lancers, who capped off the program with a 32-mile ride from Beals Point at Folsom Lake all the way to Discovery Park in Sacramento.
The ARBP Bike Academy introduces high school students to safe cycling, first aid, bike maintenance and trail etiquette through hands-on, mentor-guided instruction. Students begin with short starter rides and gradually build toward the long-distance finale, gaining not only technical knowledge but a deeper sense of teamwork, perseverance and outdoor awareness along the way.
“This academy does far more than teach kids how to ride,” said Vic Massenkoff, spokesperson for the American River Bike Patrol. “It builds confidence, independence, and a connection to outdoor recreation that can last a lifetime.”
A major part of the program’s success comes from partnerships with Trek Bicycles, the City of Rancho Cordova and generous community donors. Each graduate received a new Trek FX1 bicycle, giving them the tools to continue riding safely long after the academy ends. Rancho Cordova has been a key supporter, contributing Community Enhancement and Investment Fund grants and providing a celebratory police motorcycle escort for the students during the final two miles of their graduation ride—a moment that ended in cheers from families and community members.
Cordova High School Principal Amy Strawn said the benefits of the academy extend far beyond the milestone ride. “This program connects our students to their community in meaningful ways,” Strawn said. “By pairing students with mentors and giving them tools to succeed, the Velo Lancers fosters responsibility, teamwork, and community pride that ripple far beyond our school.”
Program coordinator Rich Fowler said watching the students grow throughout the 10 weeks is one of the most rewarding aspects of the academy. “The transformation we see in these students is inspiring,” Fowler said. “They learned to take on challenges and believe in themselves and each other. They formed quite a team and now share the joy of exploring their community by bike.”
Lead mentor Lary Bucher said the experience offers just as much fulfillment for the adult volunteers guiding the students. “It’s hard to tell sometimes who benefits most, the students or the mentors,” Bucher said. “It’s a genuine win-win situation for both.” This year’s program also included expanded Safety Skills training led by Fowler, a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor.
The American River Bike Patrol, a volunteer-run nonprofit, has become a recognized force for trail safety and outdoor education along the American River Parkway. ARBP’s work with the Velo Lancers is a natural extension of its mission to educate, equip and empower recreationists of all ages. Mentors come from across the region, including Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Loomis and Auburn.
Established in 2020, ARBP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a unit of the National Ski Patrol’s National Bike Patrol program. With 110 members, the group now serves as trail ambassadors on more than 400 miles of bike paths and multi-use trails—assisting cyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians and others with first aid, basic bike repairs, directions and safety needs. ARBP has twice been named the best bike patrol in the nation and holds multiple lifesaving awards.
The organization continues to expand its services through new agreements with Sacramento and Roseville and with its Mountain Bike Unit serving Folsom Lake, Auburn State Recreation Area and Placer County’s Hidden Falls and Dry Creek trails. With more trail systems coming online, ARBP is actively recruiting new volunteer safety patrollers from throughout the Sacramento region.
Those interested in joining or supporting the program can visit americanriverbikepatrol.org or find the group on Facebook at American River Bike Patrol.
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