Our Mission & History

Mission

The Pony Shop Juniors Team is dedicated to introducing young riders to bicycle racing. We offer training opportunities to help our riders learn new skills, to prepare for races and events, and to have fun! The team strives to provide a welcoming environment for both new and experienced riders, as they prepare to race in the junior boys and girls categories (ages 8-18) of USACycling. Our goal is to create a life-long love for cycling, whatever discipline it may be, and for kids to spend time exercising outside in a healthy manner. We judge success more from kids choosing to participate, and not quit, than from counting the number of races we've won.


History

Founded in 2011, the Pony Shop Juniors cycling team came together when Pony Shop owner Lou Kuhn asked Paul Swinand if he was interested in organizing a juniors team to participate in the Chicago Cyclocross Cup.  Since that time, the team has grown from a small group of friends and their kids, to young riders and families from around the Chicago area and multiple disciplines. The team’s roster averages about 30-40 riders and many Ponies first get involved through the summer beginner programs at the Northbrook Velodrome.