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As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, we are celebrating one of the most impactful years in Wheel Fun's history.
This year, Wheel Fun served students at 52 schools across 11 Arizona counties through free school based programs that help young people build confidence, develop healthy habits, form meaningful relationships, and discover a sense of belonging. We celebrated three Logan's Hero Dirt Scholarship recipients, completed another successful summer camp season, and are preparing to expand to 61 schools across 13 counties this fall.
Every ride, every after school meeting, and every shared challenge on the trail helped create opportunities for students to be known, supported, and connected. From rural communities and tribal lands to mountain towns and border communities, thousands of Arizona youth found adventure, friendship, and encouragement through Wheel Fun.
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The excitement continued this summer as students from across Arizona came together for another successful Wheel Fun Summer Camp season in Flagstaff.
Over four unforgettable days, 7 participating schools explored new trails, rode Ft. Tuthill Bike Park, developed riding skills, built confidence, made lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with them for years to come. Students challenged themselves, encouraged one another, and discovered what they are capable of when surrounded by supportive peers and mentors.
One of the things that makes Wheel Fun unique is that our camps and school based programs are offered completely free to schools and families. We believe every child deserves opportunities to belong, grow, and thrive regardless of financial circumstances.
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Adventures Beyond the Schoolyard
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This spring, many of our clubs expanded their horizons through special off campus riding adventures.
Students from Topock Elementary explored Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park. Fredonia Elementary riders ventured out to Knab Reservoir. Hotevilla Bacavi Community School students traveled to Sedona's trails and bike parks. Riders from Rim Country Middle School explored the trails of Pine and Strawberry. Grand Canyon Elementary students visited Fort Tuthill Bike Park and Campbell Mesa, while Mountain View Preparatory riders took on the trails at Blowout Wash.
These experiences gave students opportunities to explore new places, challenge themselves, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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National Recognition for the Oak Creek School Cross Country Trail System
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We are honored to share that the Oak Creek School Cross Country Trail System has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 Coalition for Recreational Trails Annual Achievement Award in the Public Private Partnership category.
Presented in Washington, D.C., the Coalition for Recreational Trails Annual Achievement Awards recognize outstanding projects from across the nation that demonstrate excellence in the use of Recreational Trails Program funding.
The Oak Creek School Cross Country Trail System was made possible through a collaborative partnership between Wheel Fun, Cottonwood Oak Creek School District, Arizona State Parks and Trails, local volunteers, community partners, and supporters who believe in creating meaningful outdoor opportunities for young people.
More than a trail system, this project has become an outdoor classroom where students build confidence, develop skills, connect with nature, and experience the benefits of physical activity close to home.
We are incredibly proud to see this project receive national recognition and grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.
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Celebrating Our Coaches and Volunteers
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The success of Wheel Fun is made possible by extraordinary coaches, volunteers, and community members who continually go above and beyond for young people.
This season we want to recognize Coach Billy from Huachuca City Middle School, who drove hours each day to ensure students could participate in Spring Camp opportunities.
We also celebrate the Basham family in Benson, who not only supported camp programming but helped many students participate in their first mountain bike race.
Special recognition goes to Coach Chuck Clemmons and Coach Chad Hale at Doctor Daniel Bright School for organizing and leading a successful Bike to School Day event that brought students, families, and the school community together. They also rocked their coaching roles at our summer camp!
To all of our volunteer coaches, mentors, families, and supporters, thank you for showing up for kids every day.
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Project Bike Tech Expands in 2026-2027
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Wheel Fun is excited to continue growing Project Bike Tech during the 2026-2027 school year.
Next year, students will have access to two Project Bike Tech classes, providing even more opportunities for hands-on learning, workforce development, and career exploration.
Through Project Bike Tech, students learn bicycle mechanics, problem solving, teamwork, and technical skills while gaining exposure to careers within the cycling and outdoor industries. The program helps students build confidence, develop practical skills, and explore future educational and employment pathways.
We are grateful for the support of our Project Bike Tech partners, including Trek, SRAM, Shimano, Giant, Specialized, Outride, the MHA Foundation, Arizona Complete Health, Alfred H. and Janet L. Lander Family Charitable Foundation, and New Belgium Brewing Company. Their investment is helping create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of riders, mechanics, and industry leaders.
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Celebrating Our 2026 Logan's Hero Dirt Scholarship Recipients
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Each year, the Logan's Hero Dirt Scholarship recognizes outstanding young people who embody the values of perseverance, leadership, character, and community that are at the heart of Wheel Fun.
We are proud to congratulate our 2026 scholarship recipients:
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Race Armstrong
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Monte Hammond
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Owen Naylor
These students have demonstrated a commitment to personal growth, positive leadership, and supporting those around them. Their accomplishments both on and off the bike reflect the lasting impact that strong communities, caring mentors, and meaningful opportunities can have on young people.
Congratulations to Race, Monte, and Owen. We are excited to see what the future holds for each of you.
https://wheelfun.org/logans-hero-dirt-scholarship-fund/
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Short Creek Bike Park Update
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Exciting progress continues on the Short Creek Bike Park project.
Arizona Complete Health has committed $75,000 toward the project, helping move this community vision closer to reality. Wheel Fun and Mohave County were also awarded a Community Development Block Grant to support bike park development, with additional funding opportunities still pending.
When completed, the Short Creek Bike Park will provide a lasting recreational asset where youth and families can ride, connect, and stay active for generations to come.
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Looking Ahead to Fall 2026
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The momentum continues this fall as Wheel Fun launches nine new programs and expands into two new counties.
New programs will open at The Lodge Teen Center in Apache County and Bouse Elementary School in La Paz County, marking Wheel Fun's expansion into two new regions of Arizona. Additional programs will launch at San Luis Middle School, Somerton Middle School, and Rio Colorado Elementary School in Yuma County; Pima Elementary School in Graham County; Page Elementary School in Coconino County; and Tangerine Farms and Utterback Middle School in Pima County.
These additions will bring Wheel Fun to 61 school based programs serving youth across 13 Arizona counties.
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None of this would be possible without the schools, families, volunteers, coaches, donors, foundations, businesses, and community partners who believe in Arizona's young people.
Thank you to Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund, Cottonwood Oak Creek School District, Arizona State Parks and Trails, Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona, Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, Arizona Community Foundation of Page, Shimano, Giant, Outride Fund, Town of Camp Verde, Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition, New Belgium Brewing Company, Thunderbirds Charities, L&M Sky Fund, Cyrus M. Quigley Foundation, Apache County, City of Cottonwood, Arizona Complete Health, Yavapai County Safe Routes to School, Singletrack Futures Foundation, Catena Foundation, Burton Family Foundation, United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Beaty Martinez Foundation, H.S. Lopez Family Foundation, John F. Long Foundation, Camp Verde Community Outreach, Sundt Foundation, Dick's Sporting, Goldin Foundation, Alfred H. and Janet L. Lander Family Charitable Foundation, SRAM, Specialized, Trek, the MHA Foundation, and the many individual donors and volunteers who make this work possible.
Together, you are helping ensure that every young person has the opportunity to be known, supported, challenged, and connected.
Thank you for being part of the Wheel Fun family. We can't wait to see what the next season brings.
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