Quench'd: Weekly Stories for Cyclists
December 11th, 2025 | by Rachel Cohen
Vermont Youth Cycling, led by Rachel Cohen is filled with amazing athletes. The organization has an amazing tradition, where, at the end of the season, athletes get awards, not based on how many races won, but on who fueled the most fun on the team: The Fuel More Fun awards! When you nominate someone, you share why they deserve the award, and the nominations are all amazing and fill us with so much joy.
We love this sportsmanship, focus on fun on the team, and gratitude for each other, so we wanted to share the descriptions of each athlete who was nominated so all of you can get a sense of what an amazing and loving group of kids this is! :)
Thank you so much to Alden Suoko for the header image.
Vermont Youth Cycling, led by Rachel Cohen is filled with amazing athletes. The organization has an amazing tradition, where, at the end of the season, athletes get awards, not based on how many races won, but on who fueled the most fun on the team: The Fuel More Fun awards! When you nominate someone, you share why they deserve the award, and the nominations are all amazing and fill us with so much joy.
We love this sportsmanship, focus on fun on the team, and gratitude for each other, so we wanted to share the descriptions of each athlete who was nominated so all of you can get a sense of what an amazing and loving group of kids this is! :)
Thank you so much to Alden Suoko for the header image.
Off the bike, Julian has done a ton of volunteer work building and maintaining trails in our area that our team and many other riders have enjoyed. He led groups of 8th graders during summer camp trail building. He also spent many hours helping prepare for the race at Kingdom Trails, both last year and this year, and volunteered at the Peacham Fall Fondo. On the bike, Julian has a lot of fun and is always offering to help at practices and teach upcoming riders helpful skills.
Of all our riders this year, Julian has volunteered the most of his own time in order to benefit Hilltopper MTB. From setting up our race course, to working on our trails, to supporting his teammates, Julian leads quietly and humbly. Hilltopper MTB is grateful for Julian's exemplary commitment to our club this season.
Off the bike, Julian has done a ton of volunteer work building and maintaining trails in our area that our team and many other riders have enjoyed. He led groups of 8th graders during summer camp trail building. He also spent many hours helping prepare for the race at Kingdom Trails, both last year and this year, and volunteered at the Peacham Fall Fondo. On the bike, Julian has a lot of fun and is always offering to help at practices and teach upcoming riders helpful skills.
Of all our riders this year, Julian has volunteered the most of his own time in order to benefit Hilltopper MTB. From setting up our race course, to working on our trails, to supporting his teammates, Julian leads quietly and humbly. Hilltopper MTB is grateful for Julian's exemplary commitment to our club this season.
David comes to every practice and every race in a great mood. He is always ready to ride. As a first year racer, he was very nervous at the Cochran’s race and crashed the day before for the pre-ride. But that didn’t stop him! He went out there and gave it his all and was so proud of himself afterwards. His skills have grown during the season and we are always so happy to see his positive attitude.
David comes to every practice and every race in a great mood. He is always ready to ride. As a first year racer, he was very nervous at the Cochran’s race and crashed the day before for the pre-ride. But that didn’t stop him! He went out there and gave it his all and was so proud of himself afterwards. His skills have grown during the season and we are always so happy to see his positive attitude.
Ryan is an outstanding athlete and person. He always has a smile on his face and every ride is ready to give it his all. He is an inspiration to all of the riders on the team and the coaches for how determined he is with challenging himself each time to go a little bit faster.
At the XCO USA Cycling Nationals in Virginia this past summer, Luke Finley demonstrated a level of sportsmanship and perseverance that deserves recognition beyond a podium. Sixty seconds into the race, as he was coming off of the paved straightaway and into the wooded single track, a sharp rock ended his race before it could even begin. Luke entered the woods somewhere in 10th to 12th place out of 58 of the country’s top riders. An hour later, he walked out in 58th place.
A hole torn in his tire, his race was over, essentially still at the starting line. But Luke didn’t quit.
Instead, he walked his bike around the course, watching racers pass him not once, but twice. By the time he finished, he was barefoot (unable to walk the trail in his roadie shoes) after developing blisters from sweat-soaked socks. When he finished, riders were already staging for the next race.
Luke could have stepped off the course, turned around, and complained about the bad luck, someone not noticing the incredibly sharp rock at the edge of the trail, or just wallowing in disappointment. Instead, he chose to finish what he came to do. When I asked what was going through his mind, Luke said, “ I didn’t come all this way to compete at Nationals and not finish at least one lap.”
That moment made me more proud than any medal or podium. That moment speaks volumes. Luke’s decision to walk the course barefoot, blistered, and behind wasn’t about podiums. It was about integrity. It was about honoring the effort it took to get there (by him and his family) and showing others what it means to persevere. He embodied the essence of perseverance, integrity, and humility.
Riding is not just about fueling fun (although that's a HUGE part of it as seen in the hotdog outfit at Woodstock), it’s about fueling your heart, mind, and soul. Anyhow, I see that day this summer as a win, no matter what the timing results say.
Ryan is an outstanding athlete and person. He always has a smile on his face and every ride is ready to give it his all. He is an inspiration to all of the riders on the team and the coaches for how determined he is with challenging himself each time to go a little bit faster.
At the XCO USA Cycling Nationals in Virginia this past summer, Luke Finley demonstrated a level of sportsmanship and perseverance that deserves recognition beyond a podium. Sixty seconds into the race, as he was coming off of the paved straightaway and into the wooded single track, a sharp rock ended his race before it could even begin. Luke entered the woods somewhere in 10th to 12th place out of 58 of the country’s top riders. An hour later, he walked out in 58th place.
A hole torn in his tire, his race was over, essentially still at the starting line. But Luke didn’t quit.
Instead, he walked his bike around the course, watching racers pass him not once, but twice. By the time he finished, he was barefoot (unable to walk the trail in his roadie shoes) after developing blisters from sweat-soaked socks. When he finished, riders were already staging for the next race.
Luke could have stepped off the course, turned around, and complained about the bad luck, someone not noticing the incredibly sharp rock at the edge of the trail, or just wallowing in disappointment. Instead, he chose to finish what he came to do. When I asked what was going through his mind, Luke said, “ I didn’t come all this way to compete at Nationals and not finish at least one lap.”
That moment made me more proud than any medal or podium. That moment speaks volumes. Luke’s decision to walk the course barefoot, blistered, and behind wasn’t about podiums. It was about integrity. It was about honoring the effort it took to get there (by him and his family) and showing others what it means to persevere. He embodied the essence of perseverance, integrity, and humility.
Riding is not just about fueling fun (although that's a HUGE part of it as seen in the hotdog outfit at Woodstock), it’s about fueling your heart, mind, and soul. Anyhow, I see that day this summer as a win, no matter what the timing results say.
Adelaide's enthusiasm for the sport is evident in not only her enjoyment of riding but also in her desire to make connections with riders from a variety of teams by cheering them on and chatting with them in the staging (even practicing/riding with WUHS for the high school series). As one of the few female riders for Borderline and the only older teenage female rider, she spends Borderline practice riding times with the younger girls building bonds of friendship and encouraging their pursuits in the mountain biking community. I know the younger riders enjoy seeing her based on the high pitched squealing that goes on when they come together. As she looks toward the future beyond high school, involvement in VTYC is something that she doesn't want to lose. She shares this in conversations. Who knows what exactly the future will bring, but a passion for riding and the people involved will always travel with her wherever she goes.
Adelaide's enthusiasm for the sport is evident in not only her enjoyment of riding but also in her desire to make connections with riders from a variety of teams by cheering them on and chatting with them in the staging (even practicing/riding with WUHS for the high school series). As one of the few female riders for Borderline and the only older teenage female rider, she spends Borderline practice riding times with the younger girls building bonds of friendship and encouraging their pursuits in the mountain biking community. I know the younger riders enjoy seeing her based on the high pitched squealing that goes on when they come together. As she looks toward the future beyond high school, involvement in VTYC is something that she doesn't want to lose. She shares this in conversations. Who knows what exactly the future will bring, but a passion for riding and the people involved will always travel with her wherever she goes.
Cole volunteered to lead a first time racer through her stages at woodstock, agreeing to ride with her to each stage so that she didn't get lost in her first MTB race! He also is always excited to ride, have fun and be on his bike. So much stoke!!
Cole volunteered to lead a first time racer through her stages at woodstock, agreeing to ride with her to each stage so that she didn't get lost in her first MTB race! He also is always excited to ride, have fun and be on his bike. So much stoke!!
There was a story of this rider at woodstock where as an A he ran up against a 5/6 rider in a segment. He did not try to pass this rider but slowed down and did not pressure to pass or ride up on them fast. even though he was literally the fastest rider that day and the 5/6 was one of the slowest, he let them finish their segment. Really great heart and spirit of the event Fin showed.
There was a story of this rider at woodstock where as an A he ran up against a 5/6 rider in a segment. He did not try to pass this rider but slowed down and did not pressure to pass or ride up on them fast. even though he was literally the fastest rider that day and the 5/6 was one of the slowest, he let them finish their segment. Really great heart and spirit of the event Fin showed.
Last year, Thomas suffered injuries from a crash during a mountain right race that would likely have ended the biking career of most of us. Instead, he approached his rehabilitation and training with more determination and perseverance than ever before. Watching him work his way back into skiing and mountain biking has brought me inspiration as to the strength of the human spirit. To watch him bike, to see that joyous smile on his face, to see him supporting his friends and teammates in everything he does, has helped me to be a better person. I am more determined not to let obstacles stop me from achieving my goals. I am reminded each time I see Thomas ride that real strength llies not in our VO2 Max and size of our muscles, but in the strength of the heart and mind. Thomas reminds me of this each time I see him fly across the finish line with the world's biggest grin on his face.
Last year, Thomas suffered injuries from a crash during a mountain right race that would likely have ended the biking career of most of us. Instead, he approached his rehabilitation and training with more determination and perseverance than ever before. Watching him work his way back into skiing and mountain biking has brought me inspiration as to the strength of the human spirit. To watch him bike, to see that joyous smile on his face, to see him supporting his friends and teammates in everything he does, has helped me to be a better person. I am more determined not to let obstacles stop me from achieving my goals. I am reminded each time I see Thomas ride that real strength llies not in our VO2 Max and size of our muscles, but in the strength of the heart and mind. Thomas reminds me of this each time I see him fly across the finish line with the world's biggest grin on his face.
Sage is so encouraging, and always supportive no matter what the outcome is! Even when I don’t have a great race, she tells me it was awesome, and helps me focus on the positive.
Between injury and illness, Sage missed a lot of race training this year -- not that you'd notice if you have seen her ride! But, because not giving up fuels more fun, Sage does not give up! Even after having an asthma attack at the start of the Kingdom Trails race, rather than going home, she stayed and raced in another more challenging category.
Sage is so encouraging, and always supportive no matter what the outcome is! Even when I don’t have a great race, she tells me it was awesome, and helps me focus on the positive.
Between injury and illness, Sage missed a lot of race training this year -- not that you'd notice if you have seen her ride! But, because not giving up fuels more fun, Sage does not give up! Even after having an asthma attack at the start of the Kingdom Trails race, rather than going home, she stayed and raced in another more challenging category.
There have been many times throughout my races when I felt like quitting. I wasn’t fast enough, I didn’t have enough energy, or other problems I convinced myself of. Illya always stood on the side, sometimes riding next to me off course, encouraging me. She was often the only reason I continued. If I could choose one person to be on a team with for the rest of my life, it would be Illya. I will forever be grateful for her constant support and excited energy.
There have been many times throughout my races when I felt like quitting. I wasn’t fast enough, I didn’t have enough energy, or other problems I convinced myself of. Illya always stood on the side, sometimes riding next to me off course, encouraging me. She was often the only reason I continued. If I could choose one person to be on a team with for the rest of my life, it would be Illya. I will forever be grateful for her constant support and excited energy.
Peter is always positive and enjoys everything he does no matter what. He spreads happiness to others when they are not feeling it. He always cheers on his teammates. Everyone should be a little more like Peter!
Peter is always positive and enjoys everything he does no matter what. He spreads happiness to others when they are not feeling it. He always cheers on his teammates. Everyone should be a little more like Peter!
Oz, currently a junior at Mt Abe high school in Bristol, VT, has been riding with our team since its inception. Since then, Oz has championed our local pump track, skate park, and single track trails with his own enthusiasm for riding as well as a keen knack for design and fundraising to boot! His perpetual energy is contagious to peers and adults on our team, and we see it rubbing off on all those around him. He can be witnessed doing wheelies through xc race sections where adoring fans are watching, preferring to keep the attention on joy even while displaying incredible grit in the top race categories. He volunteers his time toward community endeavors that support youth on wheels and may even be spotted pushing an outhouse on wheels in our annual 4th of July competition!
Oz is a consistently positive leader, beginning with his dependable stature as a summer counselor in our feeder mountain bike camps. He even drives coaches to practice from time to time, and becomes a shuttle driver for the team at distant trail rides. Oz makes connections effortlessly just by being his genuine athletic self, overflowing with knowledge about gear, trail systems, and the latest trick he may be trying to perfect. He is so passionate about a diversity of fun experiences, that he chatted (perhaps through the entire uphill climb at KT race) with competing racers about finishing their XC race so they can all get back to more laps on Burke's downhill trails. He shows amazing dedication to his own athletic craft, which continually inspires us all to pedal more and connect while doing it!
Oz, currently a junior at Mt Abe high school in Bristol, VT, has been riding with our team since its inception. Since then, Oz has championed our local pump track, skate park, and single track trails with his own enthusiasm for riding as well as a keen knack for design and fundraising to boot! His perpetual energy is contagious to peers and adults on our team, and we see it rubbing off on all those around him. He can be witnessed doing wheelies through xc race sections where adoring fans are watching, preferring to keep the attention on joy even while displaying incredible grit in the top race categories. He volunteers his time toward community endeavors that support youth on wheels and may even be spotted pushing an outhouse on wheels in our annual 4th of July competition!
Oz is a consistently positive leader, beginning with his dependable stature as a summer counselor in our feeder mountain bike camps. He even drives coaches to practice from time to time, and becomes a shuttle driver for the team at distant trail rides. Oz makes connections effortlessly just by being his genuine athletic self, overflowing with knowledge about gear, trail systems, and the latest trick he may be trying to perfect. He is so passionate about a diversity of fun experiences, that he chatted (perhaps through the entire uphill climb at KT race) with competing racers about finishing their XC race so they can all get back to more laps on Burke's downhill trails. He shows amazing dedication to his own athletic craft, which continually inspires us all to pedal more and connect while doing it!
I’m nominating 2 riders together as when these two riders show up together (as they do almost every practice) I know we are in for a fun practice! They consistently prioritize cycling and show up for practice. They bring a positive attitude and a strong work ethic and their joy and passion for biking is on full display at every practice. And even though they’re super tight, they welcome all of their teammates.
Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to improving his skill, speed, and endurance we have seen James Channon make it onto the podium for the first time ever this year and then win his category enduro on his "home turf." The many, many, many, many laps at Cochran's paid off! At the same time, he never lets his success and dedication to going faster take the fun out of riding.
And with James comes Jon Collins! Jon still has a ways to go with his skills but let’s not hold that against him. He hasn’t yet learned how to use both of his wheels as he seems to always be in a wheelie or manual. And when he gets air, he can’t help throwing a huge whip. This being his first season with the team, we have greatly enjoyed getting to know him and the energy he brings.
James and Jon thanks for fueling the team with your passion and joy for mountain biking and for bringing the fun!
I’m nominating 2 riders together as when these two riders show up together (as they do almost every practice) I know we are in for a fun practice! They consistently prioritize cycling and show up for practice. They bring a positive attitude and a strong work ethic and their joy and passion for biking is on full display at every practice. And even though they’re super tight, they welcome all of their teammates.
Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to improving his skill, speed, and endurance we have seen James Channon make it onto the podium for the first time ever this year and then win his category enduro on his "home turf." The many, many, many, many laps at Cochran's paid off! At the same time, he never lets his success and dedication to going faster take the fun out of riding.
And with James comes Jon Collins! Jon still has a ways to go with his skills but let’s not hold that against him. He hasn’t yet learned how to use both of his wheels as he seems to always be in a wheelie or manual. And when he gets air, he can’t help throwing a huge whip. This being his first season with the team, we have greatly enjoyed getting to know him and the energy he brings.
James and Jon thanks for fueling the team with your passion and joy for mountain biking and for bringing the fun!
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