Help support Jon's Olympic Goals
Donation protected
Many of you have asked that I set up this page to allow you to support my 15-year-old cyclist son Jon. He has been given the opportunity to attend the USA Cycling Track Sprint ID Camp July 7th-14th at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A little about the camp from the USA Cycling web page: this is a "track sprint-focused talent ID camp to help find America's next medal hopes ...to help give riders the opportunity to showcase their talent to USA Cycling." Jon knows that you to be the best you have to start somewhere.
Jon's Goals:
1. Earn a spot on the USA Cycling Sprint Development Team
2. Gain valuable experience and testing with the elite track cycling coaches.
3. Gain wisdom and skills from the elite cycling participants.
Estimated Trip Expenses: Since the Olympic Training Center has no availabilities for housing, we're responsible for getting it. Jon also doesn't have sponsor money to cover any costs (but we know that will change in the future!) Estimated Budget: Automotive Travel from Orange County to Colorado Springs as well as back and forth to the training facility
Fuel: estimated $631
Hotel/Food: $1450 (10 days)
Camp fees: $240
Big Wish:
Equipment costs (aero wheels, tools) $3,000
Jon's commitment to track cycling started after his football career teetered on a neck injury that would not go away. After months and months of work with doctors and therapy he took the advice of his sports medicine pediatrician and went 100% to something he'd done since he was 8-years-old - cycling. But it wasn't just sticking with road cycling, he wanted to devote to racing on the 45 degree angled boards of the LA Velodrome. Thanks to the support of the awesome leaders there, Jon has continued to learn how to handle the speed, competition and danger of track cycling.
He worked and saved his money to buy a bike and equipment needed to do this specialized sport as well as devoted to work around his already busy school schedule to train on the road and at the Velodrome.
Despite the demanding schedule, Jon is still one of the top students and leaders in his school. Now that he has summer break, he's been training in the early mornings with his coach and Canadian Olympian Travis Smith - improvement never stops. Because of Travis' work, Jon earned a hard fought third place among 7 riders in the SCNCA Jr Track Cycling Omnium Championships this month. It was his first time at the San Diego track but he was up fighting at the top of the order on a very unknown and bumpy track. And it was also his first time at the SCNCA Championships.
He's also been running with the aged 23 and up guys at the LA Velodrome for Friday night races etc while routinely placing in the top 5 of 20+ fields. So he's a hard working, fearless, dedicated and focused young man - plus, he's drug free, a leader, academically excellent, honorable and a great representative of the sport. He's also shown the ability to take clear direction in a precise way that brings great improvement.
It's a great opportunity for Jon and I realize this is a very big ask from you given the short notice. We've asked if some of our friends have friends or family in the Colorado Springs area who'd be able to host Jon and myself during this time - but it's looking like that's not possible. Those of you who know how our last 3-years have been understand the financial reasons I'm asking for support for Jon. And we're so grateful for your support - any little bit helps.
We'll be driving from Southern California so we can have a car while in Colorado Springs. The Olympic training center housing is full so we'll have to get a reasonably priced hotel for the 9 days too. Even better if we can find a host family!!
I want to thank those of you who've already given. Your support has been overwhelming to Jon and the family. He realizes what a great responsibility he has as a steward of the time and talent he's been given. And if you don't choose to give then it's okay. Know that we definitely ask, in addition, for your prayers and thoughts of support for Jon. With either choice, you can be an integral part of helping Jon in his quest. Thanks in advance! You are so full of awesome.
Jon's Goals:
1. Earn a spot on the USA Cycling Sprint Development Team
2. Gain valuable experience and testing with the elite track cycling coaches.
3. Gain wisdom and skills from the elite cycling participants.
Estimated Trip Expenses: Since the Olympic Training Center has no availabilities for housing, we're responsible for getting it. Jon also doesn't have sponsor money to cover any costs (but we know that will change in the future!) Estimated Budget: Automotive Travel from Orange County to Colorado Springs as well as back and forth to the training facility
Fuel: estimated $631
Hotel/Food: $1450 (10 days)
Camp fees: $240
Big Wish:
Equipment costs (aero wheels, tools) $3,000
Jon's commitment to track cycling started after his football career teetered on a neck injury that would not go away. After months and months of work with doctors and therapy he took the advice of his sports medicine pediatrician and went 100% to something he'd done since he was 8-years-old - cycling. But it wasn't just sticking with road cycling, he wanted to devote to racing on the 45 degree angled boards of the LA Velodrome. Thanks to the support of the awesome leaders there, Jon has continued to learn how to handle the speed, competition and danger of track cycling.
He worked and saved his money to buy a bike and equipment needed to do this specialized sport as well as devoted to work around his already busy school schedule to train on the road and at the Velodrome.
Despite the demanding schedule, Jon is still one of the top students and leaders in his school. Now that he has summer break, he's been training in the early mornings with his coach and Canadian Olympian Travis Smith - improvement never stops. Because of Travis' work, Jon earned a hard fought third place among 7 riders in the SCNCA Jr Track Cycling Omnium Championships this month. It was his first time at the San Diego track but he was up fighting at the top of the order on a very unknown and bumpy track. And it was also his first time at the SCNCA Championships.
He's also been running with the aged 23 and up guys at the LA Velodrome for Friday night races etc while routinely placing in the top 5 of 20+ fields. So he's a hard working, fearless, dedicated and focused young man - plus, he's drug free, a leader, academically excellent, honorable and a great representative of the sport. He's also shown the ability to take clear direction in a precise way that brings great improvement.
It's a great opportunity for Jon and I realize this is a very big ask from you given the short notice. We've asked if some of our friends have friends or family in the Colorado Springs area who'd be able to host Jon and myself during this time - but it's looking like that's not possible. Those of you who know how our last 3-years have been understand the financial reasons I'm asking for support for Jon. And we're so grateful for your support - any little bit helps.
We'll be driving from Southern California so we can have a car while in Colorado Springs. The Olympic training center housing is full so we'll have to get a reasonably priced hotel for the 9 days too. Even better if we can find a host family!!
I want to thank those of you who've already given. Your support has been overwhelming to Jon and the family. He realizes what a great responsibility he has as a steward of the time and talent he's been given. And if you don't choose to give then it's okay. Know that we definitely ask, in addition, for your prayers and thoughts of support for Jon. With either choice, you can be an integral part of helping Jon in his quest. Thanks in advance! You are so full of awesome.
Organizer
Steve Mitchell
Organizer
Orange, CA
