U-19 Racer Mentor Program Wildly Successful!
With 31-participating youth student-athletes, the Mentor program was incredibly rewarding for all who participated. In its 3rd year, this program is led by Helena Gilbert Snyder from Monarch Racing with the support of SheSends Foundation, Moriah Wilson Foundation, and KaiVelo Foundation. Under Helena’s amazing energy, she was able to rally an experienced crew of mentors to participate. One mentor, that needs no introduction, Katerina Nash, shared, “I think the program is amazing because not only do you get to talk about all things bikes, but you are doing it while racing. I had a really good time riding and chatting with my mentee and was thankful for the new experience. It’s neat to be focused on another person rather than any of my goals and to see the course in such a different perspective. Thank you Helena and Grasshopper Adventures for putting this important program together.”
Entering its 3rd year in 2025, the Low Gap Hopper Mentor Program builds confidence in the next generation of female cyclists by providing comprehensive support for high school aged riders in their first gravel event that is held annually in late January at the Grasshopper Adventure Series’
The Hoppers align perfectly with Moriah’s belief in the power of the cycling community and her desire to inspire others to ride bikes and to be active. It is for these reasons, that Moriah rode in (and won) as many Hoppers as she could. We know that Moriah would have been an active participant in the Hopper Mentor Program as it is enabling young women to find their power on and off the bike.
Unlike your typical cycling event, Hoppers are a celebration of the spirit of adventure and pursuit of the unknown. From elite athletes to those newer to gravel riding, everyone is welcome to test their mettle in these one-of-a-kind adventures, which are held monthly, starting in January through late May each year and they have long attracted top pros seeking early season training. While drawing an experienced and competitive field, the events also welcome riders who are new to gravel touring and have become “must do” events for Northern Californians seeking fun and
challenging adventures. Founded in 1998 by Miguel Crawford (2023 Gravel Hall of Fame Inductee), Hoppers are the longest running gravel/mixed terrain adventure series, making the series a true pioneer in the field.
Here’s link to Moriah’s results at one of the grasshopper races: