Hub Loves Our Seniors! - Whit mcdonald
Hub Loves Our Seniors!
Saying goodbye to our graduating Hub riders isn’t easy. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and positive leadership have shaped who we are as a team. As mentors and role models, their impact will continue to resonate long after they’ve moved on to what’s next.
While we’ll miss them deeply, we’re also incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. As they take on new challenges and begin their next journey, we’ll be cheering them on—knowing they’ll carry the Hub pillars with them every step of the way.
Senior Spotlight: Whit McDonald
How long have you been riding?
My parents had me on a bike as early as possible. My Dad grew up racing so naturally he encouraged me to follow suit. Although, It wasn’t till my freshman year of high school that I actually became interested in racing and training. Since then there have been countless race weekends and time spent in the saddle.
How has Hub inspired you?
Hub has inspired me to be more proactive in my community and participate in more civic service. During an injury I couldn’t participate on the bike but could use more of my time for projects such as the Sweat for Siloam fundraiser and the team prospectus. It felt extremely rewarding to be part of the team, just in a different way. Since then, I've been much more eager to participate in other civic projects such as advocating for Percy Warner’s mountain bike trails.
How will you carry the Hub pillars (health/service/education) forward with you?
I want to continue being active in the community. Moving to Golden, CO will definitely be a shock, but once I get settled I want to carry the Hub pillar of service forward. This may look like continuing to advocate for cycling culture and safety to local government.
Hub Loves Our Seniors!
Saying goodbye to our graduating Hub riders isn’t easy. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and positive leadership have shaped who we are as a team. As mentors and role models, their impact will continue to resonate long after they’ve moved on to what’s next.
While we’ll miss them deeply, we’re also incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. As they take on new challenges and begin their next journey, we’ll be cheering them on—knowing they’ll carry the Hub pillars with them every step of the way.
Senior Spotlight: Whit McDonald
How long have you been riding?
My parents had me on a bike as early as possible. My Dad grew up racing so naturally he encouraged me to follow suit. Although, It wasn’t till my freshman year of high school that I actually became interested in racing and training. Since then there have been countless race weekends and time spent in the saddle.
How has Hub inspired you?
Hub has inspired me to be more proactive in my community and participate in more civic service. During an injury I couldn’t participate on the bike but could use more of my time for projects such as the Sweat for Siloam fundraiser and the team prospectus. It felt extremely rewarding to be part of the team, just in a different way. Since then, I've been much more eager to participate in other civic projects such as advocating for Percy Warner’s mountain bike trails.
How will you carry the Hub pillars (health/service/education) forward with you?
I want to continue being active in the community. Moving to Golden, CO will definitely be a shock, but once I get settled I want to carry the Hub pillar of service forward. This may look like continuing to advocate for cycling culture and safety to local government.
Hub Loves Our Seniors! - Graham Hausken
Hub Loves Our Seniors!
Saying goodbye to our graduating Hub riders isn’t easy. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and positive leadership have shaped who we are as a team. As mentors and role models, their impact will continue to resonate long after they’ve moved on to what’s next.
While we’ll miss them deeply, we’re also incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. As they take on new challenges and begin their next journey, we’ll be cheering them on—knowing they’ll carry the Hub pillars with them every step of the way.
Senior Spotlight: Graham Hausken
How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding since 2020 when Whit got me into biking, so cycling has always been a team sport.
How has Hub inspired you?
Hub has inspired me to become a better, more empathetic person. By having such a diverse group of personalities and backgrounds, Hub cultivates a community of individuals who are close knit yet unique and accepting. Going to Carleton College I hope to continue racing, but more importantly, I hope to surround myself in groups like Hub, who give their time to things they deem important and personally fulfilling.
How will you carry the Hub pillars (health/service/education) forward with you?
Hub hasn’t only presented opportunities for new experiences but also introduced and expanded on my world view and emotional intelligence. I’ve learned to be resilient and kind, while accepting myself in imperfection and yet appreciating myself in success.
Hub Loves Our Seniors!
Saying goodbye to our graduating Hub riders isn’t easy. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and positive leadership have shaped who we are as a team. As mentors and role models, their impact will continue to resonate long after they’ve moved on to what’s next.
While we’ll miss them deeply, we’re also incredibly excited to see what lies ahead. As they take on new challenges and begin their next journey, we’ll be cheering them on—knowing they’ll carry the Hub pillars with them every step of the way.
Senior Spotlight: Graham Hausken
How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding since 2020 when Whit got me into biking, so cycling has always been a team sport.
How has Hub inspired you?
Hub has inspired me to become a better, more empathetic person. By having such a diverse group of personalities and backgrounds, Hub cultivates a community of individuals who are close knit yet unique and accepting. Going to Carleton College I hope to continue racing, but more importantly, I hope to surround myself in groups like Hub, who give their time to things they deem important and personally fulfilling.
How will you carry the Hub pillars (health/service/education) forward with you?
Hub hasn’t only presented opportunities for new experiences but also introduced and expanded on my world view and emotional intelligence. I’ve learned to be resilient and kind, while accepting myself in imperfection and yet appreciating myself in success.
Hub Youth Cycling and Can’d Aid
On May 1, several Hub Youth Cycling members teamed up with Colorado-based non-profit Can’d Aid to build more than 100 bikes that were donated to first graders at Glenview Elementary School.
One of Can’d Aid’s core programs, Treads + Trails, aims to educate, inspire, and empower community members to lead healthy, active lives by fostering a love for the outdoors. Through “people-power” they have assembled and donated more than 20,000 bikes and skateboards to kids in underserved communities nationwide.
For two hours, Hub members provided the “people power,” as they unboxed and assembled bikes (sponsored by Yasso), unpacked helmets, broke down boxes, and loaded the delivery truck with 105 ready-to-ride bikes.
“This program aligns perfectly with the service pillar of Hub Youth Cycling,” said Coach Cayce Tiesler. “We have a group of riders who bike through downtown weekly, distributing burritos to Nashville’s unhoused population, and this was another way for our kids to give back to the community, while supporting our goal of getting more kids on bikes.”
For Charlie, one of our Hub youth volunteers, the full impact was realized when Can'd Aid sent out photos of the students receiving their new bikes. "It was really great to see all the kids getting bikes, who might not have had a chance to ride them without this program."
On May 1, several Hub Youth Cycling members teamed up with Colorado-based non-profit Can’d Aid to build more than 100 bikes that were donated to first graders at Glenview Elementary School.
One of Can’d Aid’s core programs, Treads + Trails, aims to educate, inspire, and empower community members to lead healthy, active lives by fostering a love for the outdoors. Through “people-power” they have assembled and donated more than 20,000 bikes and skateboards to kids in underserved communities nationwide.
For two hours, Hub members provided the “people power,” as they unboxed and assembled bikes (sponsored by Yasso), unpacked helmets, broke down boxes, and loaded the delivery truck with 105 ready-to-ride bikes.
“This program aligns perfectly with the service pillar of Hub Youth Cycling,” said Coach Cayce Tiesler. “We have a group of riders who bike through downtown weekly, distributing burritos to Nashville’s unhoused population, and this was another way for our kids to give back to the community, while supporting our goal of getting more kids on bikes.”
For Charlie, one of our Hub youth volunteers, the full impact was realized when Can'd Aid sent out photos of the students receiving their new bikes. "It was really great to see all the kids getting bikes, who might not have had a chance to ride them without this program."
8th annual Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering
Last month more that 30 Hub Youth Cycling members gathered in the rugged hills of Hickman County, Tennessee for the 8th annual Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering. Several families camped out the night before riders embarked on their 23, 32, 47, 70, or 100-mile rides throughout the countryside, covering terrain that ranged from well-groomed gravel to fast descents, creek crossings, and heart-pounding climbs. It was a beautiful day to see so many Hub members out enjoying the day together on their bikes.
Ceci, who rode the 30-mile route with Coach Cayce and teammate Viviennne, shared a little bit about her experience from the day.
“This year was my first year participating in gosh darn, and I had an amazing time racing the 30-mile with Vivienne and Cayce, especially because we were booking it so Vivienne could make it back for prom. The creek crossings throughout the race made the ride unpredictable but they were a fun challenge. Not only the race but camping out the night before with the team made the rest of the event super exciting and enjoyable because I got to hang out with my friends.”
Graham ensured all 19 riders in his 47-mile group stayed hydrated and made it to the finish line for a post-ride burrito, and also had some words to share.
“I’ve been coming to Gosh Darn for the past 2 years and it’s always a highlight of the early season. Safety is an amazing event coordinator, they’re really talented and have made an event that is pure fun and no competition, in a community that’s moving towards hardcore racing quickly. It was amazing to see Stuart and Sienna push past their limits and limp it to the top of the last climb. Gosh Darn lets riders just get out and push their limits, alongside friends and some amazing views, with a celebratory finish.”
Last month more that 30 Hub Youth Cycling members gathered in the rugged hills of Hickman County, Tennessee for the 8th annual Gosh Darn Gravel Gathering. Several families camped out the night before riders embarked on their 23, 32, 47, 70, or 100-mile rides throughout the countryside, covering terrain that ranged from well-groomed gravel to fast descents, creek crossings, and heart-pounding climbs. It was a beautiful day to see so many Hub members out enjoying the day together on their bikes.
Ceci, who rode the 30-mile route with Coach Cayce and teammate Viviennne, shared a little bit about her experience from the day.
“This year was my first year participating in gosh darn, and I had an amazing time racing the 30-mile with Vivienne and Cayce, especially because we were booking it so Vivienne could make it back for prom. The creek crossings throughout the race made the ride unpredictable but they were a fun challenge. Not only the race but camping out the night before with the team made the rest of the event super exciting and enjoyable because I got to hang out with my friends.”
Graham ensured all 19 riders in his 47-mile group stayed hydrated and made it to the finish line for a post-ride burrito, and also had some words to share.
“I’ve been coming to Gosh Darn for the past 2 years and it’s always a highlight of the early season. Safety is an amazing event coordinator, they’re really talented and have made an event that is pure fun and no competition, in a community that’s moving towards hardcore racing quickly. It was amazing to see Stuart and Sienna push past their limits and limp it to the top of the last climb. Gosh Darn lets riders just get out and push their limits, alongside friends and some amazing views, with a celebratory finish.”