​​​​How did the Club Start?

​

Savy Mountain Riders was founded in 2019 by Rod and Julaine Rysavy, driven by a simple but powerful desire: to help people get outside, experience nature, and discover the joy of riding bikes together. Rod believed deeply in the way mountain biking could build confidence, character, and community, and he poured that belief into creating a club where riders of all ages and abilities felt welcome.

​

When Rod wasn’t riding, he was usually working on bikes, talking about bikes, riding with his family, or sharing a small magic trick from a well-worn deck of Bicycle playing cards. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his presence helped shape a culture rooted in encouragement, patience, and genuine care for people.

The Red Deer cycling community lost Rod to cancer in 2022, but his vision continues to guide the club. Savy Mountain Riders remains committed to carrying forward the legacy Rod and Julaine began—building confident riders, meaningful connections, and a strong, supportive mountain biking community where everyone belongs.

​

What is the focus?

 

The focus of Savy Mountain Riders is fun, riding, and community, with a strong emphasis on skill development and personal growth. We are a Central Alberta mountain biking club that offers weekly youth and ladies no-drop rides, creating an environment where riders of all abilities feel safe to learn, try new things, and build confidence on the bike.

​

Our club believes that great riders are developed through encouragement, consistency, and shared effort. Riders are challenged at their own pace while being supported by coaches, peers, and volunteers who genuinely care. Along the way, riders learn teamwork, perseverance, respect, and the importance of looking out for one another.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. In addition to riding together, we encourage stewardship of the trails that make our sport possible, helping riders understand the value of giving back and caring for the places we ride. Savy Mountain Riders is about belonging, supporting each other, and fostering a lifelong love of mountain biking in a positive and inclusive environment.

​

What were some highlights from last season?

 

Last season was our biggest and most exciting yet. We had record numbers of riders and volunteers, and it was incredibly rewarding to watch so many new families discover mountain biking, form friendships, and gain confidence on the trails.

 

Highlights included:

• Strong participation in weekly youth and ladies rides

• Impressive race results from our youth athletes

• Continued growth in leadership, with young riders stepping into junior coaching roles

• A deep sense of community as parents, coaches, and riders worked together

• A strong commitment to giving back to the trails we ride

 

In 2025, Savy Mountain Riders contributed 143 volunteer hours over more than 10 days toward trail maintenance in Red Deer. These efforts helped keep local trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for the entire riding community, reinforcing the club’s belief that stewardship and service are an essential part of mountain biking.

We are especially proud that our kids are not only skilled and fast, but also loving, kind, and supportive teammates—qualities that matter just as much as podium finishes.

​

How many members and how many coaches and instructors?

 

Savy Mountain Riders has grown to:

• 64 youth

• 41 ladies riders

 

Last season, our programs were supported by an incredible volunteer team that included:

• 7 certified coaches

• 5 instructors

• 29 sweeps

 

Our coaching group ranges from 14-year-old junior coaches to experienced riders in their 60s with decades of riding and trail-building experience. The club is run entirely by volunteer parents and community members, and we are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart they give. We are also incredibly thankful for the broader Red Deer and Central Alberta bike community that continues to support us.

​