Austin McInerny - President of NICA

After witnessing the power of organized mountain biking to help teenagers learn life-long lessons during his seven years of coaching the Berkeley High School Mountain Bike Team, Austin decided to put his career in natural resource management and public policy mediation on hold to become the president of NICA in late 2012. Since then, he has helped grow NICA into the largest youth cycling program in the United States. Austin is a strong believer in the power of cycling to transform individuals and communities and loves to tour and ride all types of bikes with his wife and friends. Austin received a Community Leadership Award from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition and was named by BICYCLING Magazine as one of 21 "New Heroes of Cycling" in 2016 ". There is no doubt Austin is one of the most influential leaders in youth development as well as the bicycle industry. What we admire most about Austin is his crystal clear communication about how bicycling helps kids develop into the leaders of tomorrow, brings communities together, and helps infuse a code of environmental stewardship in us all.  This interview was recorded live at the 2018 Sea Otter Classic. We built this interview series from the title of our newest children's picture book Taking The Lead that follows our animal characters along a journey to open a local bike shop and inspire their town to ride. We hope you enjoy these personal stories from bike industry executives, non-profit leaders, pro athletes, and families just like yours who are celebrating kids on bikes and inspiring families to get off the couch... and out for a ride. --- Purchase our books, and download the World of Buddy Pegs podcast so you can share the love of bicycling with the kids in your life. Visit your local bike shop, or visit us at BuddyPegs.com. Remember it's the little moments that create big memories.