Be Part of the Ride: How Wheel Fun is Changing Lives in Rural Arizona
When JoJo first came to camp in Tucson, she was shy and quiet. She kept her head down, hesitant to talk to anyone, and unsure if she belonged. But once she got on a bike, something shifted. She discovered her own strength.
By the end of the week, JoJo was smiling, laughing with teammates, and cheering others on. She had conquered trails she never thought possible and made new friends who lifted her up. More than that, she found confidence she carried back into school and everyday life.
For JoJo, Wheel Fun was not just an activity, it was a turning point.
Why Wheel Fun Matters
Stories like JoJo’s are not rare. In rural Arizona, opportunities for kids outside the classroom are limited. Many families live far from organized sports, afterschool programs, and community centers. When the school day ends, too many students face long afternoons at home, isolated and disconnected.
Research shows that the hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are the most dangerous time of day for kids. Without structured activities, they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, spend excessive time on screens, or simply feel lonely and unsupported. For working parents, these hours can be filled with worry about their child’s safety and well-being.
Arizona ranks last in the nation for public school funding, and more than 70% of the kids in Wheel Fun programs qualify for free or reduced lunch. These realities leave families with few options for affordable enrichment.
Wheel Fun fills that gap. Our afterschool mountain bike clubs provide:
- A safe place to go after school
- Mentorship from coaches and volunteers who care
- Healthy outdoor activity that builds lifelong habits
- Confidence and community through teamwork and achievement
The Power of Riding
Biking is more than exercise. Riding through trails gives kids a chance to release stress, clear their minds, and build resilience. The rhythm of pedaling, the focus it takes to navigate a trail, and the exhilaration of reaching the top of a hill all translate into powerful lessons about persistence and self-belief.
Physical activity has also been proven to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall mental health. For students facing challenges at home or in school, getting on a bike can be the outlet they need to feel calm, capable, and proud of themselves.
For many kids, it is the first time they feel part of something bigger than themselves.
How You Can Help
When you give to Wheel Fun, you are not just funding a program. You are giving kids the chance to discover courage, build friendships, and thrive in ways they never thought possible.
🎥 Watch Anna’s Story
Thanks to Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit (QCO 22105), every dollar you contribute comes right back to you at tax time. That means your support has no net cost to you, but makes an immediate difference for kids.
- $40 provides one hour of afterschool programming for a student
- $400 funds 10 hours, enough to keep a club rolling for weeks
- A small monthly gift, even $10 or $17, fuels opportunities year-round
Wheel Fun is not just about bikes. It is about kids like JoJo, who discover that they are stronger than they ever imagined. It is about families and communities finding hope and connection.
Click here to donate now and keep kids rolling
About the Author
Jennifer Gote Matarese is Development Director at Wheel Fun, where she helps bring the joy of cycling to kids across Arizona through afterschool bike clubs and community programs.
