After announcing the To Be Developed Cycling Grant Program earlier this year, we’re thrilled to introduce the current recipients of the To Be Developed Grant.

As part of our goal to support grassroots cycling, we are excited to be able to support each of these development programs.

An introduction to each of these terrific programs, in their own words:

Shark River Devo

If you’re a local cross racer, or just an avid reader of the blog, there’s no doubt you’ve seen photos and heard mention of Shark River Devo. We’re thrilled to support them not only as the scrub zone of their races, but with the support they need to keep racing every weekend. (psst, you can also help them get to Nats this year!)

“Shark River Devo is a Junior and U23 cycling race team from Monmouth County, NJ. Our mission is to create opportunities for youth athletes to develop a passion for cycling, improve riding skills, and create a supportive and fun team atmosphere; preparing them to thrive in a competitive race environment. In a small team setting, the athletes receive individualized attention, and work with each other to improve their skill set in an open learning environment.
Though we're race-focused, we're also committed to being active in our cycling community. We believe cycling is for everyone and aim to share our experiences and time to help others fuel their passion. Shark River Devo is a New Jersey nonprofit organization and a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charity.”

Website: https://www.sharkriverdevo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharkriverdevo/

Melanin Base Miles

Based out of Washington, D.C., Melanin Base Miles was a new to us program, but we’re thrilled to support them as they keep growing.

“Melanin Base Miles, INC. (“Melanin Base Miles”) was formally established in November 2022. The organization was created in response to the 2020 murder of George Floyd and is a Washington, D.C.-based effort to increase access and remove barriers to gravel cycling and racing for riders who are Black, Indigenous, and/or other people of color (BIPOC) and who have been historically overlooked in the local cycling community. Melanin Base Miles will be using this grant to continue its gravel community building efforts. You can follow Sheila and MBM at @themahasheila and @melaninbasemiles on IG.”

Website: https://melaninbasemiles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaninbasemiles/

TT Endurance

TT Endurance is another group of juniors who TBD recognize from local races, often leaving us in the dust as they move their way up the ranks. Cross season is winding down, but we’re excited to cheer on the athletes at nationals this year.

“TTEndurance Racing, based in Westport CT, is headed up by coach Eneas Freyre. Eneas has been working with aspiring junior racers in CT for decades helping them develop as athletes and fostering a passion for cycling and competition. One of our primary goals is to progress beginner juniors to be able to compete at nationals over the span of their junior tenure. We are proud to have had TTEndurance Racing juniors on many local and national level podiums over the years including a national champion.“

Website: http://ttendurance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tte_juniordevo/

Rutgers Cycling

Year after year, Rutgers Cycling has put on some of the areas favorite races - from Watermelon Crit to HPCX (it was a UCI race once!), we’ve always been impressed at the commitment and dedication of the university’s student athletes.

“The Team at Rutgers Cycling is super excited to receive a grant from the To Be Developed Grant program! As a smaller collegiate organization riding and competing in Mountain bike, Cyclocross, Gravel, and Road, we’re trying to show how awesome and fun biking can be! Especially as college students, we’ve been trying to hop (or run) the barriers of entry to what can be a very pricey sport. With this grant, the whole team is super excited to support new students in their endeavors, and preach the awesomeness that is bikes! We want to thank the whole To Be Determined squad for their support and incredible commitment to growing the sport.”

Website: https://rutgers.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/cyclingclub

Part of a program you think fits the bill and missed this round? Keep an eye out for the next round - we’ll be reopening grant applications for 2025 in a few months. If you have any questions about the program in the interim, or would like to support the grant program, please get in touch.