Alabama introduced Wayne Jackson to mountain biking. Now, he's sharing the love with students at Hayes K-8 School.

Jackson, a special education teacher, grew up in Orlando, Fla., where bicycles gave him freedom as asthma held him back from other sports. But it wasn't until 2008 that he fell in love with mountain biking. After he moved to Alabama, a friend took Jackson to Oak Mountain Park, and an obsession was born.

Jackson is in his second year as a Teach for America corps member, working as a special education teacher at Hayes, located in the North Avondale neighborhood. He approached Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League's Eddie Freyer last year, exploring what it would take to create a mountain bike team at the school.

"When a kid gets on a bike, no matter what circumstances they're experiencing, they're able to be just a kid," says Jackson, who believes he is privileged to work with students whose raising is similar to his own.

A mountain bike program could provide opportunity to expand the students' worldview, meet other kids at other schools and develop a sense of self and community--all while learning a sport that could be a means to college scholarship and lifelong health.

Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League launched to promote those principles in Alabama in spring 2015, and its first competition season saw 260 students involved. Freyer was eager to get Hayes and Jackson involved, but their first conversation took place shortly before that inaugural season. There simply wasn't enough time to sort out details, gain approval from the school's administration and sort out funding for the team.

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But this month, Jackson's dreams came true. The Hayes students have held two practices, and will increase their frequency after the first of the year.

It hasn't been an easy road, though; after his initial conversations with Freyer, Jackson began discussing the possibility with retired educator Virginia Powell, United Way of Central Alabama's Nick Sims, representatives from Bici Coop and Doug Brown, now head coach of the Vestavia Hills High School team. At the first interest meeting, parents were discouraged by potential expenses, including $600 or more for a bicycle.

"I thought it might be easier to take these kids on an international trip than start a cycling team," Jackson says.

He found help in the community. A number of businesses, such as Cahaba Cycles, GPS Education Services, TFJ Law, Cory Watson Attorneys and Regions Bank, have donated equipment and funds that enables Hayes to field the first Birmingham City Schools mountain bike team. Jackson says Church of the Highlands has expressed interest in helping, and parents also invest by purchasing their child's $50 jersey.

As competition season draws near, though, Jackson continues to research fundraising opportunities. Students still need cycling shorts, which will offer padding and complete the uniform, repair kits and other equipment. Donations could also be applied to the team's race fees, which for the season run about $140 per child. The league also offers scholarship opportunities for registration fees.

"One of our core principles is inclusivity. We don't ever want anyone to be turned away for any reason, whether that's disability or fitness level or financial means," says Freyer, who notes the previous season's scholarships exceeded $800.

As Jackson continues to prepare students for the spring's competition season, he remains focused on his motivation: "Our focus is building strong body, mind and character," he says. "You never know what can change their earning power, their trajectory in life."

To learn more or contribute, contact Wayne Jackson at wjackson2@bhm.k12.al.us or visit the team's fundraising page.