Your Story; Caelan Devine Ryan

It has happened to us all; visiting some iconic mountain-bike destination you come across local riders who just tear it up, leaving you in their dust.  As is often the case those riders are several years younger than yourself and you can’t help but think “Man, could you imagine growing up out here, riding these trails from a young age?  No wonder that kid’s so strong.”

Rarely do we get the chance to witness these fortunate folks evolve from children to the power-house mountain-bikers they become.  Well, let me introduce you to Caelan Devine Ryan.

Caelan has been raised in the Big Bend area of south-west Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert and on the Rio Grande.  His father, Michael, is an avid cyclist, Park Ranger and all’round great guy.  His mom, Bernadette, is an educator and a real gem of a human being.  Both are boaters who love the outdoors.  With pedigree like that, Caelan’s well-placed to do some pretty amazing things, living quite the life.

From the time he was just two years old Caelan was racing the Mas o Menos/Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest kids races, even on the tricycle.  At four years old the training wheels came off and he was soon riding to school every day, regardless of the weather.  By the time Calaen was seven he was regularly mountain-biking the trails in the Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Lajitas Trails.  That same year he rode twenty-five miles to Terlingua from his home in Panther Junction.  In 2011 and again in 2012 Calaen was the youngest competitor at the Big Bend Triathlon. [paddle, road ride, trail run]  Most recently, Caelan raced two TMBRA races with more planned for this autumn.  Always improving, he now rides clipped-in and has recently learned to bunny-hop.  He’s even got his old man into racing!

In early April Caelan, Michael, Jeff and I went out for a little rip ’round the Lajitas trails.  Caelan was quickly in the lead, I on his tail.  His confidence handling the bike was apparent with just a few turns of the cranks.  The way he skillfully maneuvered between and over obstacles was a beautiful thing to watch.  When asked what he liked best about cycling, he didn’t respond with what you may have expected.  Sure he takes jumps and sure he likes to go fast but what Caelan really enjoys is taking corners.  The smooth, soft, casual manner in which he negotiated the turns on 3 and 3a on the Lajitas Trails was a testament to that passion.  His head bobs back and forth while his long hair waves behind as he leans into each corner like a seasoned veteran.  It really was a pleasure to sit behind this kid and admire the way he carved around those dusty corners.

While Caelan has only been riding a few years, his story is one I am eager to watch unfold.  Although, at the rate he’s going, I might not be able to keep up with him for long.

Such smooth, confident cornering and bike-handling skills.

Caelan ready to ride some of his favourite trails at Lajitas.

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Caelan & myself, contemplating the route and helium-filled tires.