Cycling pro wows kids with bike tricks at Salinas elementary school
Professional freeride rider Jeff Lenosky wowed students with tricks at Monterey Park Elementary, promoting bike safety and active living.
Screams of excitement rocked the playground at Monterey Park Elementary School as professional skills cyclist, Jeff Lenosky performed wheelies, bunny hops and other tricks during a special assembly Tuesday courtesy of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation. Marking its 16th year, the Bike Safety and School Assembly Program brings cycling safety to elementary and middle school students across Monterey County ahead of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, which kicks off April 16 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The program is part of the foundation's broader mission to support youth through cycling education while inspiring healthy, active living.
This year, the program includes 13 school assemblies led by Lenosky and coordinator Christina Brigantino as well as after-school meetups with local middle school and high school mountain biking clubs. “Are you ready to make some noise? ” Brigantino boomed into the microphone.
The children leaned forward, faces glowing with anticipation, as Lenosky lined up for his finale—a heart‑pounding leap over Brigantino and three fearless faculty members stretched out on the ground below. After one false start—"sike! " Brigantino exclaimed, the trick went off without a hitch.
The kids cheered. Afterwards, some of the older students went up to Lenosky to get a closer look at his bike and ask the professional rider questions. Jeff Lindenthal, executive director of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation, said it is wonderful to see the older students get engaged.