Port Jervis Little Bellas don’t need mountains to be mountain bikers

sharonsiegel1954
4 days ago
3 min read

Port Jervis Little Bellas mountain bike program for girls, 9-12, will return to Watershed Park and Recreation Area starting July 14! Last year's program succeeded in drawing families from the tri-state area to explore the park and see the sites that make Port Jervis a prized destination.

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — If you’re out and about at Port Jervis Watershed Park and Recreation Area the week of July 14-18 in the mornings, you may see a group of Little Bellas – nine to 12-year-old girls for whom mountain biking is their social medium. There’s no racing or “catching air” off big jumps – there aren’t even mountains. Instead, there are multiple opportunities for the girls to get together, encourage one another, and experience success as part of the Port Jervis Little Bellas Half Day program.

What is Little Bellas?

Open to girls of all abilities, Little Bellas is a mountain bike program whose goal is to help young women reach their fullest potential. The program is a catalyst for the girls to learn about who they are, what they can do, and how to overcome what they think they cannot do. The aim is to create a community to empower women through cycling, accent the importance of goals and a healthy lifestyle, and emphasize a positive female bond. While this program is centered around creating a female camaraderie on bikes, it is most importantly about having fun in a constructive environment.

Meet Erica Muttee

The person responsible for bringing Little Bellas to Port Jervis is Erica Muttee, who identified a lack of youth programs in the area – especially ones that cater to girls and women – and so she decided to do something about it.

“I would like to see girls in my community have another option for something to learn and progress in,” she said. “Many girls focus on traditional school sports in this area, but it would be amazing to see girls developing strength and bravery through biking.”

The Port Jervis Half Day program takes place the week of July 14-18 from 8 a.m. to noon each day. Open to riders of all abilities, the focus of each session is fun, allowing each girl to make new friends, learn new skills, and build confidence, all in a positive, fun environment.

Financial Assistance and Gear

Financial assistance is available if needed and Little Bellas also has equipment available through its Gear Up program!

In half-day sessions starting on July 14, mentors, girls, and program lead, Erica, will meet at the Port Jervis Watershed Park and Recreation Area to focus on improving skills and strengthening bonds built outside of classrooms and away from screens.

The Port Jervis Little Bellas Half Day Camp takes place from July 14-18 and has space for up to 25 girls, ages 9-12. The program takes place each day from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The 1-week program includes mentoring, awesome trail riding, and snacks.

More information and registration for the Port Jervis Little Bellas Half Day program

About Little Bellas

Little Bellas has been evolving at a white-hot pace since it began 18 years ago. There are now chapters in 22 states, some with multiple programs and camps happening throughout the year. Little Bellas aims to create a community that empowers girls through the sport, emphasizes the importance of goal setting, promotes healthy lifestyles and recognizes the positive effects of strong female bonds. While this program is centered around creating camaraderie for girls on bikes, it is most importantly about having fun in a constructive environment. For more information, to sign up, or to learn more about Little Bellas, visit the website, littlebellas.org