DIRT Builds More Than Trails: How a Decorah Teen Sparked a Youth Mountain Biking Movement

DECORAH, Iowa-- When Garrett Willie crossed the finish line at his first mountain bike race in 2022, he didn't yet know it would be the start of something much bigger than a personal victory. By the next year, as a Decorah High School sophomore, Garrett wasn't just racing—he was leading. That's when he founded the Decorah Area Mountain Bike Team, now known simply as DIRT (Decorah Iowa Racing Team). "I'd just won a state title through the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League, and teams from surrounding areas started asking if I wanted to join," Garrett said. "But I thought, 'Why not start something here?'" So he did. From One Rider to a MovementDIRT launched in 2023 with about a dozen young riders, ranging from grades 6-12. With support from his mom, Peggy Willie, who stepped up as team manager, and early coaching help from local rider Brandon Blake, Garrett found himself balancing school, racing, and the unexpected role of team founder. "My mom made it happen behind the scenes," Garrett said. "And Brandon was the main coaching voice when we started. I couldn't have done it without them." What began as a small community initiative has steadily grown into a vibrant youth sport teams in the area. Just two years later, DIRT tripled in size—now boasting 36 riders and six volunteer coaches, with participants ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Along with Garrett, current volunteer coaches include Nick Stayskal, Wes Anderson, Brandon Blake, Melissa Fuhrman, and Jeremy Ode. "There's a real passion here for the outdoors, and riders tend to stick with the sport the younger they start," Garrett said. "We saw right away that the potential was huge." Coaching On and Off the TrailGarrett, now a high school senior, has since transitioned into an assistant coaching role while focusing on his own racing goals. But even as he steps back from head coaching, he remains deeply connected to the team. "It taught me what leadership really is," he said. "Being a coach means what you do directly affects these kids. You lead by example. You're learning as much as you're teaching." For Garrett, the coaching experience has also helped develop public speaking skills and time management—skills he says are just as valuable as time on the bike. "As long as I'm in Decorah, I'll be involved with the team," he said. "It's amazing to see it grow beyond what I ever expected." A Town Rooted in Trail HistoryDecorah isn't just home to new riders—it's the cradle of mountain biking in Iowa. According to DIRT coach and Iowa MTB board member Melissa Fuhrman, the town has a deep-rooted legacy. "Decorah is kind of the birthplace of Iowa mountain biking," Fuhrman said. "Over 40 years ago, Richard 'Deke' Gosen of Oneota River Cycles and others put on the state's first official race right here. Deke's been a huge supporter of the group." Fuhrman, who is also a nurse practitioner, sees firsthand how DIRT is making an impact beyond the trail. "Through my work, I see rising rates of depression, anxiety, and obesity in younger generations," she said. "Getting kids outside, moving, and feeling capable—it's a game changer. Nobody's on the bench. And this is fun. This is the most fun I've had in a long time." Powered by CommunityDIRT thrives thanks to its community-first model. Coaches are often recruited on the trails, local parents become ride leaders, and organizations like Luther College and Decorah Parks and Rec help host events and provide access to land for practices. Other volunteer groups such as Decorah Human Powered Trails have also been integral in shaping and maintaining local trails for riding. Wes Anderson, another DIRT coach, saw the ripple effect of involvement when he brought his daughters to a local race. "150 kids showed up," he said. "My oldest joined after that. Now, 75% of our team is fifth grade or younger. Lots of smiles out there. Especially as a parent, you want these opportunities for your children." And with the continuing development of Carlson Park's professionally built trail system, DIRT is poised to attract even more riders—and potentially put Decorah on the map for regional biking tourism. "This isn't just good for our team," Anderson added. "It's good for the whole community." Eyes on the Trail AheadThe Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League continues to support efforts like DIRT by providing scholarships, promoting inclusivity, and offering alternatives to traditional interscholastic sports. League registration is now open, with the first race scheduled for May 17 in Fort Dodge and a local race in Decorah set for May 31, among others. Racing is not mandatory for involvement in DIRT. For Garrett, the future is wide open. "The plan is to pursue racing professionally as an individual," he said. "There's a great scene in Wisconsin, and getting more exposure out there would be awesome." But back home, his legacy is already in motion. As Peggy Willie, Garrett's mom and team manager, puts it, "It all started with a kid going to a race—and his mom not saying no." Learn more on how to get started with DIRT here.