Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Zimmerman
Hi Leslie , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a combat medic and veteran of the Iraq War, I faced my own battles when I returned home—especially with the effects of PTSD. In the midst of trying to find healing, I discovered mountain biking. What started as a way to reclaim peace and mental clarity gradually grew into both my passion and my therapy. The trails became my refuge, offering a sense of freedom and strength when I needed it most.
When my kids were younger, we dabbled in a variety of sports that often took us in every direction. But I wanted something that would bring us together, something we could all enjoy. So, I started a small mountain biking group for families—originally called the PG Groms. It was just a few friends with kids, all of us riding together. But it grew quickly, and every year, more families joined.
That’s when I met Melissa Brooks, who had founded VeloLove in 2014. Her group focused on road cycling for high school students and adults. We saw the potential to create something special together, and that same year, I helped launch the VeloLove Youth MTB program. What began as a small group of riders has since exploded into a vibrant community of over 190 K-7 riders (VeloLove Youth) and 40 7-12 grade athletes (VeloLove Elite).
Our program is about more than just riding bikes. It’s about connection, growth, and making lasting memories. The youth team kicks off each year in April with bi-weekly rides, skills clinics, and fun events—like celebrating the 4th of July together. Both the elite and youth teams also give back by participating in trail maintenance days, helping to maintain the very trails we ride on.
One of the most powerful aspects of our program is the community it fosters. Kids build lifelong friendships and spend time outdoors instead of glued to screens. It’s a space where they learn to support each other, push past their limits, and share in the joy of cycling. The best part? Our program is completely free, making it accessible to families from all walks of life. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we’re able to offer the resources and support needed for every participant, regardless of their economic background.
This year, VeloLove officially transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a move that will allow us to expand our reach and offer even more opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to afford the sport.
Through the dedicated parents and volunteers, many of whom are just starting out in cycling themselves, we’ve created an incredible sense of camaraderie. Families grow together, riding alongside each other, and developing a lifelong love for biking.
The rewards of giving back to the community are immeasurable. There’s no paycheck that could compare to the joy of watching these kids ride, race, and grow—not just as athletes, but as people.
Our athletes participate in local and national races, and many go on to compete with NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association). It’s not just about competition; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
Looking back on this journey, I’m in awe of how far we’ve come. What began as a small idea to help my family and friends has blossomed into something far greater—a community where kids find their strength, their passion, and, perhaps most importantly, each other.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the bumps along the way have been some of the most rewarding parts of this journey. When I first started the program, I was just trying to get my family and friends together for some rides. But as it grew, so did the challenges. The more kids and families joined, the more we had to figure out how to support and organize them—especially since we wanted to keep the program free and accessible to everyone. Mountain biking is an expensive sport, and at times, it felt like a struggle to make sure every participant had what they needed without creating financial barriers.
There were also the logistical hurdles of organizing regular rides, skills clinics, and trail maintenance days, not to mention coordinating with volunteers and sponsors. And as the program expanded, we realized we needed to find more ways to keep things sustainable, which led to the decision to transition to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. That was a huge step forward, but it also came with its own set of complexities—like navigating nonprofit paperwork, setting up systems for donations, and ensuring that we could continue to provide opportunities for every child, regardless of their financial situation.
Another challenge was learning how to balance my own role as a founder and director with the need to recruit and empower other volunteers and coaches. It’s a lot of work to run something like this, and at first, it was hard to step back and let others take on leadership roles. But over time, I’ve learned that this program isn’t just about me—it’s about the community, and through the dedication of parents and volunteers, it’s become something much bigger than I ever imagined.
Overall, while the road has had its challenges, each one has taught me something valuable about resilience, community, and the power of giving back. Watching these kids grow, not just as athletes but as people, makes all the struggles worth it. Some of the athletes in the program have been with VeloLove since day one. It has been such a joy to see them evolve as cyclists and as people.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear a lot of hats, and each one is deeply connected to my experiences and passions. Professionally, I have a bachelor’s degree in community health education, which has given me a strong foundation in understanding how to build and sustain healthy communities. Over the years, that knowledge has translated into a deep commitment to supporting both veterans and youth, particularly through the power of mountain biking.
I’m also a published children’s book author, with four books to my name. The ones I’m most proud of are When Mom Deploys and When Dad Deploys, which help military families navigate the unique challenges and anxieties that come with deployments. These books provide comfort and understanding for children facing the emotional complexity of having a parent deployed. Through my program, I’m able to send these deployment books to children free of charge, giving them a resource to help them process their feelings. To make the experience even more special, Dolls of Hope generously provides bears to accompany these care packages, adding an extra sense of comfort. Additionally, Doc & Gunny’s donates care packages filled with treats and fun items to bring joy to the kids during what can be a difficult time. Knowing that these small acts of kindness can make a big difference in a child’s life is something I’m incredibly proud of.
In addition to writing, I’ve been deeply involved in the veteran community. I’ve volunteered for several veteran nonprofits, and I served as the peer mentor coordinator for the 4th District Veterans Treatment Court. I’m also a proud member of Team43, a group of veterans who ride mountain bikes with former President George W. Bush. That connection has been transformative in so many ways—through cycling, I’ve been able to connect with other veterans who share similar stories of service and healing. In fact, President Bush even painted my portrait, which now graces the cover of his book Portraits of Courage, a collection that highlights the resiliency of post-9/11 veterans who continue to serve their communities and strive for healing after war.
Additionally, I ride as an ambassador for Project Echelon, a professional cycling team that serves veterans. Being part of this team has allowed me to blend my love for cycling with my passion for supporting the veteran community. It’s a great way to continue healing, push my own limits, and connect with others who are walking similar paths.
What really sets me apart, though, is how my personal experiences have shaped my approach to everything I do. As a combat medic and veteran of the Iraq War, I’ve faced the struggles of PTSD firsthand, and it’s mountain biking that became my therapy. I’ve translated that healing process into the work I do with VeloLove Youth MTB, a program I founded to get kids and families on bikes and build a supportive community.
As a mom of three, I know the importance of family and community, and I’ve worked hard to create a space where everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can participate.
When I look back at everything I’ve been able to do—whether it’s writing books that help kids understand deployment or leading a youth mountain biking program that builds resilience in the next generation—I’m proud of the way it all comes together: the way my work has helped others heal, grow, and connect. I’m proud of the way my story, my service, and my passion have turned into something that truly makes a difference in the lives of others. What sets me apart is my ability to take my experiences—both the good and the difficult—and use them to create spaces where people can thrive, heal, and find a sense of community.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis definitely taught me some valuable lessons—both personally and professionally. First and foremost, it reinforced the importance of community and human connection. During the lockdowns and social distancing measures, we saw how quickly isolation can take its toll, not just on individuals, but entire communities. I’ve always believed in the power of bringing people together—whether it’s through mountain biking or the veteran network—but the pandemic really highlighted just how crucial that sense of belonging is.
It became especially clear during the pandemic that many of the kids we serve were struggling with the lack of social interaction, with school closures and sports being put on hold. But mountain biking was one of the only activities they could still participate in safely. We were able to keep the community engaged and stay connected during a time when everything felt uncertain.
By the end of the season, there were tears from both parents and athletes, expressing how much mountain biking had meant to them during such a tough time. For many, it was their one consistent outlet—something that allowed them to get outside, stay active, and find joy in the midst of all the challenges. It reminded me just how essential the program is, not just for the physical benefits, but for the mental and emotional support it provides.
The pandemic also made me realize how adaptable we can be when we have to be. It was an adjustment for my family, too—having three kids home all the time and balancing my work with their schooling—but it reminded me of the importance of flexibility. The more we let go of rigid expectations, the more room we created for creativity and resilience.
Lastly, Covid-19 taught me about the value of giving back. When everything was uncertain, the sense of purpose that comes from helping others became even more essential. Whether it was supporting families in need of care packages, donating books, or just checking in with a fellow veteran, I realized that helping others isn’t just about making a difference in their lives—it’s also about finding purpose and healing in your own life.
In the end, the pandemic underscored that while we can’t always control the circumstances around us, we can choose how we respond. And the best way forward is to stay connected, adaptable, and focused on giving back to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.veloloveyouthcycling.org
- Instagram: @velolove_youth_mtb
