Unsung Hero: Nicky Burnell – Growing Riders, Building Futures
In Greyton, where the outdoors forms the backdrop to everyday life, it is often the quiet, consistent efforts of individuals that make the deepest impact. Nicky Burnell is one such person. Through her work with the Greyton Junior Mountain Bike Club, part of the Greyton MTB & Gravel Club, she has created far more than a cycling programme — she has built a space where young people develop confidence, resilience and a true sense of belonging.
The Junior MTB programme has been part of the Greyton community for over 12 years, evolving under various leaders before Nicky stepped in three years ago. Her involvement began simply — noticing a group of mostly boys riding and feeling inspired to help bring more girls into the fold. When the opportunity arose to take over leadership, she embraced it wholeheartedly, and the club has since become a central part of her life.
Nicky’s passion is deeply personal. She only discovered mountain biking later in life, after her children had grown up. What began as a new hobby quickly became something transformative. Through riding, she found confidence, courage and a supportive community — experiences she is now determined to pass on to the next generation. As she often reflects, the sport showed her she was capable of far more than she had imagined.
Today, the club supports around 60 children — approximately 20 girls and 40 boys — all aged eight and up. Many rely on shared club bikes, which means resources ultimately limit how many can participate. Despite this, demand continues to grow, a clear reflection of the programme’s impact and reputation in the village.
Sessions take place twice a week and follow a simple but effective structure. Riders begin with short skills sessions in a safe space before heading out onto the trails. Here, children learn not only technical riding skills but also discipline, patience and respect. These lessons are reinforced through practical experience — navigating terrain, working as a group and supporting one another. Alongside this, Nicky makes space for important conversations, from kindness and bullying to appreciation and accountability.
The results are remarkable. Some children discover competitive potential and go on to participate in events beyond Greyton, while others simply find joy, confidence and a place where they feel seen and supported. Perhaps most powerful is the way the programme nurtures leadership: older riders often return to assist with younger groups, creating a cycle of mentorship that strengthens the entire community.
The club is supported by a dedicated team, including Oom Peet Pietersen, a vital link to the community, as well as Takunda Jackson and Makonnon Bloem, who contribute as ride leaders and mechanics. Additional support has come from organisations such as the Overberg Cycling Association, helping to fund training and development opportunities.
Funding remains a constant challenge, with much of it coming from local events like the Canola Roller, alongside Nicky’s tireless efforts to source equipment and opportunities. Storage space, workshop facilities and volunteer capacity continue to limit growth, even as interest rises.
Looking ahead, Nicky hopes to expand the programme, host local cycling events and encourage more community involvement. A key focus remains getting more girls to stay involved through adolescence, with initiatives like the proposed “Pads for Princesses” programme aimed at providing the support they need to continue.
At its heart, Nicky’s work is about unlocking potential. Through patience, passion and persistence, she is not only growing young riders — she is shaping confident, capable individuals.
And in doing so, she is quietly helping to shape the future of Greyton.
