Youth and Finding Independence

The Social Wildlife

In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Calas, head of mountain biking at Christchurch Adventure Park, to explore resilience, independence, and the powerful role of community in outdoor sports.
With over two decades in the cycling industry, Morgan shares his journey from being bullied as a child to finding empowerment and self-confidence through mountain biking. What began as a love for mechanics grew into a lifelong career and passion for teaching.
Now, as an instructor, Morgan is dedicated to mentoring young riders, helping them build resilience through the physical and mental challenges that come with the sport. We discuss how experiences on the trails teach essential life skills like decision-making and self-reliance, and how Morgan's own background helps him empathize with youth facing social and personal hurdles.
Together, we reflect on the value of creating a supportive environment where kids can confront obstacles, make mistakes, and grow. For both of us, it’s clear that these outdoor experiences build confidence, compassion, and a sense of community that will carry them far beyond the trails.
Find Morgan on Instagram: morgsmtb

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