Liam’s brainchild: The Laguardia Cycling Association.
Liam Quigley has never ridden in a bike race, but this 16-year-old Laguardia High School junior has already done more for the sport of cycling than many of us older, jaded riders can boast. Liam started a fledgling high school cycling club that now comprises over 30 members. The Laguardia Cycling Association serves as an entr?e to the sport for Liam’s colleagues. Liam and co-president Ming Lin started the club in the fall of 2005 with a fun ride entitled “The Tour de IHOP.” That year 10 students showed up. This year the Tour de IHOP was 24 strong.
The LAGCA has bucked cycling’s typical gender bias, the majority of its members are women. Liam steadfastly denies that his charisma has anything to do with this.
Look for Liam on the starting line this season at CRCA club races and area senior events in Organic Athlete team kit. Organic Athlete Director Sportif Jack Baranski — a graduate of Laguardia High himself — has generously taken on Liam and fellow neophyte junior Khary Ward of Brooklyn. Liam and Khary will be racing in the blue and white of the CRCA Junior Development squad in all area USCF open Junior Events.