Pedaling Toward a Brighter Future: The Casa Girasoles Cycling Team

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, amidst the breathtaking Andes Mountains, a group of boys from our Casa Girasoles—a home for formerly abandoned children—are racing toward a brighter future. Thanks to a scholarship from BicycleAttorney.com, a Portland, Oregon-based organization, these young athletes are discovering their love for cycling and unlocking opportunities that could change their lives forever.

The cycling program at Casa Girasoles is more than just a sports initiative. It’s a pathway to hope, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of camaraderie. With the financial support from BicycleAttorney, the team has been able to participate in races across the Cusco region, showcasing their talents and proving that success is within reach, no matter where you come from.

Yesterday marked a monumental day for the team. Competing in their first official race, two boys delivered incredible performances in the open category—a race that included seasoned professionals. One boy crossed the finish line in first place, while another secured an impressive fourth. These results are not just victories on the racecourse; they are symbols of the potential within these young athletes, many of whom have overcome significant challenges to be where they are today.

Among the team are a couple of boys whose talent is undeniable. Their performances suggest they could one day represent Peru on the national team—or even compete professionally on the global stage. But beyond the medals and accolades, the cycling program is about something much deeper.

The project aims to inspire all the boys at Casa Girasoles to see a pathway to success. Cycling is the vehicle, but the destination is far greater: resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. These boys are learning important life lessons through the discipline of training, the thrill of competition, and the bonds forged on the road. They’re discovering that hard work pays off, they can overcome obstacles, and they can achieve greatness—both on and off the bike.

The cycling team has also become a source of camaraderie, uniting the boys in a shared mission. For many, Casa Girasoles is the first place they’ve experienced a true sense of family, and the cycling program strengthens those bonds. Whether cheering each other on during a race or helping fix a flat tire during practice, the boys are building relationships that will last a lifetime.

The Sacred Valley is known for its beauty, history, and culture. But now, it’s also becoming known for a group of young cyclists rewriting their own stories. With every pedal stroke, they’re proving that they are more than their pasts—capable of extraordinary things.

Thanks to Mike Colbach, Hugh Givens, Kevin Chudy, and the entire BicycleAttorney.com team for their vision and generosity, the Casa Girasoles cycling team is not just racing; they’re soaring. As they continue to train, compete, and dream, one thing is clear: the road ahead is full of promise.

In the words of one of the boys after yesterday’s race: “I never thought I could do something like this. Now I know I can.”

And that’s what this program is all about—helping boys realize they can – and will find the futures they deserve.