How Mountain Bike Racing Saved my Life

and Gave me a Future

Zack Rundell

This talk is about:

Never giving up on yourself, even when all seems lost

What can happen when you find your passion

Including and accepting those who are “different”

Exercise as medicine

Troubled by learning disabilities, a language delay, behavioral problems and side effects from medications

prescribed for every diagnosis under the sun, Zack Rundell found himself down and locked out of all the

usual childhood experiences we all take for granted, including school. A chance encounter with a mountain

bike at age 15 uncovered a talent and a passion that allowed Zack to soar, regain his life and ultimately find

his place in the world.

THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE

Zack’s story is compelling and inspiring. He shares just enough of the nitty-gritty of his early life to give

listeners a glimpse of where he’s been and how amazing his ride has been since he discovered mountain

bike racing. Overcoming incredibly bumpy trails and the most perilous cliffs, Zack shows that, with hard

work and a willingness to “push past comfortable” a person can make it not only to the finish line but to the

top of the podium.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT WINNING

While Zack has found success in his sport, it hasn’t been the medals hanging in his room that have made the

difference in his life. It’s the community that mountain bike training and competing gave him that led to

improved self-confidence and a sense of belonging. In the process, he uncovered new trails leading in all

kinds of directions.

LET’S TALK ABOUT INCLUSION

Zack’s story also touches on the issue of “inclusion” and finding true acceptance despite being “different.”

For him, it hasn’t always been easy; in fact, finding acceptance has been a bigger challenge than the most

technical mountain bike race.

Based on his experiences, Zack gives his listeners some great advice on what NOT to do with people who

are different, and what TO DO. After all, being “INCLUDED” is like a moment on top for the podium for

someone who is different!

This talk is perfect for:

Middle/high school/college students

Parents and Teachers

Coaches and Sports Professionals

Mental Health Professionals

Youth Counselors and Social Workers

Testimonials

”It would be an understatement to say Zack knocked it out of the park - he made a tremendous impact on

our staff and our coaches and reminded us exactly why we do what we do. Zack's story is amazing on it's

own, but it truly hits home when you hear it straight from Zack. His energy and passion for mountain biking

and for helping others find their own path are clear.”

Jonathan Posner |Co-Founder and League Director Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League

"Zack's presentation to the nearly 180 attendees at the NICA National Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho in late

June, 2019 was outstanding and received a standing ovation! He eloquently shared his story and presented a

compelling case for the need for and importance of interscholastic cycling.“

Austin McInerny, Past President, NICA

“Since early adolescence, Zack has been a guest speaker in my class, The Psychology of Disabilities, at

Temple University. His entertaining ability to talk about his life experiences is captivating, educational, and

powerful. It consistently had huge impact on my students personally and professionally.”

Marilyn Deutsch, PhD. Professor of Psychology. Temple University

“The energy and confidence Zack brought to his presentation was unreal. I have honestly never seen a

better presentation given. As someone who is extremely self-critical, he really inspired me to be more

accepting of myself, and to appreciate the things that I may perceive as different from those I want to be

more like. To see someone who has gone through so much accomplish their dreams, and find their passion

was awesome. His ability to share a message of positivity and endurance was so clear, and I feel very

privileged to have had the opportunity to hear him speak.”

Temple University student

”Zack's ability to connect with the audience and to share his passion with every individual he encounters

allows him to deliver an amazing emotional story about his on-going escape from dark places in such a

wonderfully open and heartfelt manner that you will leave inspired by the possibilities that come from

finding the mountain bike.”

Mike Kuhn, Executive Director, PA NICA

Contact Information

Zack Rundell

(570) 954-9629

ZACK@ZACKRUNDELL.com

“Never give up

and

never lose hope!”

Book your talk now!