Jahmiel Jackson shifts into high gear

While most students travel to school via car, bus, or train, one Haverford student turns his ride to school into a grueling workout. Sixth Former Jahmiel Jackson rides his bike to school, all the way from his home in Philadelphia to Haverford.

    Jackson bikes with a team, with whom he completes some of his training. Most of his races are in the spring and summer, so he and his team spend the winter training indoors. The team’s practice changes drastically with the weather.

“In the winter, my team and I train indoors for about two hours [a week] using a training set designed by a computer to get us ready for spring and summer races.”

Jahmiel Jackson ’20

     “The number of hours I bike depends on the season. In the winter, my team and I train indoors for about two hours [a week] using a training set designed by a computer to get us ready for spring and summer races. When the temperature gets warmer, we cycle for at least six hours [a week] together as a team. We focus on technical skills and how to race smart,” Jackson said.

    Despite the team’s arduous schedule, it is just a portion of his training. When training alone, Jackson uses electronic assistance to track his performance.

     “Most of my endurance is done outside of practice. I aim for about 100 miles a week. This is done by traveling to and from school with a Garmin. A Garmin is a gadget that goes on your bike and helps you train. It tells how fast you’re going, cadence, incline, location. And I have special add-on for heartbeat and body condition. Depending on what it says for my body condition, I cater my training to it,” Jackson said.

     Cycling serves as a way to be alone and get away from it all. He even has a special location for when he needs a break from people. 

“I enjoy being away from people. If I want to ride 80 miles, I can take trails that lead me to Pottstown. It’s a good time to reflect on everything while getting a good workout.”

Jahmiel Jackson ’20

     “I enjoy being away from people. If I want to ride 80 miles, I can take trails that lead me to Pottstown. It’s a good time to reflect on everything while getting a good workout,” Jackson said.

     Jackson first realized his love for the sport during a triathlon. Since then, he has competed in weekly cycling races during the summer. 

     Although spending an enormous amount of time on the bike saddle, Jackson makes sure he has enough time to keep his grades in good shape. He bikes according to his academic schedule.  

     “If I have a test first period,” he explained, “I’m not going to go on a hard ride in the morning because I will be physically drained throughout the day. I usually ride in the mornings from 6:00-7:45.”