By DeMetria Sam
   Wendell McKinney hopes to lead by example for all indigenous people, especially those of his own tribe-- Shoshone-Paiute.  He’s a 1989 graduate from Owyhee High School and a resident of Boise, Idaho.
   And he’s one of those talented athletes who, since 2003, has been fueled by a thirst for achievement in long distance mountain biking.     
    As a child, McKinney  always loved the outdoors; he went on bike rides all the time.  Unfortunately, as he got older, he made unwise choices that negatively affected his life, some that involved drugs and alcohol.  For several years,

his life continued down that road until one day he realized in his heart he wanted something more out of life, and began living a cleaner lifestyle.  So with years of healing, he knew doing what he loved—what made him feel good as a child, would only help him not to forget the hardships of his past, but instead to turn those years of failure into fuel.   He set a goal to become great not only for himself but for his son Kyuss. 

 

   So from the time he began competing in 2003, he has claimed numerous winnings, competing in places such as Boise, Idaho City, and McCall to name a few, but his biggest accomplishment was capturing first place in the single speed, 30 mile mountain bike race in the Owyhee Canyon. “It was hard, but I was proud of that accomplishment.” Being the only Native American, pushes McKinney harder toward the finish line.  “You are pretty much on your own—it’s a challenge, but that’s what I like about it.” McKinney has to go the extra mile when preparing for this extreme sport.  He has to be mentally prepared.  He has to eat a special diet that includes clean foods such as whole wheat breads, lean meats, chicken, complex carbs, no high fat, raw foods and of course, lots of water. 
   And when on the trail, he carries gear such as a multi tool, pump, spare tube, water, high energy food, and other basic equipment, especially on long distances. The farthest McKinney has ridden was on Sunday, May 30, 2010.  He set a goal to ride from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation to Mountain Home, Idaho.  He completed that 97 mile mission in five hours, 20 minutes.  McKinney was determined to finish in favor of someone special—an uncle by the name of Robert Curtis.  With a pause he said, “I did it for my uncle because he didn’t get a chance to.” 
   Although McKinney’s personal history pushed him in the direction of mountain biking, he was greatly influenced by his uncle because he used to ride and according to McKinney that’s why he chose this sport.  After completing a challenge such as this one, crossing the finish line feels good—he is proud for not giving in. 
   He says, “Know what you got to do… read and educate yourself…. don’t give up to the signs of defeat.  Tell yourself you are strong--encouragement is vital.”
   McKinney expresses his appreciation for the support from family and friends.  “They are always there and I’m really blessed for that,” says  McKinney also volunteers in the Boise area by building trails and other projects for charity. “There are a lot of people who are less fortunate so giving a hand makes me feel good as a person.” 
   Kyuss, now 16 years old and McKinney’s travel partner says, “I feel good because he tries and he doesn’t give up when he said he is going to do it.” Following is a quote that McKinney always thinks about, “The pain may last a year, a month or even a day, but if you quit—the pain will last forever.”
   For some time, Native American people have made their name as artists and entertainers, political leaders, historic figures, successful in academics, and many are talented athletes. 
   “Indians are capable of doing anything--just set a goal and go after it,” he says.  He rode in the 13th Annual Boise to Idaho City MTB Tour (formerly CYCLE IDAHO) on Saturday & Sunday, June 19-20, with a total of 70 other riders.  Wendell says it’s his fourth time riding the 90 miles of what he calls long climbs and fast, rocky descents.
   “It’s one of my personal favorites.”