Scott Williams on Cycling, Parenting, and Finding Balance

My name is Scott Williams, and I’m an 8th-grade science teacher with a deep love for cycling. I have two daughters—one heading into sixth grade and the other starting ninth. Over 20 years ago, I spotted a bike at a garage sale that sparked my curiosity. I went home, did a little research, and soon found myself buying a bike off Craigslist. That moment kicked off a lifelong passion for riding.

Since then, I’ve been hooked on all kinds of biking—road, mountain, and gravel. I enjoy both long-distance endurance rides and the thrill of racing. One of the greatest joys has been sharing this passion with my daughters. They both enjoy riding, and my oldest will be joining her high school cycling team this year. I’m excited to see where their bikes take them, both literally and in life.

What has been the rewarding part of your journey as a father?

The most rewarding part of fatherhood has been watching my girls grow into kind, compassionate, and caring individuals. Seeing them show empathy for others and confidence in who they are becoming is an incredible thing to witness as a parent. It’s especially fulfilling to see them try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and develop into strong individuals with their own voices.

Are there specific lessons from your training or competitions that you try to pass on to your children?

Absolutely. One of my favorite mantras is: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” I’ve repeated it with my daughters during tough bike rides—especially on steep climbs—and I’ve even heard them use it off the bike when facing challenges in everyday life. Cycling naturally teaches resilience, and I’ve used moments like falling off the bike as teaching points. I always tell them: falling is part of riding—and life. What matters most is getting back up and moving forward. That mindset is something I hope sticks with them well beyond biking.

How do you balance your personal athletic goals and being a father?

Balancing the two isn’t always easy, but being a dad is—and always will be—my top priority. That sometimes means cycling takes a back seat. I’ve learned to get creative: riding after the kids go to sleep, cutting a ride short but making it count, or squeezing in early morning miles before the day gets going. It’s about adapting and being okay with making sacrifices when necessary, while still carving out time to pursue my goals.

Has your role as a father changed your perspective on competition or performance?

Definitely. The older I get—and the more I grow into fatherhood—the more I focus on simply enjoying the ride. I’m still competitive, but my mindset has shifted. I no longer tie my identity to race results. Instead, I’m focused on having fun, challenging myself, and staying healthy. These days, I feel like I’m racing myself more than anyone else, and that’s been a really healthy evolution.

Has being physically active allowed you to connect with your kids in ways you might not have otherwise?

Yes, without a doubt. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had with my daughters have happened while we were out riding. Being on the bike gives us time together, uninterrupted by screens or schedules. It becomes a space to bond—not just over fitness—but about life, school, hopes, and challenges. Sharing this passion has brought us closer and helped build trust and connection in ways I really value.

What advice would you give a father trying to take on both fatherhood and his athletic goals?

Good luck—haha! But seriously, everyone has to find what works for them. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works one season might not work the next. Life is constantly changing, and flexibility is key. Just know that you’re doing your best—and that’s enough. Don’t compare yourself to others. Set goals, adjust when needed.

What message do you hope your children take away from watching you pursue your athletic journey?

I hope they learn that they’re capable of doing hard things. Setting goals, even if you don’t always reach them, is a valuable part of life. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. I want them to know that effort matters, and that it’s okay to stumble along the way. Most importantly, I want them to remember that life should be fun. Whatever they pursue, I hope they do it with passion and joy.