About Geerz

Who We Are

Geerz is a non-profit organization that has developed and operates a revolutionary therapeutic mountain biking program designed to empower kids struggling with significant challenges such as PTSD, ADD/ADHD, social and behavioral problems, low self-esteem, anger management, family dysfunction, anxiety and eating disorders. We operate dozens of programs for kids in youth villages, alternative education schools, and community groups from periphery towns across the county. Most of our youth riders have been referred to us by educational and mental health professionals and community and spiritual leaders who are familiar with Geerz’ uniquely successful, hands-on alternative education approach.

Recently, we realized that many of the unique elements of our program could be tailored towards IDF veterans who desperately needed effective alternative therapy to deal with the ravages of the long war. Thus, we pioneered our new program for IDF veterans. This program has proven to be a highly innovative and effective tool in combating the devastating trauma, including PTSD, that afflicts so many who fought in the recent war and in earlier conflicts. Thanks to generous supporters like you, Geerz helps give these heroes a huge jump start in reacclimating to civilian life. Our fast-growing programs serve well over 600 kids and soldiers each week and the demand for new programs is explosive. The only barrier to the exponential expansion of our existing programs is funding. That’s why the GIG 2026 ride is so critical.

What We Do

Geerz utilizes the magic of mountain biking to create an empowering, supportive and adrenaline-filled approach to help kids and now IDF veterans develop self-esteem, physical fitness, focus, and resilience. We teach our riders to incorporate goal-oriented, positive behaviors as part of their identity and enable them to fundamentally rebuild their emotional framework. Our structured, curriculum-based program which takes place in the challenging terrain of Israel's hills builds their physical fitness and health as well. As our tagline says, each week, our riders literally and figuratively “conquer challenges, one trail at a time.”

Why We Succeed

The problems faced by today’s youth are unprecedented. For the youth the pressures and trauma of the war have tragically magnified these issues. Educators are overwhelmed. Parents are frustrated. Kids suffer from anxiety, depression and addiction at historically high rates. . Geerz addresses these issues head-on with our unique approach to teaching empowerment — without medication, without critique and without the humiliation that often accompanies conventional therapy. This dynamic creates buy-in from the particpants, not resentment at being “treated”. Mountain biking has been clinically proven to boost a child’s self-esteem with a healthy, constructive release and the realization that he or she can overcome challenges and achieve. We have endless testimonials from parents describing incredible transformations in their children that are -- even for us -- hard to read without tears.

Thousands of soldiers returned from their long military service, suffering from trauma, including acute PTSD. Geerz embarked on a national mission to develop a customized program which would enable these soldiers to address their trauma, utilizing the magic of mountain biking. The success of our five existing groups quickly spawned a demand for 23 additional groups. We are feverishly working to meet this overwhelming demand.

How It Works

The Geerz therapeutic mountain biking program meets weekly from September through June, averaging between 24 to 30 rides per group. This consistency helps build strong relationships and ensures ongoing guidance.  Geerz employs 50 trained instructors and 35 trained assistants, with two or three staff members dedicated to each group of 10-15 riders for the entire year. Each 90-minute session includes a trail ride and skills training (riding skills, mechanical skills, bike safety, and etiquette) and a structured, therapeutically designed lesson focused on navigating life’s challenges. The discussion takes place halfway through the ride, allowing riders to rest their bodies while engaging their minds. On each ride, a different struggle is defined, explored, and discussed. The curriculum is intentionally structured to progress through a wide range of issues, allowing our riders to connect with the material at their own pace and according to their own level of need.