The build-up to the Colorado High School Mountain Bike Racing Series culminates Sunday, September 19th, at the Chalk Creek Ranch, Nathrop, Colo., for the inaugural opening event of the four-round series that spans now until October 31. More than 120 high school mountain bikers from at least 14 teams are registered—possibly a record-setting field size.
Kate Rau, executive director of the Colorado High School Cycling League said, “The buzz is building every day, it’s so exciting to see the amount of involvement from coaches, riders, parents, volunteers, and businesses! I believe that this will be the largest field of junior mountain bike racers in Colorado history. I know I’m not the only one who is feeling that this is the beginning of something very special. I invite everybody interested in youth and outdoor sports to attend this event. It’s going to be one to remember.”
The level of interest in this new league was evident at two pre-series one-day leadership training camps that took place, one in Lyons and the other in Colorado Springs. They attracted 19 and 25 existing or prospective coaches and riders, respectively. “We are delighted with this attendance, and with the outpouring of support and interest expressed by Coloradans all over the state,” said Kate Rau.
The privately-owned Chalk Creek Ranch, at Nathrop, near Buena Vista, presents riders with a classic Colorado desert mesa course which includes many technical challenges and fast climbs. Riders will compete in Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Sophomore/Freshman categories.
Rider registration is still open for the series, and is accessible online at www.coloradomtb.org until 5 PM, MST Thursday, September, 16th. The League already has a good cross-state feel with riders representing schools from Boulder County, Buena Vista, Carbondale, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Crested Butte, Durango, Evergreen, Fort Collins, Gunnison, Salida, Vail, and even a team from southern Wyoming.
The complete schedule for the 2010 Colorado High School Mountain Bike Racing Series is below, and more information, including course maps and directions, is at www.coloradomtb.org
Colorado High School Mountain Bike Racing Series Schedule
Sept 19: Race 1. Chalk Creek Ranch, at Nathrop, 20 miles north of Salida
October 3: Race 2. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Fraser
October 17: Race 3. Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
October 31: Race 4 (State Championships). Peaceful Valley, Elbert.
About the Colorado High School Cycling League
The Colorado High School Cycling League promotes personal development and teamwork through bicycle racing, and encourages the formation of teams at public and private high schools. With the cooperation of local race promoters and our sponsors, the League organizes a first class series of races designed for high school aged riders. The League makes high school racing the easiest route for juniors to get involved in the challenging and exciting world of competitive cycling. The Colorado League was kick-started with a generous grant from the founding SoCal sponsor, Easton Foundations, and is also generously supported by founding national sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Clif Bar and Co., Primal Wear, Yeti Bicycles, Wheat Ridge Cyclery, GU Sports, Shimano, Mellow Johnny's, Fox Racing Shox, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports and Mountain Bike Action. For more information on the League, visit http://www.coloradomtb.org.