Making tracks: Williams High School mountain bike team ready for first race
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Williams High School mountain bike team is entering its third year of racing.
This years team has eight kids who will compete in a five race series throughout Arizona. Two of the races are in northern Arizona, and the remaining three are in the Phoenix area.
"These kids work very, very hard," said head coach Brad Richmann.
The mountain bike team is a club that is recognized by Williams High School but receives no monetary support from them. The Williams Rotary Club and other organizations sponsor the club.
"It costs each kid about $300 to race each season," Richmann said. "Its expensive but we think it's a great alternative sport for these high school kids."
The team competed against 32 teams last year in the Arizona High School Cycling League. Last year Williams placed 15th in the series.
"The League is growing progressively," Richmann said. "We're expecting another six teams to join this year."
The races range from 10 miles to 20 miles in length on various terrains. In northern Arizona the races are in the Ponderosa pines around Flagstaff and the scrub oaks of Prescott. In Phoenix, the races are in the desert Saguaros at White Tanks and McDowell Mountain Regional Parks.
"These trails are often rocky, its tough," Richmann said.
During the races, most teams camp out near the course to save money and enjoy the camping experience.
"I really like the camaraderie," said third-year cyclist Strider Schmitz. "We've gotten very close, they are my best friends. Even the opposing teams, you hate them on the race course, but outside the race you become close friends."
Most of the Williams cyclists have a hard time adjusting to the high temperatures in the Phoenix races. Schmitz had heat exhaustion in one of his first races in Phoenix.
"It really pushes your limits to what you can do," said second-year rider Tori Maebe. "You get bumps and bruises and blood. You learn how far you can go."
Richmann said the race environment is a good learning experience for the kids. The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) has high standards for behavior and promotes good character among the racers.
"NICA does a tremendous job with the organization and cleanliness," Richmann said. "There's no foul language. There's actually a five-minute penalty if any of the officials hear that. You can image a five-minute penalty means you're done. That nips it in the bud."
The Williams cyclists have their first race Sept. 13 at Ft. Tuthill in Flagstaff. The first wave of racers begins at 8 a.m. Their second race is Sept. 27 in Prescott. The final three races of the series are in Phoenix, with the season ending Nov. 8.
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