On Sept. 19, the first-ever Colorado Cycling League mountain bike race will be held at Chalk Creek Ranch in Nathrop.
Club cycling teams from 14 regional high schools, including a team from Wyoming, will be competing in the race.
Committee Chair Kate Rau helped bring high school cycling to Colorado, modeling the league after high school programs in northern California.
“I am absolutely thrilled that the mountain bike community, coaches, riders and parents are supporting this endeavor with such a high level of involvement,” says Rau. “I believe this will be the largest field of mountain bike racers in grades 9-12 in Colorado history. I’m super-excited for this first race!” There will be local school-based teams from Boulder, Lyons, Monarch and Fairview, and highschool-aged riders are encouraged to enter even if their schools do not sponsor a team. The first event in Nathrop features 128 riders.
“Riders that want to race can do so as independents,” Rau says. “Races are a fantastic opportunity for riders, volunteers, and supporters to connect.”
Organizers say the Colorado Cycling League fills a void in varsity sports. With the state’s rolling hills, diverse single track and cycling heri tage, the only surprise may be that it took so long to come into being.
Rau sums up the importance of this new outlet.
“I’m a huge proponent of any outdoor activity for youth,” she says. “Mountain biking at the high school level is bound to influence kids in many ways, from being physically active, making healthy choices, instilling independence and confidence, creating a positive peer culture, to having a blast! This type of program is an excellent way for the community to support youth. I think that prevention is much cheaper than intervention.”
For more information, contact Kate Rau at 720-272-9282 or e-mail her at kate@coloradomtb.org.
Colorado Cycling League Schedule:
(www.coloradomtb.org/race/ index.htm)
Sept. 19: Race 1 Chalk Creek Ranch, Nathrop
Oct. 3: Race 2 Devils Thumb Ranch, Fraser
Oct. 17: Race 3 Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
Oct. 31: Race 4 (state championships) Peaceful Valley, Elbert
