Young mountain bike racers will get a chance to compete again after an almost two-year hiatus when the Methow Cycling Team hosts 200 junior and senior high school racers from around Washington this weekend (Sept. 25 and 26).
The races will be on the newly constructed mountain bike trail at Liberty Bell High School. The 4.2-mile trail presents many challenges because the school sits on glacial moraine, meaning the trail can be loose and rocky. Varsity and junior varsity racers do three laps, and younger riders do one or two laps. Each cyclist races individually, but they also get points as a team. Coaches will race at the end of the day.
The trail was built for statewide races with the Washington Student Cycling League in mind. It is also used for walking and running. It grew out of a vision of student riders Ila Newman, Stella Scholz, Carter and Graham Sheley, and their coaches Hanz Scholz, Jeremy Newman and Harold Sheley.
The Methow Vally Nordic Team is hosting a BBQ cookout at the event to raise money for the ski team.
If you go
When: Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 25 and 26). First race starts at 10 a.m. with the oldest and fastest racers. Coaches compete in the last race of the day, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bell High School, west of the entrance drive
Admission: Free (volunteers welcome).
