2014 High School Mountain Bike League Recap

By Theo Chamberlain

The High School Mountain Bike season began in early September, and consisted of four races, ending in late October. Fort Collins was represented by some thirty riders, competing against a field of forty-four Division 2 teams from across the state (and a couple from Wyoming, too) in four different categories, some races consisting of over 120 competitors. These numbers are substantial when compared to last year, when a mere twenty-five Division 2 teams competed, a palpable growth felt on the course. Division 1 Teams are comprised of 12 or more racers from one school, Division 2 teams are comprised of 11 or fewer registered racers from one school.

 

Our Fort Collins team has grown quickly since its inception four years ago. Eighteen coaches supported the Ciclismo high school riders this year, working both with our five different high school teams and also with teams based on ability levels. We had a tremendous season, with much better weather this year compared to last, allowing more of the races to be ridden to completion. We rode gnarly rugged single-track courses throughout Colorado, ending with a few podiums under our belts. The races on average had roughly five mile laps of blasting single track and grueling climbs, with the varsity boys doing four laps, the JV boys and varsity girls doing three, and JV girls, along with all sophomores, and freshmen completing two. The girls rode particularly hard this year, obtaining most of our podium places.

 

The first race, the Snow Mountain Ranch Stampede Granby, was held on September 7. Results:

27 racers from 5 Fort Collins High School Teams

6 top 20 finishes in huge fields

1 podium

 

 

The second race, Cloud City Challenge Leadville, took place on September 21. Results:

 

23 racers

5 top 20 finishes

1 podium spot

 

 

The riders raced again at the Peaceful Valley Invitational, Elbert on October 5. Results:

 

24 racers

 

5 top 20 finishes

1 podium spot

 

 

State Championships were held in Eagle at the Haymaker Classic, on October 19. Results:

 

27 racers

5 top 20 finishes

1 podium spot

 

 

Outstanding Individual Results Series Overall (Top 30):

 

Aston Woy, Poudre High School, Boys D1/D2 Varsity: 27th

Zack Woy, Poudre High School, Boys D1/D2 Varsity: 29th

 

Sam Ruff, Fort Collins High School, Girls D1/D2 JV:  9th

Alex Marr, Fossil Ridge High School, Boys D2 JV:  11th

Kegan Macrae,  Rocky Mountain High School, Boys D2 JV: 26th

 

Grace Westfall, Ridgeview Classical School, Girls D1/D2 Sophomore: 2nd

Blanca Lobato-Roberts, Rocky Mountain High School, Girls D1/D2 Sophomore: 18th

 

Noah Hubbard, Poudre High School, Boys D2 Sophomore: 13th Cale Thornton, Poudre High School, Boys D2 Sophomore: 21st Isaac Field, Ridgeview Classical School, Boys D2 Sophomore: 29th

 

Gillianne Jordan, Poudre High School, Girls D2 Freshman: 22nd

 

Ben Johnson, Poudre High School, Boys D2 Freshman: 24th

 

 

Overall, we had an amazing year, full of traveling, camping (sometimes in less than salubrious locations), ice bathing, laughing, and of course racing; everybody getting along and making the most of the season, and always working together as a team, whether packing up camp, or riding in packs. Thanks to Mickey Ruff, the Ciclismo Youth Foundation and our coaches for being outstanding role models and supporters and for making a memorable and enjoyable season.