High school mountain-bikers tackle Reveille Peak Ranch trails
BURNET — The newly formed Texas High School Mountain Biking League kicks off its first annual racing series March 11 with a stop at Reveille Peak Ranch.
Organization officials said they expect 20 teams to compete when the race starts at 10 a.m. Spectators are welcome.
The Texas league, which organized in 2010, is a chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. This is its first race series that will include competitions in Garland March 25, Waco April 15 and Warda April 29.
“We want to create an environment in which riders learn new skills and discover new friendships in a safe and enjoyable manner,” league founder and director Vance McMurray said.
Reveille Peak Ranch, 105 CR 114, features 62 miles of single-track and double-track trails for mountain biking and other activities. The March 11 high school race features competitions for varsity girls, junior varsity girls, freshmen/sophomore girls, varsity boys, junior varsity boys and freshmen/sophomore boys.
The athletes will race on a combination of six-mile double-track and single-track course. The riders will complete several laps depending on their division.
The varsity boys will cover 24 miles with varsity girls racing 18 miles.
Officials said racers can pre-ride the course 1-5 p.m. March 10 and again 8-9:30 a.m. March 11.
Vol Montgomery, Reveille Peak owner and one of the league’s sponsors, said mountain biking provides youths with many opportunities to develop themselves.
“Cross-country mountain biking is a fantastic way to help kids build confidence, independence and critical thinking and lifelong fitness,” he said. “We’re very proud to help the league foster an appreciation for outdoor activity and the value of cycling as a lifelong sport.”
For more on the race or the high school league, go to www.texasmtb.org. Volunteers are needed, officials said.