It's as Easy as Riding a Bike
Most children learn to ride a bike from a very young age – but what happens when you take a normal bike ride and add steep hills, rough terrain, and speed? KUA’s Mountain Biking team recently wrapped up a successful fall season of races. Led by alumnus Bryant Harris ’04, this 15-member team spent the fall months competing all over the northeast as part of the Northern New England High School Mountain Bike Race Series.
This talented team ranges in skill, from recreational to experienced riders. The boys compete in three classes – A, B, and C – based on their skill level. Competition at the “A” level can include riders who are highly competitive and even sponsored. Races can range from 30 to 120 riders, depending on the competition and classes. During a race, the riders compete for points. Points are awarded to bikers from each class based on the amount of time it takes to finish the race. At the end of the races, the top 5 riders from each team combine their points for the team score. The team competes mainly against other Lakes Region teams, with whom KUA has “a great supportive relationship, encouraging all of our riders from all schools.” – Coach Bryant Harris ’04
The team trains on Kimball Union’s first-rate trail system, which was mapped out by Ira Townsend ’38, a legendary coach and faculty member at KUA for decades. KUA racers practice on these trails twice a week during the season. The Mountain Biking Team will host 200 plus racers next fall when we are the site for one of the official races.
This season, KUA’s 15 talented riders’ hard work earned them 11th place among 28 teams. Coach Harris is even more optimistic for seasons to come: “We are looking good for next season. We’re only losing 3 riders out of 15 next year, and are also expecting a number of talented riders to join next fall.”
Congratulations to the Mountain Biking team on a great season!
The team trains on Kimball Union’s first-rate trail system, which was mapped out by Ira Townsend ’38, a legendary coach and faculty member at KUA for decades. KUA racers practice on these trails twice a week during the season. The Mountain Biking Team will host 200 plus racers next fall when we are the site for one of the official races.
This season, KUA’s 15 talented riders’ hard work earned them 11th place among 28 teams. Coach Harris is even more optimistic for seasons to come: “We are looking good for next season. We’re only losing 3 riders out of 15 next year, and are also expecting a number of talented riders to join next fall.”
Congratulations to the Mountain Biking team on a great season!
To learn more about Fall Sports at KUA, visit our Team Pages.
