Racers and coaches gather for a photo at the inaugural NM NICA race held at the end of the 2022 season. Courtesy photo

By MONICA WITT
Los Alamos Mountain Bike Team

Hey, youth mountain bike riders, this article is for you (and your parents)! It’s time to hit the trails and get ready for the 2023 Los Alamos Mountain Bike Team season (July 1 – Nov. 1).

This is an exciting year for youth mountain biking in New Mexico; we are proud members of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Last year was our inaugural year- what a big accomplishment! This commitment speaks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the New Mexico NICA supporters and volunteers. This year we will have four optional NM NICA race events throughout the July 1 to Nov. 1 season available to all registered riders.

The Los Alamos Mountain Bike (MTB) Team trains and competes as a cross-country mountain biking team. Cross-country is a specific form of cycling different from road riding, downhill racing, BMX, cyclo-cross, or track racing. Cross-country requires a broad range of skills to ride up and down mountain bike trails. Team members will develop both technical skills and improve their fitness and endurance through cross-country riding. 

There are no tryouts. Everyone rides no matter his/her/their ability and skill level, we will do our best to place riders in ride groups that will challenge them to become a better MTBer at the level they want to be. Our team philosophy is fun first, and our central goal is for students to develop a strong body, mind, character and community through mountain biking. We welcome registered parents and community members as volunteers. 

The Los Alamos MTB Team includes riders in grades 6-12 (during the 2023-2024 school year) with a season running from July 1 to Nov. 1. We plan to have a couple pre-season events in June and then a couple of early season practices in July (July is difficult because everyone is still on vacation – including coaches!). Starting in August, we will begin scheduled practice rides. 

Our team’s activities are focused upon developing cross-country cycling skills and preparing for and racing at NICA-produced cross-country mountain biking events. Racing is optional and not required to join the team. We do not participate in “gravity” or downhill/enduro style events. 

All coaches and ride leaders receive background checks and are trained per NICA standards in concussion awareness, risk management and first-aid.

For more information, and to sign up, email layouthmtnbiketeam@gmail.com or visit https://www.losalamosmtb.com/. Also, see this link for the NICA race calendar: https://newmexicomtb.org/calendar/.