Greetings, mountain bike enthusiasts and of course all the proud parents! It’s time to relive the Coyotes race weekend at Merrell, our home course. As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible effort and sportsmanship displayed by our riders.
Saturday: Elementary Kids Shine
On Saturday morning, the atmosphere at Merrell was buzzing with youthful energy as our elementary school riders geared up for their races. The weather was about perfect, and we could all feel the excitement as each of our riders lined up for their wave.
Our younger racers tackled the course with determination and grins that stretched from ear to ear. They navigated the soul crushing grass areas (IYKYK), hit some rad jumps, and powered through the occasional mud puddle. The trails were a sea of teammates and parents cheering on the kids all day long.
But beyond the podium finishes and medals, what truly stood out was the enthusiasm and camaraderie among these young riders. Every high-five exchanged and word of encouragement shared reinforced the idea that mountain biking is not just a sport; it’s a community that supports and uplifts one another.
Sunday: Middle, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Thrills.
Sunday was a day of heightened anticipation as our middle school, junior varsity, and varsity riders geared up to tackle the more challenging sections of the Merrell course (Sawtooth was rowdy!). The team competition was fierce, but so was the determination of our team members.
The fierce competition and electrifying energy on the course with the Varsity riders were wild. They were chatting and pushing each other on the entire course. It was a true testament to the dedication and hard work these riders put into their training. The top five finishers were all within 50 seconds of each other.
Well Done to All Racers. As a coach, I want to extend a big congratulations to every single rider who participated in this weekend’s races. Whether you secured a podium spot or simply conquered a challenging section of the trail, your dedication and passion for the sport are what make our team so special.
The trails at Merrell provided the perfect canvas for a fun day of racing. Riders navigated some rad down hills, powered through the grassy areas of fun (the grass was a great place to spectate too!), and showcased their technical skills on every turn. The cheers from the sidelines echoed through the woods, motivating our athletes to push their limits and chase their personal bests.
The hot spot to watch was at the creek crossing near the exit from the woods, the cheers were heard out the parking lot!
Our home course at Merrell provided the perfect backdrop for this last weekend’s race. It’s not just a place to test our skills; it’s a place where lasting friendships are forged, and where we learn from challenges.
Let’s continue to support and inspire each other as we look ahead to Heritage Park this weekend. The Merrell race weekend was a testament to the spirit of mountain biking, and I have no doubt that our MiSCA team will continue to shine on and off the trail. Keep pedaling, keep smiling, and keep pushing the limits! More miles, more smiles.
