CRESCENTA VALLEY COMPOSITE MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAM

THIS SITE IS NO LONGER REGULARLY UPDATED

2011-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

However, you can learn more about the CV Mountain Biking Team by looking over postings here from previous years. If you are interested in joining the team, contact teacher Mrs. Jan Babbington at CV High School. To learn more about the So Cal High School Mountain Biking League, go to: http://www.socaldirt.org/

-- Coach Banner Moffat

OUR LAST WEEK'S PRACTICES

2011-05-25T11:49:00.001-07:00

Folks,
The season is almost over. After May 31st no more coached rides. This week we are just riding for fun – or this Sunday doing trail work on El Prieto “just for fun” and to learn the basics. It is important to contribute to trail work because without people volunteering that way, we wouldn’t have hardly any trails to ride. And now El Prieto is open though it really needs work in a few places.

Tuesday starting from Descanso 4pm

Thursday starting from Descanso 4pm (shall we ride up Brown Mtn. again?)

SUNDAY 10am (3-4 hours) at the parking lot above the Hahamonga wash near the corner of Windsor & Ventura. Bring work gloves if you have them, water, snack and wear long sleeves and long pants.

- - Banner

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICES & RACE!

2011-04-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Folks,
We will concentrate on having fun this week prior to our final Southern Ca. League race. I will be going to Vail Lake on Saturday mid-day if anyone needs a ride or if anyone’s bike needs a ride. The race day weather will be hotter than you have raced in this year so be sure to stay hydrated – especially the day before when you pre-ride the course. Warm weather will make the camping there a lot of fun, though. Contact Ms. Babington & Ms. Pettigrew for campsite location info.
Remember that online pre-registration for the SoCal League Finals at Vail Lake May 1st closes on Tuesday! Save a few $ and pre-register now!

Also, if you plan to race at the State Championships (a great race location near Solvang; ask team mates from last year), see below. There will be two or three times as many students at the state championships as there were at the SoCal League races. It will be very exciting to race with that many competitors at the same time.

Tuesday 4-6:15pm Descanso Gardens

Thursday 4-6:15pm Descanso Gardens

Saturday Pre-Ride the Race Course in Temecula

Sunday RACE DAY!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

State Championships
The 2011 California State High School Mountain Biking Championships flyer is now posted on the website. It has all the information you need regarding registration, camping, lodging, and qualification.
Though we are still a month away from the race there are already over 100 riders registered. If you are qualified and plan on attending please register ASAP
Fields are capped at 100 riders and some fields could fill. This means you could qualify for States but not have a spot. Registration is first-come first-served and can be completed online in the Pit Zone.
As an added benefit to our California NICA racers this race will be a qualifying race for USA Cycling Cross-Country Nationals being held in Sun Valley, ID this July 14-17. Information on qualification criteria is on the race flyer.

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICES

2011-04-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Folks,
This is the week to work hard if you want to do well at the next race. Plus the stronger you are, the more fun it’ll be, so come to practice!
Tuesday we are going to start out practice by learning a new skill that comes from a different cycling discipline. If you practice it and get good at it, it will come in handy for the rest of your cycling life. Come see!
The map of the race course is up on the SoCal League site now. Check it out.

Tuesday: 4 – 6:15 Descanso Gardens

Thursday: 4 – 6:15 Descanso Gardens

Saturday: 10am Descanso Gardens
Also, here is a well made video made by the St. Francis team that gives you an idea of what the Arrowhead race course was like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlEDtEyscAw&feature=email
And I added the photos taken by Evan’s dad to my Arrowhead race photo site:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bannermoffat/CVArrowhead2011#

THIS WEEKS PRACTICES

2011-04-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Folks,
One more mountain bike race is in the bag! The weather cooperated perfectly for Race Day and the course definitely had some new terrain challenges for us all. It was a great day of racing; if you weren’t there, ask your team mates what you missed.
With puddles and creek crossings, every bike that raced is now dirty and needs to be cleaned and the chain oiled BEFORE you come to practice on it. Don’t even think about coming to practice on before doing the above. If you have any questions about how to fix or adjust something, we coaches are glad to help (preferably not right when practice is about to start) but you all should always clean your bike and oil your chain after any conditions like yesterday’s.
I have the few photos I took posted at: . One is enclosed.

TUESDAY – 4 to 6:15 pm DESCANSO GARDENS

THURSDAY – 4 to 6:15 pm CV PARK at the corner of Honolulu and New York for some new, challenging fire road (Be ready to ride at 4pm; we will be leaving promptly!)

SATURDAY – 10am at DESCANSO Gardens

- - Banner

Artwork By Pam

2011-04-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

2011-04-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Folks,
You all (except Reily) missed a great MTB ride from the San Fernando Valley all the way to overlooking the Santa Monica Bay on Sunday with the Burbank team. It is always fun and educational to ride in new and different terrain. You should have been there!
Let’s do some slightly different weekday rides this week. The days are long enough and if you don’t have homework this week because of spring break, we can cover more ground than usual.

Tuesday meet at CV Park (New York & Honolulu) at 4 – 6:30, a little later than usual. Show up in time to be ready to go at 4.

(Rest on Wednesday)

Thursday meet at Descanso at 4pm and we will ride the “horse trails” to Hahamonga and come back "the long way".

Saturday – Race Course Pre-Ride. I will leave from Descanso at 9am and can give a person and a bike or two a ride up there. I will be back @ 3-4pm. It may be cold and might be wet; dress appropriately.

Sunday – Race Day. Aim to be there by 8:30am and be aware of your start times. Find the team gathering spot and get ready to ride! The forecast is for sunshine, but it will be cooler at higher elevation. Bring your race # placard.

This race is a closer drive than any others we will do. If you have any friends or family who would enjoy watching, tell them to come; it should be well under 2 hours to get there. If you have not raced before; this is your best chance!

- - Banner

Tania Creek Crossing!

2011-03-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

This Weeks Practices

2011-03-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Folks,
The races went well and CV is now in 3rd place in the team competition! It was the most fun race course we've seen yet and the weather finally decided to cooperate with a beautiful sunny Sunday. Venue Photo Enclosed.
The next race at Lake Arrowhead is only 2 weeks away so this week is the week to train hard for it. If you want to improve, come to practice and pedal hard! Arrowhead is the closest race, only @ 1.7 hours away, so for those of you who have never come to a race, it is your best chance. Riders, if you need transportation help, let me know.

This week's schedule:

Tuesday: Descanso Gardens 4 - 6pm
Wednesday: Spin Class (maybe our last spin class in Montrose)
Thursday: Descanso Gardens 4 - 6pm
Saturday: Descanso Gardens 10am

Sunday: Bonus workout with the Burbank Team at the top of Reseda, 9am. (see below)
It is new riding territory for you all in Topanga State Park. Coach Jim is familiar with the roads and trails there if you have any questions about that... or just show up! I hope to be there so if you need a ride, let me know.

- - Banner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey CV Team,
So we're headed up to the Top of Reseda this Sunday at 9 am. It's supposed to be a perfect day weather-wise so our plan is to ride out to Overlook Mesa for a nice ocean view. It's roughly a 14 mile ride with 3000 feet of climbing. If you're interested let me know! Feel free to bring anyone you like!

Directions are simple. Head north on the 101, exit Reseda Blvd., and go left off the freeway. Take Reseda all the way up into the hills until it deads ends right into the trail head.

Mauricio Barba
Head Coach
John Burroughs HS MTB Club

This Weeks Practices

2011-03-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

Folks,
This is pre-race week. We won't be doing anything too intense, but we will keep the skills & fitness momentum going... and riding for fun.
- Tuesday 4 - 6:00pm from Descanso
- Wednesday 3:15 - 4:30 Spin Class in Motrose
- Thursday 4 - 6:00pm from Descanso (WEATHER PERMITTING - rain is forecast Thursday, but I will be there to ride with anyone who wants to unless it is raining hard)

Saturday - Pre-ride the course near Lake Isabella (Weather forecast is now RAIN FREE!)
Sunday - RACE DAY! (Weather forecast is now RAIN FREE!)

I will be leaving for the race course Saturday mid-day or late morning if any one person or bikes need a ride. It may be nice weather after all but prepare for the worst and bring clothing to stay warm no matter what the weather does.

THIS WEEKS PRACTICES

2011-03-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

Folks,
The days are now long enough for practice from 4-6. If you think that’s too long, I saw the San Gabriel MTB team has 2 and ½ hour practices Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday AND Sunday! Don’t worry, we’ll stick with only 3 practices per week for now.
Also, I went to the MTB races (regular cross country races from beginner to Pro - not just High School) at Bonelli Park last weekend and was happy to see LOTS of high school kids racing. There were kids from Hart District, San Gabriel Team, St. Francis and other teams… and Pam from CV! I counted 4 SoCal League leaders jerseys on the race course. The competition is out there racing, getting experience and not waiting for the next SoCal high school race! The courses at these races are harder than at the high school races, but there were even kids from elementary school racing the same course. All you need to be able to do is know when you need to walk if one part of the course is too difficult for you.
You can see photos I took at the race at: https://picasaweb.google.com/bannermoffat/BonelliMTBRace2011#
I encourage you all to go to some of these races even if you don’t want to race. It is a lot of fun and you will see more bike loving folks, young & old, at these race scenes than anywhere else. Later in the season there will be one in Fontana, one in Riverside, Santa Barbara, Big Bear and next weekend there is one at Keyesville (Lake Isabella) right where our next high school race will be. If raced that one, you’d be extra prepared for the next race! And if I’m there, I’ll take your photo.

Anyway, NEXT WEEK’S PRACTICES:

Tuesday: 4-6 Starting from Descanso Gardens

Wednesday 3:15-4:30 Spin Class (note the earlier start time)

Thursday 4-6 Starting from Descanso Gardens

Weekend Practice to be announced

2011-03-07T18:02:00.001-08:00

Folks,
Our first race went well, overall. A lot was learned and for any racers wanting to do better next race, we coaches will help you accomplish that. If you have ideas of what you want to improve on between now and the next race, let me know. Jim, Ken and I have our own ideas as well... as you will see at practices.
The weather was great, the course was a fun course to pre-ride on Saturday and camping at the race course is always fun. There were hundreds of kids all camping and pre-riding at the same time. Over 220 racers took part and the fields of racers were big; a total of @ 70 JV boys for example (in 2 divisions). Some team mates finished only seconds from the racers in front of them and in a 2 or 3 lap race, seconds can be gained merely by changing your mind a little (focus a little more, keep pushing rather than relax, decide to pass rather than rest, etc.) However, to gain several minutes usually takes better hill climbing fitness.
You can see a few photos I took (didn’t take many) including preliminary results lists at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bannermoffat/CV1VailLake2011#

Here are our results (from preliminary postings):
Lucas - 3rd - Only 41 seconds from 2nd and 46 seconds from 1st!
Pam - 6th - Her first race as Varsity and only 8 seconds off the podium.
Owen - 7th - Only 27 seconds off the podium.
Weston - 11th - about 5 min off the podium but with specific workouts, it’s achievable.
Adriel - 13th - 20 seconds behind 12th place; getting close to top 10
Danny D - 14th – Right behind Adriel. Twenty-three seconds faster would have been 12th.
Reilly - 15th – About a minute behind Weston.
Danny V - 26th - Pre-riding would have made it faster.
Connor - 31st - First race, learned a lot, now to work on moving up the ranks.
Mack - 34th - Some specific, hard workouts will move you way up the ranks if you want to do it.
Alvin - Finished his first race, unlike several of his competitors who didn't.
Dillen - Didn't finish because he got sick but his first lap was fast enough to put him 13th out of 20 in his first Varsity race.
Rachael - Didn't finish because of a crash where she hurt her ankle. She's okay though.

Those of you who didn't make it, come to the next race! It will also have camping along the race course under pine trees and will be near Lake Isabella east of Bakersfield.

This Week's Practices:

Tuesday - 4pm to 5:45 - Descanso Gardens

Wednesday – 3:30 to 4:30 – Hopefully Spin Class (I haven’t heard; check with Ms. Babbington or Pettigrew)

Thursday - 4pm to 5:45 - Descanso Gardens

Weekend – Time and place to be announced… AND SEE BELOW
- - Banner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This weekend there is a MAJOR Mountain Bike race at Bonelli Park in San Dimas. Any racer who wants to get some great experience at a race that is on a bit tougher course than high school races should go. I will be there and will pre-ride either Friday or Saturday (or both). XC races are on Sunday. To Register sign up as Cat 3 age 15-18 and get a one day USAC license if you don’t have one. Let me know if you want guidance at this race. (There will be kids from other high schools there)

http://uscup.net/index.php?schedule

http://www.uscup.net/up/file/pdf/FONTANA%20WEST%20SCHEDULE.pdf

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICES & RACE

2011-03-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,
Tuesday & Thursday 4-6pm at Descanso Gardens.
The weekend: RACING! Pre-ride Saturday, Race day Sunday

It won’t help your performance at the races to work too hard this week so we will ride just for fun!

Pre-riding the course is one of the easy things that will help your performance in a race a lot. When you pre-ride, don’t climb the hills hard. Take it easy on the uphills, get an idea of what gear you will need at each spot, do the downhills fast enough to get an idea of what it will be like at race pace but DON’T risk crashing. You will gain the most pre-ride knowledge on the downhills and transitions. There is little to learn from hammering up a long hill but you might tire your muscles out before the race.
Also if you pre-ride while chatting with friends and team mates the whole time, you won’t get the full benefit. Try to do at least one lap while concentrating.

- - Banner

P.S. I will be driving to Temecula Saturday leaving around noon and will have room for one person and one extra bike if the transportation is needed. I’ll be returning immediately after the awards ceremony.

Temecula Forecast (prepare for COLD mornings)

2011-02-18T07:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday:
CV Park at 11am

WEATHER PERMITTING… Meet at CV park (corner of New York & Honolulu). We will do some climbing in the Verdugos breaking up into various groups taking different routes depending on ability, time limits, number of coaches and weather. We can ride if it is a little wet, but if it is raining too hard or too stormy, we will not ride. ALWAYS BRING A LITTLE MORE CLOTHING (and food and water) THAN YOU THINK YOU WILL NEED.

Monday:
The CV Composite Team is invited to join in with Santa Clarita Team and the Burbank team to ride with them. It will be a good chance to check out new MTB terrain. If you want to stay for the BBQ, let them know as below and consider bringing some BBQ food to contribute. Talk to team mates or coaches about the possibility of carpooling if you need a ride.

Team Practice with Burroughs Racing Castaic Recreation Center
Monday, February 21 at 9:30am
Location: Castaic Recreation Center 31230 Castaic Road Castaic CA 91384

All league teams are invited...Holiday ride and BBQ. Time trial and practice race course will be going on! Bring your family and we will supply the BBQ for (Hart Dist. Team). Please let me know how many will be joining us after the ride. ironmanx2@earthlink.net

Parents if you could help with side dishes that would be great, Remember team events NO caffeine!!! Just like the races will be!

Weekend of Feb 26th

2011-02-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

I have arranged for Pasadena Mountain Bike Club (PMBC) to host a practice at Bonelli Park on Saturday, February 26th starting at 9am . I expect they will have a tent up and mechanic there like they did last year plus abundant coaches to lead rides for ALL skill levels. There would be time to do some drills in the grassy park area for half an hour or an hour prior to heading out on the trails, and practicing mass starts for the newer kids would be a fun thing to do. If rain is definite for Saturday, it will be postponed to Sunday instead.
Last year the riding on new terrain was especially valuable for the less experienced kids.
San Gabriel, Burbank, San Marino and St. Francis are all invited; the more the merrier. For any who don’t know, parking at the Park & Ride next to the off ramp and riding into the park saves paying for parking.
- - Banner

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICES

2011-02-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

Folks,
Our first race of the year is LESS than 3 weeks away. Plan on working hard at practice this week and next to get as much skills and fitness as you can. It may rain Thursday through Saturday so get in a ride whenever you can. DRESS WARMLY! Ride your bike at home on non-practice days, even if it is just slow speed balancing in your driveway and it will help. You will be glad you did on March 5th!

Tuesday - Leaving from Descanso Gardens; 4 to 5:45

Wednesday - SPIN CLASS; In Montrose just west of Anderson Pet shop 3:30 - 4:30

Thursday - Leaving from Descanso Gardens; 4 to 5:45 (Unless it is raining VERY HARD, I will be there willing to ride. Races happen rain or shine so it is good to practice in bad weather.)

Weekend - To be announced. We will see if we can try riding someplace new this weekend

- - Banner

SoCal Race Registration Details

2011-01-25T18:19:00.000-08:00

Rider registration for the 2011 SoCal High School Cycling League's racing series is now open! Team Directors can now log into the NICA Pit Zone and invite their athletes to register for the races. Riders and parents, check your email inbox for an invitation from your Team Director inviting you to register.
Thanks to new NICA sponsors Maxxis we are offering a registration premium to the first 100 riders to fully register for the series. To qualify the rider must:
Be one of the first 100 riders to,
- Pre-register for the full 4 race SoCal Series,
- Payment must be received (online or by check),
- Signed paperwork must be received (this packet will be emailed to you for printing and signing after you register online),
- Deadline to be fully registered is February 18, 2011.
The first 100 riders to meet the criteria will receive a set of 2 Maxxis tires, 2 inner tubes, tire levers, and a t-shirt. Product will be distributed at the races.
Please be sure to register in advance of the first race. If you are an independent rider, email Tyler@nationalmtb.org for your registration instructions.
For a rider riding with a club to register, their club must be registered with the League. The rider registration flow is as follows:
1) Team Director registers the club
2) Team Director "invites" riders on their club to register by entering individual rider emails into the Pit Zone
3) Pit Zone generates an email which is sent to the rider. There is a registration link in the email.
4) Rider follows the registration link back to the Pit Zone and completes online registration.
5) Payment is completed online or sent in later with signed releases.
After rider completes online registration, Pit Zone emails the rider a series of registration documents.
6) Rider/parent/guardian prints out documents and signs them.
7) Signed documents are mailed to League with payment (if payment was not completed online).
8) Rider is fully registered once payment and signed documents are received.
9) Rider picks up race number at first race!
A few notes on the process and the SoCal series:
Independent riders should contact Tyler Dibble at tyler@nationalmtb.org for registration link.
Registration cost + all four races in the SoCal Series is $210 when paid in advance.
For riders wishing to pay on a per race basis, registration is $50 and each race is $45 (one race would cost $95, two races would cost $140, three races would cost $185, four races would cost $230).
State Championships is NOT included in SoCal Series registration. Qualified teams and riders will be notified later in the season and will pay a separate one race registration fee for State Championships.

THIS WEEKS PRACTICES

2011-01-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Crescenta Valley Team,
I know it is finals week but that also might mean you get out of school earlier in the day giving you extra time to study before mountain biking. So we will be having practice as usual at:
Both Tuesday & Thursday leaving from the entrance to Descanso at 4pm.
We are working on putting on a combined weekend practice with the San Gabriel team. I will let you know about that later in the week.
Photo is of team mate Pam racing Cyclocross (she came in second!)
Next week we will try to enter some new stuff (or new locations) into practices.
See you at practice!

- - Banner

THIS WEEKS PRACTICES

2011-01-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

CV Team,
This starts our second week of regular 3 per week practices. For any students new to mountain biking, it is important to be at as many practices as possible between now and our first race in 7 weeks. You will be glad you did! On Thursday I’m going to give some stuff away to the kids who have been showing up to practice regularly.
It is also important to get as much time on your bike whenever you can. You can practice slow speed balance in your yard or anywhere! See my other e-mail about Rider Camps Feb 5th & 6th – or on our Blog: http://gusdcycling.blogspot.com/
We may have some kids from the San Gabriel team joining us on Thursday.

Tuesday – leaving from Descanso at 4pm

Thursday – Leaving from Descanso at 4pm

Saturday – leaving from Descanso at 11am

RIDER CAMPS FOR EXTRA TRAINING & PRACTICE

2011-01-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

Below is info on this year’s rider camps. If you are new to the league, you should consider doing one of the camps because it is a good chance to get some good extra practice and extra coaching between now and the first race of the year. I plan on being at the Bonelli Park camp and might be able to help with transportation to it if any CV students need it.

- - Banner

Rider Camps
The League is putting on two one-day rider camps this season. Rider camps are a great way to learn or review skills, make new friends from other clubs, and generally have a great time. Even experienced riders can learn something new at a NICA rider camp or clinic, which emphasizes proper skill, technique and a healthy approach to riding and racing. Also it is a chance to ride in some new territory and on new trails Licensed coaches and assistants provide spot-on training for students of all skill levels. Full information is available on the website:
http://www.socaldirt.org/events/camps/
Dates are Saturday February 5th at Bonelli Park in San Dimas and Sunday February 6th at Cheseboro Canyon in Agoura Hills. Cost is $45 but includes lunch and snacks. ($10 late fee applies if paid within 10 days of camp).
Registration form is at:
http://socaldirt.nationalmtb.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/SoCal.2011.One_.Day_.Clinic.Reg_.Forms_.pdf

Late Notice Saturday MTB Practice

2011-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Folks,
Although most of your CV coaches will be getting trained in wilderness first aid this weekend and so hadn't scheduled a practice, the San Gabriel Valley Team has a practice in the Hahamonga Wash and have invited any CV students or coaches who want to take part.
It will be Saturday at 10am at Oak Grove Park (entrance at the east end of Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta, across the street from La Canada High School). Our coach Crystal will be there and maybe some other faces you will recognize.
(10am means on your bike ready to go at 10am)

STAY ON THE TRAILS AND DIRT ROADS IN HAHAMONGA. THERE ARE GOAT THORNS IN THE GRASS WHICH CAN GIVE YOU FLAT TIRES!

- - Banner

Paramount Ranch Ride & Fundraiser for the League and for CV Team

2011-01-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

CV Composite students,
Any rider can take part in the below fund raiser. All you have to do is get commitments from people (parents, friends, anyone) to donate money to your ride totaling $75. Get someone to donate $10/lap and do 8 laps (20 miles)! You’ll be riding with many kids from other SoCal teams which should be fun.
I don’t know if I can be there, but check with other CV coaches and consider coordinating/carpooling with other CV team mates if you want to go.

- - Banner

________________________________________

Subject: Paramount Ranch Roundup Registration is Open

The SoCal High School Cycling League has its first ever fundraising ride on Saturday February 19th at the historic Paramount Ranch which is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Agoura Hills.
Registration is now open at the event website! You can head there directly by clicking HERE and you can find the website linked from the SoCal League website by looking under the "Events" tab.
To register we are asking adults to commit to raising a minimum of $125 and youth to raising a minimum of $75. There is no additional registration fee on top of that commitment! You will receive snacks while riding, an event t-shirt, a BBQ supper after the ride, and live music during much of the ride and at the BBQ. You'll even find Bob Foster (our race EMT) and his crew roaming the event on horseback.
Once you register, you will be emailed a link to your personal pledge page. You can email the link to supporters or post it on facebook. Your supporters will be able to pledge funds for your ride, and be recognized, directly from your page.
The ride is suitable for team riders, parents, coaches, friends, family, and anyone who supports the sustainability of high school cycling in SoCal. Clubs have the opportunity to raise funds for their own clubs without having to put on their own fundraiser. Be sure to tell your supporters to enter the name of your club when registering. All funds raised over the first $25 will be split 50/50 between the League and your club! Ambitious clubs can really help take care of a lot of season expenses.
The ride takes place on a 2.5 mile dirt loop of single and double track. Each loop brings riders back through the main street of an old west town movie set. The goal is not to complete the most laps. The goal is to ride for 3 hours straight (noon to 3:00 pm) while building fitness and connecting with great folks who support the League.
KTLA news recently did a profile piece on Paramount Ranch. Click HERE to watch it.
We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Matt Gunnell
Executive Director
SoCal High School Cycling League

©2011 SoCal High School Cycling League | 736 Cavanagh Road, Glendale, CA 91207

Start of 2011 Mountain Biking Practices

2011-01-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

CV Composite Mountain Bikers,
On Sunday, January 9th at 2pm I will have a skills practice for new mountain bikers at CV Park (the corner of Honolulu & New York Blvd.). Experienced mountain bikers are welcome to come, but the practice will be aimed at newer riders developing basic skills. I urge anyone new to the team to come to this practice prior to the start of our regular practices the following Tuesday which will be on hills and trails. Rain Cancels.

The first REGULAR practice of 2011 will be on Tuesday, January 11th! At Cherry Canyon and we will start from what will be our usual meeting place - the entrance to Descanso Gardens (just south of Verdugo Blvd. on Descanso Dr.). Be sure to bring water, snack and enough warm clothing. We will practice till dusk and so if you will be riding your bike home, you must bring a blinking red light for rear (and white light for front). Heavy rain cancels (possible spin class instead - find out from Ms. Babington or Pettigrew).
The start time is always when we will be LEAVING the meeting place. You need to arrive earlier and be ready to ride your bike at the posted time. We do not want students riding around trying to hunt the team down after everyone has left for the trails.

Sunday, Jan 9th 2-3:30 pm - CV Park (Beginner skills)

Tuesday, Jan 11th 4-5:30 pm - entrance to Descanso

Thursday, Jan 13th 4-5:30 pm - entrance to Descanso

Prepare for Start of Practice!

2010-12-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Our new name is: Crescenta Valley Composite Team
Upcoming practices are:
Tuesday, Dec. 7th, 3:30 at Clark HS AND at Round Table Pizza @ 6pm.
Saturday, Dec. 11th, 10am at the Rose Bowl (Or starting at 9:15 at Descanso)
Sunday, Dec. 12th, 10am at Oak Grove Park across from La Canada High School
Tuesday, Dec. 14th, 3:30 at Clark HS.

These first practices will be basic skills ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS. Last year's students are encouraged to come to A) see if there is something they can learn and B) to help the new kids learn the basics. The quicker the new kids learn the basics, the sooner we will all be on the trail together and I will reward the students who are most helpful in accomplishing that.
See you there!

- - Banner

2010-10-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE GLENDALE MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM WEBSITE.
THE 2011 SEASON IS STARTING SOON! LOOK FOR UPDATES HERE IN COMING WEEKS.
UNTIL THEN, CHECK OUT "CHILDREN OF DIRT" SERIES OF VIDEOS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL MTB LEAGUE:

Chapt. 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_iqXbuzP6s
Chapt. 2&3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mrBdkz_IfY
Chapt. 4&5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B9gMstbXKs
Chapt. 6&7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4pCrCbWj0c
Chapt. 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tALb6Jiqdfg

- - Coach Banner

Final Pool Party... And Ride! - Sunday

2010-06-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

Our final Pool Party & Lunch.
Date: June 13th
Ride Time: 10am
Party Time: Noon – 3pm Pool Party
Where:
1968 Meadowbrook
Altadena, Ca 91000

Please RSVP to CPettegrew@gusd.net by 6/7 for the party.

We will meet at the party location and then ride up the Mt. Wilson Toll Road to Henninger and for those who want to, a little farther up to a hidden trail that goes to a tunnel and canal dug through the mountain by the Henninger family.
Arrange carpooling to the party location ahead of time if needed.

- - Banner

May 20th Practice

2010-05-31T17:28:00.001-07:00

Mountain Bike Racing (between now and next year's high school season)

2010-05-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

GUSD folks,
If you desire to gain more racing experience prior to next year’s high school season…

There is one called Tapia Canyon Classic on June 26th at Castaic. Sounds like a fun one with music & food:
http://www.tapiacanyonclassic.com/uploads/Tapia_Canyon_Classic_2010.pdf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, below is an e-mail from the coach of the St. Francis team:

MTB Team -

Do you miss our mountain bike rides? I hope that all of you have continued to get on your bikes when you can.

I wanted to tell you about a perfect chance to keep racing your bike. This last Tuesday night, Sean and I drove down to Irvine Lake in Orange, Ca. for the Over the Hump series. These races are held at 6:00pm on Tuesday nights and are a lot of fun. Each lap is less than 4 miles so racing is less than an hour. The racing is very good...there were almost 200 people there this week!

Sean and I made it down in about an hour from La Canada using the carpool lanes. Check out their website for the complete schedule and more information.
http://overthehumpseries.com/

Each lap takes about 15 minutes to do. So, I would suggest that you enter Men's Beginner 29 and under (2 laps) or even Men's Sport 29 and under (3 laps). The course is mostly fireroad with a little singletrack. It is not very technical at all.
- - Lee Bird
1st Half of Series
• Tuesday, June 1, 2010
• Tuesday, June 8, 2010
• Tuesday, June 15, 2010
• Tuesday, June 22, 2010
• Tuesday, June 29, 2010
*3 Week Break (No Races)
2nd Half of Series
• Tuesday, July 27, 2010
• Tuesday, August 3, 2010
• Tuesday, August 10, 2010
• Tuesday, August 17, 2010
• Tuesday, August 24, 2010
• Tuesday, August 31, 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And if you are interested in a 12 hour race, there is one June 12th at Vail Lake. Don’t be too intimidated by a 12 hour race. If you do it as part of a team, you race for about 1 hour then hang out and party for 3 hours and then get on your bike to race for another hour… and so on. It is some of the most fun racing on mountain bikes!
http://www.12hrsoftemecula.com/12hrsoftemeculapage1.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plus there are the USAC races which have separate races for different ages and skill levels, including pro. Those of you who raced regularly in the High School league will be able to do these races though they will normally be more challenging than what you are used to. Some of the relatively local ones are below:
http://www.teambigbear.com/schedule.php

June 5-6 Elings Park, Santa Barbara
June 20 Big Bear Lake
July 18 Big Bear Lake

- - Banner

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICES

2010-05-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Only 2 more weeks till end of season!
Tuesday will be another relaxed romp around La Tuna Canyon. 4-6 pm.

Thursday will be different: Meet at Descanso at 4 - BUT I WILL NOT BE THERE. I will be at the top with trail maintenance tools. Ride your bikes up to the top with whatever coaches show up and then start down the singletrack till you find me. Wear clothing that can get dirty! I will put you to work doing some trail work and teaching you some basics of what to do. Then, when it is time to leave you will ride your bikes down the single track and I will drive the tools home.

Saturday - 9 - Noon; meet at Descanso. Jim will be in charge.

This weekend is a huge road racing weekend with the Tour of California in town. Consider checking out any of these stages:
Friday they will be racing from Palmdale up to Angles Crest and all the way to Snow Summit in Big Bear.
Saturday will be a time trial going on most of the day from Downtown LA with a large expo area full of bike stuff.
Sunday will be a circuit race in Thousand Oaks which will be 4 laps around a 21 mile circuit. Another expo at the start finish area.

http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/

- - Banner

This Weeks Practices

2010-05-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 5/11/10: For a final big workout before Sate Championships, Lets Meet at CV Park (Honolulu & New York) 4pm to try riding over to and UP Beaudry and then DOWN Whiting Woods - a loop. Finish may be @ 6:15 or 6:30.
Be sure and bring some food and water.

Thursday, 5/13/10: An easy ride with emphasis on fun at Cherry Cyn. 4-6 pm.

No Practice This Weekend. Many will be going north to the State Championships. Wish them luck!

- - Banner

2010-05-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

This Week's Practices

2010-05-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

The races went well last weekend. The weather was perfect, the course was fun, the competition was challenging and the pre-race riding and dinner was excellent.

Tuesday: Easy post race practice at Cherry Cyn. Meet at Descanso at 4pm – 6pm.

Thursday: Meet at CV Park for a Hill Climb Challenge! 4-6:30 pm.

Saturday: Meet at Descanso 9am -12:30 am. We might have some guest coaches for this practice. Stay tuned.

- - Banner

2010-04-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

GUSD Folks,

Tuesday, April 27th - Descanso Gardens 4 - 6:15pm, as usual.

Thursday, April 29th - Descanso Gardens 4 - 6:15pm, as usual.

Saturday, May 1st - Solvang at the Los Olivos Race Course. I will be there late morning and early afternoon to lead anyone who wants a coach present on one or more pre-rides of the race course. (You can pre-ride on your own though make sure someone knows that your are out on the course.)
Some GUSD folks will be camping in Solvang (should you be interested, there are trails to ride on in the Arroyo near the campground), others will be in hotels and perhaps others will be at the primitive camping at the race course.
Saturday Night - GUSD Dinner @ 6 or 6:30pm at Firestone Brewery walking distance across the highway from Solvang - for anyone who want to come. Hope to see you there!

Sunday, May 2nd - Race day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By the way, while I think of it: WHENEVER you mountain bike on your own, always let someone who cares know where you went... it can make a huge difference in case you can't make it back because you are out there hurt!

Here are Banner's Race Pre-Riding tips:
1) Try not to tire yourself out on the up hills; don't push too hard. You will not gain any racing fitness the day before a race. If they are technical uphill, try to decide if you will ride or walk or run it during the race.
2) Go just fast enough on the down hills that you have to pay attention, but do not go so fast that you might crash. Don't try to go race speed, don't try to "push the envelope".
3) Riding easily enough during a pre-ride that you can do one extra lap of pre-riding without getting too tired is much more valuable experience than pre-riding hard and fast.

- - Banner

2010-04-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

This weeks' practices:
Tuesday, April 13 - Descanso 4-6pm.
Thursday, April 15 - CV Park 4-6:30pm (NOTE: the different location - New York and Honolulu - and the slightly longer workout time.
Saturday, April 17 - Descanso 9am - 12:30 for something different!

- - Banner

2010-03-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

This week's practices:

Tuesday & Thursday; Descanso 4-6pm.
Saturday; Descanso 9-12:00.

See you there!

2010-03-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

This will be our practice on the weekend of April 24-25. So it will be a SUNDAY practice - meeting at 7:30 am.

We will ride over and back from Descanso as we did last year.

2010-03-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICES

2010-03-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

This week's practices:
Tuesday: 4-6pm Descanso Gardens. We will separate into 2 groups: those racing this weekend and those not racing.
Thursday: 4-6pm Descanso Gardens. (Last chance to train before going to Warner Springs)
Sunday - The 2nd race of the season!
It will be beautiful at Warner Springs. It is an excellent race course for first timers if you are one. If you went last year, the course will be about 20% different and the weather will be 100% better!
If you go down there on Saturday, be sure to plan on trying the hot springs. If anyone is making a last minute decision to join us, we can fit you in the lodging somewhere. The cabins there are really nice and amazingly cheap. Talk to Mrs. Babingotn or Ms. Pettigrew if you haven't already.
- - Banner
Temecula Weather Forecast:
FRI
Sunny
Hi 68°
Lo 41°

SAT
Sunny
Hi 72°
Lo 43°

Sunday
Mar 28
Partly Cloudy
High 75°F

GUSD Cheering Pam at the Races

2010-03-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

2010-03-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

This Weeks (3/16 & 18) Practices:

Days are longer so our practices will be longer; 4pm to 6pm. If you are getting picked up by parents, be sure to let them know.
AT A MINIMUM, Every Student should carry:
Plenty of water
A snack to eat
Warm clothing in case it gets cooler
An extra inner tube
A pump.

Tuesday: 4-6pm, meet at the entrance to Descanso Gardens.

Thursday: 4-6pm, meet at the entrance to Descanso Gardens.

Saturday NOTE: MEET AT CV PARK, CORNER OF NEW YORK & HONOLULU, 9am to noon. We will conquer the Verdugos!

This Weeks Practices (and Race!)

2010-03-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Folks,
Tuesday and Thursday Practices will be at Descanso from 4pm to 5:45pm - as usual. See you there.

Saturday will be a Pre-Ride of the race course at Vail Lake in Temecula! Different people may be arriving at different times, but I hope to be there towards the end of the day in time to lead a pre-ride of the course in the late afternoon daylight, if anyone is interested.

Sunday will be a few hundred of you, your friends, family and your high school peers camping, riding, racing and cheering. It will be fun and really good mountain biking experience. Even if you don't race, you should still come for the riding and to cheer on your team mates.

Here is the Temecula weather forecast:
Friday
Mar 12
Sunny
High 70°F
Low 41°F
Precipitation 0 %
Saturday
Mar 13
Mostly Sunny
High 66°F
Low 41°F
Precip. 0 %
Sunday
Mar 14
Mostly Sunny
High 66°F
Low 42°F
Precip. 0 %

This Week's Practices

2010-03-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

This Weeks Practices:

Tuesday 4-5:45PM Starting and ending from the entrance to Descanso.

Thursday 4-5:45PM Starting and ending from the entrance to Descanso.

Saturday 9am -12:00 Starting and ending from the entrance to Descanso.

Folks,
Our first race is coming up soon in just 2 weeks! Be sure and see past postings or e-mails regarding registering if you want to come. Contact Ms. Pettigrew for coordinating camping, carpooling, meals, etc.
You should be practicing and getting in as much on-the-bike time as you can to be ready for the new terrain and experience at the race. Talk to anyone who did it last year if you want to know what it was like. It was fun!

- - Banner

This Week's Practices

2010-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Tuesday - 4 to 5:30pm starting and ending at Descanso Gardens entrance.

Thursday - 4 to 5:30pm starting and ending at Descanso Gardens entrance

Saturday - 9am to 12:00 starting and ending at Descanso. There is a chance of rain, but we will have practice as long as it is not raining TOO hard.
From now on, Saturday practices will be organized by Coach Jim (Lucas' father), and he will be making the decision regarding weather. If you have any questions about Saturday plans, you can e-mail him at: iamusem@aol.com

Last Saturday at Bonelli park was a great day and we all got to ride on some unfamiliar terrain!

- - Banner

2010-02-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday Practice at Bonelli Park

in San Dimas

THIS WEEKS PRACTICES

2010-02-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday and Thursday will be on-the-bike starting at the entrance to Descanso Gardens at 4pm.
Saturday will be different than usual this week:
The Saturday practice will be at Bonelli Park in San Dimas. Pasadena Mtn. Bike Club is going to host a ride for local high school teams; GUSD, Foothill, San Marino & St. Francis. There will be rides for ALL skill levels AND refreshments afterwards. 9am to Noon. (San Dimas is @ 45 minutes away) It will ba an opportunity to experience new terrain, meet other high school student mountain bikers and have fun.
To carpool, meet at 7:45 at the entrance to Descanso, and you should let me or Ms. Pettigrew or Ms. Babbington know that you will need a ride. Organize your transportation ahead of time , if at all possible. Anyone who can help with transportation, including parents, should let one of the above coaches know.
OR
You can meet us at 9am at Bonnelli Park in San Dimas (where raging waters is). 210 fwy to the 57 south. In just a few miles is the Via Verde exit. There is a park-and-ride right there at the exit if you want to park free and ride your bike over the freeway into the park . Or you can turn left at the end of the off ramp, pay to drive into the park and park close to where we will be starting.
Call my cell phone 213-792-8135 if you have any trouble finding us.

See you all there!

At the Competition's Campus

2010-02-13T21:15:00.001-08:00

Passing through the other local mountain biking high school team's campus.

This Weeks Practices

2010-02-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

Tuesday will be Spin Class at Pedal Spin Studio with Coach Rick. Try to be there at 3:30 for a 3:45 start. Bring water, cycling shoes (with pedals if you have non-shimano cleats) or sneakers and dress to sweat. (East end of Honolulu just west of Anderson Pet Shop)

The first 12 students who ask me for it can have an MP3 CD with Banner’s “Exercise Mix” of music selections.

Thursday – weather Permitting – will be on the bike at the entrance to Descanso (not CV Park) at 4pm. There is a chance of rain so if it is raining practice will be Spin Class at 3:30 instead. I will try to send out an e-mail by around noon if Descanso on-the-bike workout is replaced by Spin Class, but use your judgment.

Saturday will be 9am (instead of 10) at the entrance to Descanso Gardens. 9am to Noon. Hopefully El Nino will let us get in our weekend workout in the hills.

League Racing Info

2010-02-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hello League Riders, Parents, and Coaches!With the 2009 Race Series beginning next month we wanted to give a friendly reminder regarding rider registration. To ensure that everything goes smoothly on race day, it is important that you register early so you can verify that all the information is correct.The full registration process includes filling out all the information online, mailing the forms back to us, then submitting payment via check or credit card.
Based on forecasted 2010 participation, 10% of riders have finished the online portion, and 5% have returned the required forms.Also, please remember that there is a special deal for first-time ever League racers where they can register for the first race only for $50 then pay the difference after they decide whether or not they would like to race for the rest of the season.
Thank you,
Mike

Cruzmike@nationalmtb.org
(510) 524-5464 x001

2010-02-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

No practice Tuesday this week.
- Thursday, Feb 4th, meet at CV Park - 4pm - Corner of Honolulu & New York.
(Hopefully next week the days will be long enough to meet at Descanso Gardens on both Tuesdays & Thursdays.)
- Saturday, Feb 6th, meet at the entrance to Descanso Gardens - 10am - this time for a full, fun, uninterrupted workout!

- - Banner

P.S. Mark this in your Calendars and start thinking about transportation for yourself and your team mates:

On Saturday, February 20th, 9am, the Pasadena Mountain Biking Club (pmbc.org) will be hosting a Training Ride with experienced coaches and refreshments geared for ALL SoCal High School skill levels. That will be our GUSD practice ride on that day. It is at Bonelli Park in San Dimas (@ 45 minute drive) so we will need to line up transportation ahead of time.
The Foothill Composite & St. Francis teams are invited too.

2010-01-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Start of

Saturday Jan. 30th Practice

2010-01-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

January 23 Practice:

Cherry Canyon with snow in the background!

Last of our January Practices

2010-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Jan 28 - 4pm
Meet at CV Park at the corner of Honolulu & New York for an hour of slow speed cycling games and practice.

Saturday, Jan 30 - 10am till @ 1pm
Meet at the entrance to Descanso Gardens for more scenic riding in the hills.

Our first race is only a little over 1 month away, so any students who are taking part should be cycling as much and as hard as possible between now and then. Have fun, Be safe and Ride.

- - Banner

Upcoming Practices

2010-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Jan, 19th; Spin class at spin studio in Montrose just west of Andersons Pet Shop; be ready to go at 3:45 - 4:45.

Thursday, Jan 21st; WEATHER PERMITTING, On-the-bike practice at CV Park 4:00 - 5:15. We will play "follow the leader" in the park.

Saturday, Jan 23rd; Weather Permitting, 10:00am - 1:00pm, meet at the entrance to Descanso for on-the-bike practice.

2010-01-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Practices Jan 12, 14, 16

2010-01-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

Next week our practices will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I haven't decided for sure yet (when the days get a little longer) if we will have our on-the-bike practices on Tue/Thu or Mon/Wed.
- This Tuesday we will have an introduction to "Spinning" which is a structured cycling workout on stationary bikes. Meet at 3:45 at the spin studio in the heart of Montrose. It is near the 2200 block of Honolulu just west of Anderson's Pet shop on the south side of the street. Spinning can be fun, good cycling exercise and a great alternative for us on rainy days.
- Thursday at 4:00 I will teach some basic bicycle maintenance. It will be at Clark High School in a covered, illuminated space - I'm not sure yet exactly where, but if you show up in front of Clark we will direct you. This will be basic stuff everyone should know to do most every time they ride plus some other maintenance know-how that will be important to know sooner or later. I will make sure to teach something that even experienced mountain bikers might not know.
- Saturday at 10:00 am we will meet at the entrance to Descanso Gardens (La Canada) for an on-the-bike practice. We will ride over towards JPL to practice in the Hahamonga wash area and should be back around 1:00 pm.
See you there; comments or questions to bannermoffat@earthlink.net

- - Banner

First Practice of 2010

2010-01-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

First "Practice" of 2010:
Trail Maintenance in Alta Dena

Mountain Bikers need to help maintain the trails we ride on and coincidentally this is our first chance. CORBA and the Forest Service are organizing a trail work day on Saturday, Jan. 9th.
I will supervise any GUSD riders who come to help out. It is an all day activity, although you can hike back down to the road any time if you need to leave early. A late lunch will be provided to those who RSVP after the work around 2pm. Bring water and a snack to carry with you.
Meet at the entrance to Descanso at 7:15am to carpool
Or at the top of Cheney Trail Rd. in Alta Dena at 8:00 am.

See the e-mail I sent out for additional details.

- - Banner

Get Ready for 2010

2009-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

GUSD Team,

Starting in early January we will be meeting more often and more regularly.
We will start having weekday after school meetings, but at first they may NOT be on the bike due to it getting dark too early. Instead we will have Bike Maintenance training or other useful training, OR we will have some coached Spin Class at the Montrose Spin studio on indoor bike trainers. The Bike Maintenance is stuff you will need to know and the Spin Classes are fun exercise that will make you stronger on a bike. (If something on your bike needs work, we might be able to fix it as part of the class. Let me know in advance if so.) I will give away more free stuff too! (hint: learn your bike parts to win some)

We will start having Saturday Practice EVERY week beginning January 9th.

By early February, our weekday practices will be on the bike too.

It still hasn't been decided if we will have weekday practices Tuesday & Thursday or Monday & Wednesday. If any of you students prefer one of those two choices LET ME KNOW BY E-MAIL. I will try to choose the days that work for the largest number of you.

So, get your bikes ready or if you don't have one yet, get a bike!

Any of you can take your bike to Budget Bikes on Colorado Bvd. for a free tune up and 10% discount on any price tag prices.

See You Next Year!
- - Banner

Next Pre-Season Practice

2009-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

December 19th, Saturday, 10am at CV park just downhill (toward the hills) from the intersection of Honolulu & New York.
New team members are especially encouraged to come even if you don't have a bike yet. Just let us know in advance and we will loan you one for the practice. As much as possible we want to get new members up to speed on some of the basics of mountain biking.
See You All There!

- - Banner

Montrose Christmas Parade

2009-12-02T13:15:00.001-08:00

If you want to be in the Montrose Christmas Parade - on your bicycle, any GUSD Cycling Club members can do so. Decorate you bike and be part of the show!
Contact Jan Babington or Reilly Ptratt at CV or contact Carol Pettigrew or Dillan Maurer at Clark if you are interested.

Local Cyclocross Race

2009-11-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Turkey Trot Cyclocross Race – Sunday November 29

This Sunday the Gene Galindo Memorial Turkey Trot Cross race will take place in Verdugo Park (Near Gledale College on Verdugo). This is one of the top cyclocross races in southern California and if you’ve never seen a cyclocross race before, you should check it out. For more details, go to: http://la-bike.org/glendale/?p=939 and scroll down the page. Hope to see you there!

Rider Camps Available

2009-11-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

RIDER CAMP REGISTRATION
Registration is up for three upcoming one day Rider Camps!
Rider camps are a great way for returning riders to tune up their skills and reconnect with friends from last year AND to have fun on a bike. They’re also a great way for new riders to learn new skills, meet new friends, and learn a little bit about the League. Camps run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, cost $45, and include lunch and snacks.
All levels of riders are welcome (grades 9-12) and you do not need to be on a League club to participate! Rider activities will be grouped by skill level.
– Saturday December 12th at Stumpgrinder Dirt Club in Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County
– Sunday December 13th at Aliso and Wood Park in Laguna Niguel, Orange County
– Sunday January 24th at Bonelli Park in San Dimas, Los Angeles County.

For more information:
http://www.socaldirt.org/camps/index.htm

Joining the Club for the 2010 Season

2009-11-09T14:38:00.001-08:00

Folks,
Our regular season starts Jan 1st and goes till May 31st, but as soon as we have some students who have filled out the paperwork to join the club we can have some pre-season rides or training between now and Jan 1st. Lets get started mountain biking!
So join the club now! If you (or your parents) have any questions about joining or about the paperwork, see Jan Babbington or Brett Harvey at CV or Carol Pettigrew at Clark. (or me at bannermoffat@earthlink.net)
And you can talk to any of last year's students including Dillan Maurer at Clark or Reily Pratt at CV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Budget Bicycles will be offering a free bike bike check and tune up to students once they join the club (as well as a 10% discount on price tag items).
We have some free new tires for students who need them courtesy of Budget Bikes.
We will be giving any new student a "Mountain Biking Basics" skills session during their first one or two practices. Plus returning students will get a refresher skills session. Ideally these basic practices will get done before the regular season starts on January 1st.

- - Coach Banner Moffat

2009-10-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Folks,
Here is a great (and free)(and British) internet mountain bike magazine: http://www.imbikemag.com/
I wouldn't be surprised if online, interactive internet magazines like this are a trend of the future.
- - Banner

2009-10-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

2009-10-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Parent Coach Meeting

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO JOIN THE CLUB:
Even if you are not sure but want more information,
Or if YOU are sure, but your parents want more information...

COME TO THE PARENT - COACH PRESENTATION AND MEETING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28th - 6pm at ClarkHigh School library (4 blocks north of Foothill on New York)
Or e-mail me if you have questions: bannermoffat@earthlink.net

2009-10-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

The GUSD 2009 - 2010 "pre-season" starts October 15th and club rides will begin soon after that. If you already know you want to join, contact Jan Babington (CV) or Carol Pettigrew (Clark) for the requred paperwork.
Otherwise, show up at the Parent Coaches Meeting October 28th 6pm at CV to get any questions answered.
The main season goes from Jan 1 to May 31, 2010.

The club leaders from CV are:
President - Reily Pratt
Vice President - Armen
Treasurer - Weston
Secretary - Daniel

At Clark:
President - Dillan Maurer

Jan Babington & Brett Harvey at CV and Carol Pettigrew at Clark are coaches and can be contacted if anyone has any questions.

Tentative Race Schedule for 2010:
Race 1: Warner Springs --- March 7
Race 2: Vail Lake --- March 21
Race 3: Los Olivos --- April 11
Race 4: Lake Arrowhead --- May 2
State Championships: Monterey --- May 16

2009-06-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

If any of you are looking to find out about other mountain biking trails in the area, this site has a big list with descriptions and updates:

http://www.mybikesite.com/socal/trails/index.htm

- - Banner

It's a WRAP!

2009-06-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

The GUSD Cycling Club wrapped up its first season on May 31st! The morning was spent doing trail maintenance on El Prieto. Special attention was paid to fixing "Lower Shark Attack" and "Gary's Corner" (bottom three photos above). After trail work was completed we had a fantastic end of season pool and pizza party. All in all it was a great wrap up to a historical first season!

Want to be a part of something special? Come ride with us! Any questions can be directed to GUSDCycling@gmail.com . The club will "spring to life" on October 15th as we prepare for season 2 of the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League race series taking place from March through May 2010!!! Until then, keep an eye on the forum (linked to the right) if you want to keep in touch and ride with your new found MTB buds!

"Hey coach, what do I do now?"

2009-05-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

The above is a question that's being asked repeatedly. The good news is that if you're looking to keep riding bikes in the "off season," you're hooked!

The SoCal League is set up to mimic a traditional high school spring sport in its schedule. What this means is that you can do some official "prep" work between October 15 and November 30th, the "training" season can begin on December 1st, and the "competitive" season occurs from March through May. After that finishes, the club goes dormant until the next season begins with no official League activities save for optional short duration camps in the summer. This is done for a very specific reason. As high school athletes you're still in your formative years in the sport. A very real risk is burnout if the team is on a year round training and racing schedule. The flow of the season is designed to allow your mind (and in some cases body) to take a break after the competitive season so that when you return in the fall, everything will seem fresh and exciting.

What this means is that official club activities finish on May 31st and can't start again until October 15th. What this DOESN'T mean is that you have to stop riding your bike! In fact, you can use this "off" time to train by yourselves, do fun riding, or even explore other cycling disciplines. Though the League is all about XC MTB racing, there are MANY other types of riding out there! At this point in your cycling "lives" ANY type of cycling will benefit any other type of cycling. Examples of how these other disciplines might help you as an XC MTB rider? Long road rides will help build your aerobic base, BMX will help your handling skills and pack riding, downhill will help your bike handling skills and give you confidence, track riding will help you focus and give you the ability to spin your pedals REALLY fast, cyclocross will put many of the XC skills you have to task in a shorter race, "just riding" your mountain bike will build your base and confidence --- the examples are endless!

So what do you do now? The decision is up to you! However, to help you, here are links to some resources you might investigate. One thing you might want to do is find and join a local cycling club (I'm partial to PAA, and it's also close ;-) as that is usually an inexpensive way to "link in" to the cycling scene. You can meet many experienced riders and racers and people are always scheduling rides of various types you might choose to take part in. Additionally, there are usually generous discounts that come up which make the membership fees seem VERY reasonable! I am not advocating for nor do I have any financial connection to any of the below other than one cyclocross race in Glendale that I promote as part of the SoCal Prestige series. In fact, I've only ridden on a velodrome twice and both times it was part of a cyclocross race. I also have no BMX experience save for one race in about 1978. I will, however, help to answer any questions you have!

www.paacycling.org --- Pasadena Athletic Association Cycling Club (Coach Jan, Coach Banner, Sponsor Coach Rick, Sponsor Tom Reilly, Sponsor Jerry Sanders, St. Francis Coach Bird, and I all belong to PAA)

www.lavelodrome.org --- LA Velodrome at the ADT Events Center

www.encinovelodrome.org --- Encino Velodrome. They even have a FREE beginner youth program Thursday evenings. Velodrome Director Al Nash is a PAA member.

www.sycamorebmx.com --- This is a BMX track in Simi Valley.

www.socalcross.com --- This is the SoCal Prestige Cyclocross Series. Races take place between September and January. Juniors usually race for 30-35 minutes. You CAN race on a mountain bike. Juniors usually race free if they have an annual license (I can explain that to you) or by purchasing a "one day" license for $10. Practices begin around August and take place in the Hahamonga area we practice in. Watch the website for updates.

www.racersandchasers.com --- XC MTB race series at Vail Lake.

www.usacycling.org --- This is the national governing body for cycling.

www.scnca.com --- This is the local (Southern California and Southern Nevada) chapter of USA Cycling covering our area. They maintain the calendar for all local road, track, and cyclocross races.

www.campwoodward.com --- I don't know anything about this other than the fact that, if I was your age, I would want to go HERE for camp! In addition to many other action sports, they have some pretty impressive facilities for learning advanced MTB skills!

2009 State Championships

2009-05-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

For those who were able to go to States this year, the experience was fantastic! It's really difficult to explain the sheer scale of the event unless you see it yourself. This was BIG TIME racing with all the bells and whistles from an announcer with a British accent, to a Pit Zone that went on for days, to campers as far as the eye could see, to an interview tent stocked with reporters, to a podium ceremony with hundreds of spectators (see photo above), to....

GUSD was ably represented by racers Weston Weaver, Dillen Maurer, Reilly Pratt, coaches Sean, Dale, and Matt, and Dillen's parents. We had a deluxe campsite (actually, all campsites were pretty similar --- ours was just really close to start/finish) with all the ameneties (including a bag of water hoisted into a tree to shower under).

After a LOOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGG drive Saturday (about 9 hours) we set up camp and got on our bikes to pre-ride the course. The course was a fun mix singletrack through the trees (which we don't really get too much of in SoCal), difficult power climbs, and fast fireroad. Though the weather was warm, almost all of the course was in the shade of 100 foot pine trees keeping the direct sun off most of the time. We rode two laps of the 6+ mile course including the second lap with the Newport Composite team. Though we were competitors through the season, it was nice to feel cameraderie with the other SoCal racers as we were a small contingent amongst the nearly 400 NorCal racers. It was great hearing "go SoCal!" That being said, the NorCal folks were VERY welcoming to us. They were genuinely happy to have us there as they can see that as SoCal grows and strengthens, the level of competition throughout the state will grow!

Saturday night the coaches were able to attend a little ceremony where the NorCal and SoCal Leagues were ceremonially joined to form a "State Championships." We were joined when two halves of a California shaped cake were brought together by the NorCal and SoCal Board Presidents. Needless to say, after a day of labor and pre-riding, the cake didn't last long!

Sunday morning we watched what had been a large group of campers grow into a HUGE number of attendees as many riders/supporters of the close in teams arrived on site. The forest was full of brightly clad riders, team tents, and campers of every shape and size. Racing got kicked off with the waves of girls at 10:00. And these were fields of 20, 30, 40 girls! At a little before noon, the Freshmen boys and Sophmore boys fields set off. This alone was 4 fields as there were two fields for each category as NorCal is divided between Division 1 and Division 2 schools. All SoCal teams competed in Division 2 this year. Wesley and Dillen competed in Freshmen boys and Reily competed in Sophmore boys. All three riders rode hard and finished smiling and dusty and excited to come back in 2010!

The third wave was the JV and Varsity boys. There were some VERY fast riders in these fields. And it wasn't only the top 2-3 riders that were fast. The top 20 in every field rode competitive lap times. This is exciting because it shows the depth and level of competition happening in NorCal. Within 3 years the SoCal fields should show similar depth!

After the racing there was a fantastic awards ceremony. The podium was set under a canopy of tall pines and MANY people stuck around to support the winners. After the podium, people dispersed quickly and within 2 hours there were only a few isolated campsites still occupied. As the tradition of the League is to "leave no trace" the forest was left clean and it was hard to tell that hours before there had been over a thousand people camping, riding, racing, and spectating.

See you next year at States!

HERE is a link to the photos Dillen's dad took of the weekend and below are some videos.

End of season party and trail work!

2009-05-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Block off Sunday May 31st on your calendar as it will mark the last two club events of the season!

Coach Banner is organizing a trail work day in the morning/early afternoon hours. Trail work is an important part of mountain biking as most trails are created and/or maintained by volunteers. As mountain bikers, we use the trails regularly. As mountain bikers --- we need to get in the habit of taking care of those trails in a responsible way! More information on time and location to follow but please check out the following links to some important mountain biking / trail advocacy groups!

IMBA --- International Mountain Bicycling Association
CORBA --- Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association
MWBA --- Mt. Wilson Bicycling Association

Sunday afternoon/evening we will be having our official "end of season" party! More details will follow but this is for all racers, families, coaches, and sponsors!

State Championships

2009-05-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 17th marks the date of the first California State High School Mountain Bike Championships! Up until this year, the 5th race of the season was the last race of the NorCal League season. This year it is a unification race to find the champions of the combined NorCal and SoCal Leagues. This year the race is being recognized for what it is (a TOP race) by USA Cycling (the US Olympic recognized governing body for cycling in the United States) and the top 15 finishers in each cateogory are automatically qualified for the USA Cycling MTB National Championships in Solvista, CO this July.

The following team members will be attending and representing both GUSD Cycling and the SoCal League:

Weston Weaver --- Freshman Boys
Dillen Maurer --- Freshman Boys
Reily Pratt --- Sophmore Boys
Sean McCoy --- Coach
Dale Standel --- Coach
Matt Gunnell --- Coach

Wish us all luck!

Race #4 (SoCal Finals) Report

2009-05-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Spirits were high as the club assembled in the parking lot at the Charlotte's Meadow area of the Stump Grinder Dirt Club (SGDC) outside of Los Olivos/Buelton/Solvang on Saturday afternoon. Race promoter Mike Hecker is justifiably proud at the unique and exciting venue he has put together to host racing and training. The SGDC is completely on private property in the beautiful hills and valleys of Santa Ynez wine country. The SGDC is a membership location where local riders can pay an annual fee to come ride the short but challenging climbs and swoopy singletrack with fantastic vistas of verdent hills and miles of vineyards. SDGC also hosts a variety of races ranging from various national level mountain bike races (the Kenda Cup West was here the weekend prior) with world class pros to low key short-track races to 12 and 24 hour marathon events. In addition to the start/finish area --- Charlotte's Meadow has a tire swing in the shade of a GINORMOUS Oak as well as a Pump Track that saw a LOT of use!

After getting geared up everyone went out in small groups to pre-ride the course. Special props to Pam's mom and Reily's dad for pre-riding! Rumor has it they're both at least SOMEWHAT hooked and looking forward to going on training rides with the club next season. You hear that parents??? Don't be left behind! Get a bike and ride with us!!!

The course was very scenic and very challenging. It had the most climbing of any course this year including one VERY steep and twisty singletrack climb that only the most technically skilled riders could ride up! There was also a bunch of smooth fast singletrack on the side of steep, grass covered hills, a few power climbs, and cows. That's right --- cows. It's not called the "Cow Pie Classic" as a joke! In fact, on the pre-ride we caught this photo of some of the native "wildlife."

After a great pre-ride. Everyone headed to their various accomodations to get ready for dinner. For most of the group this was at the Firestone Walker Taproom in Buelton. Even though it was a busy Saturday night we were slowly but surely able to "take over" about 1/3 of the restaurant. Dinner was great but the best part was getting to know each other just a little bit better and --- even though this season is just ending --- start making plans for next season ;-) After finishing dinner there was just enough time for a late night game of "Uno" in Graeme's parents' trailer!
Sunday morning started bright and early with a "hearty" breakfast at Ellen's Pancake House. When I'm in Solvang I NEVER miss breakfast at Ellen's! We pretty much took over the main room and counter of the restaurant with GUSD jerseys as we scarfed down our pre-race carbohydrates ;-)
After breakfast the racing began! The weather was slightly breezy with nice temps in the shade but warm in the sun as there wasn't much cloud cover! The course conditions were fantastic! The racing was epic as the loop ended up being over 7 miles long with PLENTY of climbing! Spectating was great as riders not only passed through the start/finish area twice per lap but, after the initial hard climb, were visible mutliple times as small specs criss-crossing the hillsides through valleys and past oak trees. When it was all set and done everybody had a hard but satisfying day.

After the racing was complete we all ate our fill of freshly cooked Brats courtesy of Graeme's folks! Thanks again!!!

The day concluded with a great awards ceremony and a team photo including all of the racers, coaches, and parents!

Special congratulations to Pam for finishing on the series overall podium (3rd place) for Frosh/Soph Girls. Below are congratulations from several teachers:

Thanks for the good news.
Mrs. Evans

So cool! Too bad I opened this email after I saw her today. I'll definitely make sure to congratulate her tomorrow. She's an amazing kid and this is just one more thing that makes her amazing.
Erin J. Weller

Wow Jan,
This is great! Congratulations to you as well!
Have a great day,
Celeste Lau-Chwierut

LOVE THE INFO.
LOVE THE PICS!
Great job coaches.
Mrs. Zamorano

Jan! That's fantastic! Congrats to you too!!!!
Liz Weaver

That's REAL BIG!
HISTORIC TOO!
Thanks for sharing
Mr. Pehar

Here are some links to GREAT photos taken by Dillen's dad and Coach Banner!

Below is some of the action in video!

Probably the best ever video on YouTube

2009-04-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Though this is not XC Mountain Biking it is probably one of the most beautiful and inspirational videos I have ever seen on YouTube --- biking or non-biking.

Race #3 Report

2009-04-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Helmet cam video shot by Frosh/Soph racer Shane Somerville of Newport Beach Composite.

Today's race was in Lake Arrowhead and brought to us in party by the Rim of the World High School MTB Club as well as the folks at Rim Nordic (yes, if you haven't gotten enough mountain biking by the end of the SoCal League season you can race there throughout the summer).

Start/Finish was in a large dirt area with a beautiful view of the lake as well as snow on the next hillside over. That's right, snow. In fact, there was plenty of snow on the drive in and the temperature was FRIGID when the GUSD crew began arriving at 7:30! Pretty soon, the area was all hustle and bustle and what was once a windswept knoll became a hive of activity.

The GUSD racers got on course early for a pre-ride and --- let me tell you --- this was a GREAT course! Much props to the folks at Rim for pushing this one through! I had a brief conversation with a US Forest Service ranger who was walking around the Specialized Pit Zone after our pre-ride and thanked the Forest Service for facilitating the event. To quote him, "It's about time something like this took place." Let me tell you, that's a REALLY good response! It's good to see that eyes are opening and people are realizing that not only is mountain biking a GREAT activity but high school mountain biking is a REALLY GREAT activity!

Anyway, the course was very physically challenging as it was not only at 6,000 feet but had the first real climbing yet this season! Some fantastic swoopy and wide single track, some short punchy and technical climbs that most probably walked, some longer uphill fire road climbs that were in great condition, some fun-fast-whoopdy-do downill fireroad descents, and a few splashes through slurpee (melting snow) mud all linked together with great views of the lake, the high desert, and the recently fire and beatle damaged forest. All-in-all ---- a great course in clear, dry, blustery air!

By the time the girls race started, the temperature had warmed up and it was only chilly if you were standing still. The girls raced hard and Pam steadily moved up the ranks. The boys then took to the course and also raced very hard with plenty of wheezing and gasping due to altitude! However --- other than Rim High --- everyone was suffering from the altitude! Now, 6,000 feet may not seem too high but when your usual training rides top out at about 2,000 feet --- it's high enough! The boys all raced hard and finished strong! I'm most proud to say that all 8 of the GUSD racers raced --- and all 8 finished!

Thanks so much to all of the coaches and families who came out to support the racers and the League! These races couldn't happen without you! It's not like we're all showing up at a softball field where we just need to walk onto the field from the parking lot (not dispariging softball here). These race courses appear "out of nowhere" (not really, there's a LOT that goes into permitting them, designing them, marking them, etc) and it takes all of you to turn a small, barren area into a bustling hive of mountain bike racing goodness!

So without further ado --- here's the immediate post race race reports from YOUR GUSD racers:

Race #2 Report

2009-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

2009 So. Cal High School League - Warner Springs from ChannelMTB on Vimeo.

When the club arrived at Warner Hot Springs Ranch on Saturday the sun was out, the temperature was perfect for riding, and there was a nice breeze. Nobody could believe the weather forecasts which had been calling for a major winter storm to hit on Sunday. The ranch was beautiful in a high bowl shaped valley with an active glider port providing entertainment for us as we pre-rode the course Saturday afternoon with a few fellow riders and coaches from St. Francis. The course had some technical sections near the start where the narrow single track went over some rocks through a cactus garden on the side of a little hill. Other than that, it was a roller coaster smooth single track ride through an enormous pasture occupied by a herd of horses that spent most of Saturday afternoon staring at riders passing by from their watering hole. Though there weren't any big hills, the course never seemed to be completely flat and really had nowhere to recover meaning it favored riders who had big aerobic engines over riders who were technically skilled. After pre-riding everyone returned to the ranch where people went to the hot springs pool and ate dinner at one of the on site restaurants. Everyone went to sleep content and looking forward to Sunday's race while doubting the predictions of the weather forecasters.

Sunday morning started calm enough. Everyone gathered around Coach Matt and Banner's "casita" between 8 and 9 where we shared a breakfast buffet provided by the club. It was great to see all of the parents, families, coaches (and their families), and riders gearing up for a great day of racing. The weather was cloudy but it wasn't very cold. Everyone was looking at the sky and talking about how it looked like the forecasters might have missed the call. Suffice it to say, that wasn't the case! As we ate breakfast we could feel the temperature dropping. By the time we were all heading to the course at 9:30 it had become breezy and COLD and the first drizzle appeared!

We set up our basecamp in the Specialized Pit Zone at start/finish. The location was great as it allowed the tents and team cars to be right along the course for easy cheering. This turned out to be fortuitous as the weather was about to take a DRAMATIC turn for the worse! The energy was unique at the start of the girls race as the horses who had been placidly standing in the field the day before decided to follow one of the last riders warming up in off the course where about 5 of them actually walked right into the start/finish area on the course! Once they realized there was something else happening in "their" pasture they quickly scooted away. However, they had a great running with the racers throughout the day!

As Pam took the course the rain was coming down and the temperature had dropped to the high 40's. By the time she finished her first lap the wind was blowing so hard that tents had to be staked down and they didn't really help much anyway as the rain was coming in sideways! While Pam was out battling the elements, most of the boys had huddled up in the back of my Element with all their clothes on drinking hot chocolate to stay warm. Yup, it was EPIC!

Just before Pam finished her race, all of the boys groups started racing. The fields were similar in size to race #1 meaning the JV group and the Frosh/Soph group were very large! The boys battled it out through the vicious weather (this is where the tents being close to the course counted as supporters could run out of their tents, cheer on their racers with cowbells, then run back to their tents before getting too wet) and everyone came in mud splattered with bikes full of mud. It pretty much looked like the color of every bike was --- BROWN!

I'll let the race report videos below explain things but suffice it to say everyone battled, everyone finished, everyone learned, and everyone will remember this race!!!

For more GREAT PHOTOS BY COACH BANNER (like the fantastic one at the top of the blog) click HERE .

NOT official club events but...

2009-03-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

For those who simply can't get enough racing and want to add to their racing schedule there is a national series of mountain bike races of which we (here in SoCal) are fortunate enough to host MANY of. The series this year is called the US Cup Mountain Bike Race Series. The link to the main website is HERE. This is for information only! This is NOT an official club event and your standing in the club or the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League has NOTHING to do with your participation in these race. Again, this is for information only. The club will not be involved in carpooling or coaching at these races.

Should you want to participate in any of these races the two that don't conflict with our schedule and are close are the Fontana City National on Saturday March 28th and the Santa Ynez Valley Classic in Los Olivos on Sunday April 26th. I believe the Santa Ynez race takes place in the same general area as our League race the following weekend. I will schedule practice both weekends on the non-race days to facilitate you being able to race should you want to.

If you want to do either of those races you will need to pay race entry ($35 in advance or $40 day of race). You will also need to buy either a USA Cycling Junior Mountain Bike Only license for $30 (good through 12/31/09) OR a one-day license for $10.

Since everyone on the club is 18 or under the USA Cycling classes you would register to race in are Cat 3 Men 15-18, Junior Men 13-14, Cat 3 Women 15-18, or Junior Women 13-14. Your "racing age" is your age on December 31st of the current year (for example, if I am a male currently aged 14 with a birthday on September 21st my "racing age" for calendar year 2009 would be 15).

You can either download the pre-registration form from the race website and mail it in with a check OR pre-register online. Additionally, you will need a USA Cycling Release (DOWNLOAD HERE) AND a Team Big Bear Release (DOWNLOAD HERE) signed by a parent or guardian to present at registration.

It appears the Fontana cross-country race is on Saturday at 11:00 AM and the Santa Ynez cross-country race is on Sunday at 8:00 AM.

If you want to get a good laugh you can see me "racing" in Fontana on Saturday at 11:00. Heck, maybe you'll even get the chance to pass me!

Coach Matt

Race #1 Report

2009-03-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

GUSD Composite had a great weekend of camping, riding, and racing at Vail Lake in Temecula. Here's the blur of the weekend we had!

We left CV at 12:30 on Saturday and headed to the race. We arrived at about 3:00 and got started setting up camp. Reilly's dad Ken discovered a "smelly" problem in the campsite which we quickly took care of! After that it was all about pitching tents, getting stoves and lanterns ready, and positioning the food! We then set out to pre ride the course. We discovered it was a great rolling course with hills that were mainly rideable (except for Marine Corps hill --- but that's another story) and single-track that was swoopy and and fun! After pre-riding everyone got cleaned up and started preparing dinner. As the sun dropped --- so did the temperature! We had dinner then sat around the campfire eating Banana Boats (a VERY healthy desert) and talking about goal setting, race expectations, and race tactics. Everybody went to bed with a stomach full of food and butterflies. Sunday morning everyone awoke to freezing (literally) temperatures. That didn't stop us from turning our camp into a waffle kitchen! Morning was a blur of cooking, cleaning, registration, nerves, and excitement. The girls races began and Pam gave it a great shot before a swamp monster came running out of the bushes causing her to tumble and taking her out of the race. Rumor is that Pam is already planning her assault on the Warner Springs course. The boys then took to the course and worked VERY hard! Weston came out our top finisher, Reily rode safely and solidly, Eric gutted it out but was still suffering from the after effects of a banged up arm, Greame got his money's worth, Armen spent time going backwards, and Hunter figured out that 3 laps is a lot longer than 2 laps. We ate some free BBQ courtesy of the SoCal League, packed up our camp, and headed home. All in all, it was a great learning experience for a group of first time racers and a fun weekend!

Below are some snapshots of the weekend and for some REALLY GOOD photos of the weekend click HERE for Coach Banner's photos or click HERE for Mike Leum's (Hunter's dad) photos!

Results are up! Click HERE to see them!

The crew ready to roll out

Setting up camp

Base camp is set

Piles of sandwiches for dinner

Talking shop around the campfire

It was a COLD night

Waffle making octopus

Waffle carb loading around the morning fire

Race day strategy with the bigwigs(League founder Matt Fritzinger and course designer Jason Ranoa)

Specialized Pit Zone team photo

Eric setting out on lap 2

Reily rolls across the finish line

2009 So. Cal High School League - Vail Lake from ChannelMTB on Vimeo.

Vail Lake Challenge Race Information

2009-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

The first race EVER of the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League is this Sunday March 8th. Here is (hopefully) everything you will need to get yourself ready. Each named item will link you to that item so you can download it and print it out:

If you have not pre-registered for the League and Race #1 at Vail Lake the online registration is CLOSED! If you plan on racing you MUST print out THESE FORMS, complete them, have them signed, and bring them to the race!!!

1st Race ONE Week from Today!

2009-03-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

The NorCal League had it's first race today. From what I've heard, it was a great success. What that means is we have ONE week until the FIRST EVER SoCal League race! So today's ride was maybe a little bit longer and a little bit more difficult than we've done. And the riders responded! Many of you made it to the Brown Mountain saddle (a hard climb) for the first time followed by a real eye opening experience being guided down El Prieto by Coach Banner. Most of you don't know but Coach Banner is responsible for much of the work done yearly to keep El Prieto such an incredible, beautiful, challening little trail so close to home! By the end of the season I'm positive everyone will make it to Brown Mountain saddle at least once!

Remember --- Wednesday we'll be doing two short time trials so many of you can get a first time experience really "pushing" yourselves and everyone can get a "baseline" time so they can see how they improve over the next 2 months!

New Jerseys!

2009-02-25T19:00:00.001-08:00

Most of the club sporting our new jerseys enroute to practice in Cherry Canyon.

1st Cherry Canyon

2009-02-18T22:21:00.001-08:00

Graeme, Reily, Armen, Coach Banner, and Daniel pose at the top of Cherry Canyon

We had a nice ride in Cherry Canyon. Got used to going uphill. Did a little bit of challenging yet fun single track. Started to get oriented in what will be our usual mid-week training area!

Skills Clinic

2009-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

Daniel demonstrates proper form for descending steep hills.

Hunter "Ratchets" over a small log.

Reily shows good "4 point" climbing technique.

Reily, Hunter, and Frank are the three remaining riders of the "balance" competition!

1st Ride!

2009-02-12T09:35:00.001-08:00

L to R: Armen, Graeme, Hunter, Reily, Coach Matt, Coach Brett, Coach Dale, Coach Jan, and Coach Banner

We had a successful first practice Wednesday at CV Park. We did a new rider clinic, collected registration packets, distributed some free cycling clothes, and even got rained on a little bit!

SoCal League Registration

2009-02-08T10:40:00.001-08:00

As you know, our club will be racing the inaugural SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League series this March through May. To race you need to be registered with the league and pay race entry for each of the 4 races. We have created a step-by-step registration instruction page to help simplify the process of league registration. Click HERE to download the instruction page.

Club Jersey!

2009-02-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the final Club jersey design! Thanks so much to Cici Arenas for coming up with a great design that gives a nod to all the schools in the district (green for Clark, purple for Hoover, and red for Glendale) while acknowledging that we're based at CV (blue color and Falcon design elements). Click on the image to get a bigger view!

We will be putting our RUSH order in on Wednesday February 11th. Jerseys are $90 each and available in men's and women's sizes. Please send an e-mail to the coaches at GUSDCycling@gmail.com ASAP!!! The e-mail should include your name, men's or women's sizing, and the number of jerseys you want. You can order for friends and family if you like --- especially if mom or dad will be riding with us! We will take payment by check at the first few practices.

Welcome to the Club!

2008-12-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Are you a high school student in the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) interested in cross-country mountain biking? Want to learn how to mountain bike but don't have any experience? Ever thought it would be nice to belong to a mountain bike racing team? Want to race for the GUSD in competition with other high school students from throughout Southern California? If so, you're EXACTLY the type of person we're looking for!

Introducing the newly formed GUSD Composite Cycling Club! We are a mountain biking club based at CV High School but open to ANY high school student attending a GUSD high school (grades 9-12). We formed for two main reasons. First is to get kids out on the dirt on mountain bikes. Second is to race in the newly formed SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League!

The SoCal League is a subsidiary of the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League which has been providing a framework for high school students to race mountain bikes for almost 10 years. In fact, in 2008 the NorCal League had almost 40 teams and over 400 racers!

Time is short but we're committed to getting the Club going in 2009! The first race is March 8th in Temecula! The season is comprised of 4 races in Southern California between March and May and an optional State Final in Northern California on May 17th. Categories include boys and girls Frosh/Soph, JV, and Varsity. There are no "try outs" or "cuts." We are open to anybody who is willing to play by the rules, work hard, and have fun! We will have short rides after school twice a week and one longer ride (or race) each weekend.

If you're interested in finding out more bring a parent to CV room 2204 on Monday February 2nd at 6:00 PM !!! You won't need any equipment that night but you WILL need to provide your own equipment (don't rush out to buy anything unless you've already talked to us). Any questions? Contact us at GUSDCycling@gmail.com and see the calendar at the bottom of the page for more details. The calendar will fill up soon!

Until the meeting, enjoy looking at the following videos of racing in the NorCal League!