Whether they’re climbing steep hills or gliding through a flowy downhill, their consistent training schedule speaks volumes about every team member’s drive, discipline and love for the sport.
With practices being held for two hours every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday along with five weekend races scattered throughout the season, this team of student-athletes is here, proving that grit isn’t reserved just for race day. In fact, for many members of the team, training didn’t start in July, it started all the way back in the spring.
“I’ve been on structured training blocks since about March,” said team captain and senior Kate Jacquot. “The team practices downhill skills, race starts and feed zone, in addition to typical riding to make ourselves stronger. I also include intensity workouts and endurance in my training.” Jacquot’s regimen reflects the team’s all-in approach. The team has three structured practices a week occurring out in the foothills. This isn’t even accounting for the training some team members do on their days off, such as 20 mile bike rides to stay well-conditioned—along with five weekend races overall. EHS riders train hard to sharpen both their technique and toughness.
It might seem puzzling why anyone would choose such a physically and mentally taxing sport, but for members of the team, the answer often boils down to one simple thing: community. The team’s motto speaks for itself: “Ride as One.” The fellowship, support and shared grit make the challenge even more worthwhile. For many, that bond is just as, if not more, rewarding than the ride itself.
“My favorite part about being on the team is hanging out with friends. Getting to hang out on bikes with some awesome people is so much fun,” said sophomore Tyler Graham. “Ninety percent of the team is the community part; most of the time at the races is spent hanging out, goofing off, and cheering each other on.” The team can often feel more like a family for its members, due to how tightly knit and supportive everyone is. It only serves to make the kids on the team enjoy both the sport and their team more.
“I love this team. The community is just something that you can’t find in any other sport or hobby,” said sophomore June Niederhauser. “It’s just such a drastically different sport – the injuries and difficulty aren’t something you find on a soccer or baseball team. After broken collarbones, lacerated kidneys or livers and the occasional stitches, we still come to practices even if we can’t practice, to races even if we can’t race, and team events even if we can’t participate just because we support each other and know we have each other’s backs.” Her words reflect the team’s unwavering support system—one that holds strong even when riders are sidelined by an injury. In mountain biking, such injuries aren’t rare; the risks are real, and the team’s commitment to safety and preparation is vital.
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) has regulations in place to keep riders safe during races, most notably a directive to keep wheels on the ground. As an insurance that EHS’s riders will be safe, the team makes sure to practice good downhill skills and ride within their limits. Ultimately, however, the equipment a rider uses in their races will do a great deal when it comes to protecting them.
“[Helmets are important] … so I don’t hit my head and get brain damage,” said senior Gavin Davies.
“Our bikes and helmets… are very important,” sophomore Juliet Thrall agreed. “But also, if you have a mechanical or your bike isn’t up to tune, it can be very dangerous and very difficult to actually practice or race, and you can crash.” Overall, well maintained parts can be the difference between day and night when it comes to a rider’s speed and accident avoidance, and they’re the only things that stand between a rider and major injuries.
In a sport as demanding and dangerous as mountain biking, the EHS team trains with intensity, rides with resilience and finds support in each other through each challenge. They’re committed—showing up injured, cheering from the sidelines and supporting teammates no matter what. It’s a level of dedication that deserves recognition. As their season continues, there’s an opportunity for the school community to rally behind them—not just as athletes, but as a team that represents grit, heart and unity.
