Chase’s Column is “Ride” On

I enjoyed Jim Chase’s “Riders on the Storm” piece in the May 26 edition, extolling the virtues and rewards of bicycling. Yes! What a terrific activity – for all ages!

I was wondering if folks in the Crescenta Valley, particularly high school students, are aware that among the many team sports offered at Crescenta Valley High School and Clark Magnet High School is mountain biking. The program participates in the SOCAL High School Cycling League.

This year’s program included 16 students, boys and girls, from Clark and CVHS who competed (at freshman, sophomore, JV and varsity levels) with teams from other high schools in Southern California, and ultimately, with teams from around the state. There is a faculty advisor at each school who coordinates the program. Parents and community members with cycling skills also generously volunteer their time and effort to help train and mentor the student cyclists.

Activities include weekly group training rides and participation in weekend competitions around the Southland. Beginners as well as more experienced cyclists are welcomed to join. Everyone develops skills and increases his/her knowledge of the sport through active participation on the team. Basic bike maintenance is also taught.

The MTB program for the high school students is lots of fun – for the student athletes and their families! While students are encouraged to make mountain biking a year-round activity (and most do), the competitive season is from January through May. This year’s program was strongly supported by a number of local business sponsors, including  CALRAD Electronics, Coach Rick Babington, J’s Maintenance, DSC Physical Therapy, Creekbed Technology, Inc., Budget Bicycles, Montrose Bowl, Primal, SRAM and Pedal Spin Studio in Montrose.

CVHS or Clark Magnet High School students interested in joining the high school mountain biking program may contact faculty advisor Jan Babington (for CVHS students) at JPeterson-Babington@gusd.net or faculty advisor Carol Pettegrew (for Clark Magnet students) at cpettegrew@gusd.net. It is not too early to sign up now for next school year’s program.

Maggie O’Rourke

CVHS Parent and MTB mom

  JUNE 09, Letter to the Editor, Viewpoints