What: NorCal High School Cycling League, founded in 2001, now supporting over 60 high school teams in Northern California
For: High school race team members.
Races: 5 races starting in late February, ending in May. Locations from Monterey to Clearlake. State Championship in Los Olivos CA
Categories: Boys and girls race independently, in their respective classes: freshman, sophomore, JV and Varsity
Courses: Circuit Races, laps 4 to 6 miles in length. Freshman race two laps, Sophomores and JV race between three and four laps, Varsity races five.
Website: http://www.norcalmtb.org/
Our high school race team members compete in the NICA (National Intercollegiate Cycling Association) NorCal high school mountain bike league. The NorCal league was the first of all current leagues (more leagues form each year) and also happens to be the biggest. So big in fact that we now have two divisions within the NorCal league, southern conference and northern conference.
If you've never been to a NorCal high school mountain bike race, you'll be amazed at the experience. Within our conference, we compete with about 25 other high schools from Monterey to the Marin Headlands. Race days are big, loud and fast paced. The competition is strong, but last year Kirby Santa Cruz came in second. Some categories have more than 70 riders on the start-line.
Without a question, high school mountain biking has become a major sport for high school athletes, especial in the birthplace of mountain biking.
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.
Races for all ages, in Monterey County
What: Central Coast Cyclo Cross league, hosting mountain bike races.
For: All riders, parents too.
Races: Races from February through August.
Categories: Men and Women Categories, based on age groups. Typically all Kirby members race in skill level category 3.
Courses: Circuit Races, laps 4 to 6 miles in length.
Website: http://www.cccxcycling.com
We're lucky to have such a great, public, bike racing league based right here in the Monterey Bay. Competing in a CCCX race is a great way to break the ice on mountain bike racing. Arrive by 8:15, register, warm up, race at 9:00am, and be back home in time for lunch.