On September 28th and October 5th, BCYC athletes took on two thrilling mountain biking races at Fair Hill in Maryland and Blue Mountain Resort in the Poconos. While most of their competitors had been racing since August, this was the first race of the season for many on our team and the first one ever for some.
Before we even got to the starting line, our athletes were showing incredible dedication. Meeting as early as 5 AM at the Sedgley Porter House, they helped load gear, set up our station, and prepare for the long race days ahead. After the events, they pitched in to break everything down. Along the way, they also found time to make new friends, socialize with racers from other teams and soak in the community spirit.
Once the races started, our team hit the ground running! Justin Suarez stood out with an incredible performance, placing 25th out of 72 riders at the first race and securing 32nd place at Blue Mountain. Competing against more experienced racers, Justin’s consistency and determination were remarkable.
But Justin wasn’t the only one to shine. Mamady, Dammir, Yania, Jeffrey, Solomon, and Ma’kier all pushed themselves beyond exhaustion, improving their line choices and lap times in each race.
A huge shoutout goes to Ryan Oelkers and the fantastic NICA crew, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our kids had everything they needed for success. Ryan even conducted a mini workshop before the first race, teaching our riders how to properly start a race and set a sustainable pace.
Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without the dedication of Coach Kelly and Coach Chris. They went above and beyond to ensure our riders were fully prepared, from planning logistics and setting up bikes to riding the course with the kids. They cheered, supported, and encouraged every step of the way.
And while the races were exciting, the road trips were just as fun! Our team bonded over pit stops for food and, of course, some epic carpool karaoke sessions that had everyone laughing and making memories.
A big thank you to the Piscitello Law Firm and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL)! Their support has made it possible for us to create awesome opportunities for our youth to grow and learn through cycling, both on and off the bike.
These races are just the start of what promises to be an incredible season. Our riders have shown amazing dedication, resilience, and growth in just two events; and we’re beyond excited to see where their hard work will take them next.