Tuscazoar Mountain Bike Team looking for new riders
The Tuscazoar Composite Mountain Bike Team is looking for a few new members to add to the team.
Join a sport where everyone participates every time at events sponsored by the Ohio Mountain Bike League of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. With four senior riders leaving the team this year, the Tuscazoar Composite Mountain Bike Team could use a few more members. The team is based at Camp Tuscazoar in Northern Tuscarawas County. Boys and girls in sixth grade through 12th grade are invited to join the 2024 team.
“Our team philosophy is fun first, and our central goal is for students to develop a strong body, mind and character through mountain biking,” said Denny Simon, head coach of the team. “There are no tryouts, and everyone rides no matter his or her ability and skill level.”
The team competes in cross country racing, based on National Interscholastic Cycling League standards, and races in the Ohio NICA Cycling League.
“Tuscazoar Composite has been the best team in Ohio year in and year out since the league formed. Claire Rust, Addie Slutz, Clark Johnson, Simon Rankin have all won individual Ohio NICA State Championships in their respective age groups,” Simon said.
Team members practice four times each week.
“Two practices are held here at Camp Tuscazoar each week, and the athletes will also do two rides on their own each week beginning in July,” Simon said. “When the trails are too wet, we will ride on the public roads around the camp for practice.”
Registration is available at www.ohiomtb.org.
Riders are required to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes when riding. Each rider must also have a water bottle or Camelback at each practice. Coaches recommend riders wear protective gloves and sunglasses when participating.
“Coaches and ride leaders receive background checks and training per NICA standards in concussion awareness, risk management and first aid,” Simon said. “The safety of the student-athletes is the No. 1 priority. Races and practices are held rain or shine and delayed/modified due to lightning and other safety concerns.”
Riders need to have their own mountain bike.
“We encourage every rider to establish a relationship with a local bike shop for bike tuneups, equipment maintenance and questions,” Simon said.
The Ohio League has scholarships available for equipment, racing and team fees.
For the Tuscazoar team, each student pays a $100 NICA administrative and insurance fee plus $50 a race.
“In 2023 we were able to cover all the team members’ race fees, thanks to our generous sponsors,” Simon said.
Races are held mid-August through mid-November, usually in the areas of Wooster, Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati and Camp Tuscazoar.
“The season is comprised of around five races with the last race and state championship held here at Tuscazoar,” Simon said.
Racing is optional but encouraged. Race distances are about 10 miles of beginner/intermediate trail riding. Parents and students are responsible for providing transportation to and from all races.
Mountain bike racing is a family-friendly sport with many families and coaches camping onsite at the races. On a race weekend, riders practice and learn the course on Saturday with the race held on Sunday.
Last year’s team consisted of the following:
—Sixth grade: Ethan Rankin.
—Seventh grade: Isaac Heaston and Colton Wickersham.
—Eighth grade: Charlie Rankin, Aedyn Fillinger, Cooper Connare, Lily Theil and Clair Rust.
—Freshman: Clark Johnson.
—Sophomore: Evan Lockhart, Chris Brinton, Jaxson Brown and Simon Rankin.
—Junior: Eric Theil.
Last year’s seniors — Andrew Rankin, Addie Slutz, Taylor Lockhart and Chris Dawson — will drop off the team, but there are opportunities to participate in mountain biking at some colleges.
The Tuscazoar Composite Team coaches are available to help.
“Please do not hesitate to reach out to the coach if you need help finding a bike, have questions about the team, or if costs associated with the program or equipment are unaffordable,” Simon said. “We think everyone who wants to ride deserves a chance to participate.”
Simon can be emailed at dsimon@tuscazoar.org.
“The focus on the team is fun first,” Simon said. “Feel free to join us for a practice to see what it is like — no strings attached.”