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Mountain biking club gears up for new season

A Silverton-area mountain biking club is getting ready for a fourth season and is looking for new riders to become members.

The Silver Falls MTB started in 2020 and focuses on riders in grades 6-12. The club started with 12 riders and was at 22 last season.

Club members practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting in mid-July on trails in Silver Falls State Park such as the Newt Loop, the Catamount and the new Roemer Meadow trail that head coach Terrance Hawley said “is quickly becoming a team favorite.”

The club is affiliated with the National Interscholastic Association (NIOCA) and will be participating in a 5-race NIOCA season starting August.

Equipment needed by new riders includes a bike, a helmet, water bottle, tubes, tools and a pump. Race jerseys cost $60 and race registration is $275. Sponsorships are available.

“We are trying to get a more diverse population of bikers and would love to add more female riders to our numbers,” said Hawley. “We [also] are currently in need of sponsors to help get loaner bikes for new riders and offset coaching costs.”

Hawley said that parent volunteers also are needed to bring food to races, find group camping for races and help round up sponsors to help the team financially.

Those interested in assisting should contact [email protected]

– James Day