Sandpoint Trailblazers to host ‘ride with the team’ events

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Trailblazers youth cross country mountain biking team will be hosting several “come ride with the team” events, which serve as a way for local youths who may be interested in mountain biking to ride and hang out with the team — no strings attached. 

The dates, times, and locations of the events are as follows:

• May 19, 3 p.m. at Centennial Field

• TBD, end of May at Pine Street Woods

• TBD, week of June 10-14 at Farragut State Park

• TBD, June 19 or 26 at Pines Street Woods or another potential location

No official registration or team fees will be assessed for these events. If student-athletes decide they want to join the Sandpoint Trailblazers, official practices will start shortly after July 4.

Trailblazers assistant coach Frank Roberts said that the team has been doubling in size each year for the past few years. Last year, the team had about 40 athletes in total who participated.

The Trailblazers are part of the Montana National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) which includes mountain biking teams from Montana, Idaho, Washington and Wyoming who come together to compete in races across Montana during the months of September and October. Although racing is not a requirement to join the team, competitive races see upwards of 400 athletes. 

Roberts said the wonderful thing about NICA is that all athletes are able to race against others of the same skill level and ability, regardless of their prior experience.

The Sandpoint Trailblazers are once again looking for team sponsors to help offset costs. 

“Our desire is that no student is left behind, and we are greatly thankful to our prior sponsors and generous donations from our community,” Roberts said. “If you have a gently used mountain bike you wish to donate or are interested in sponsoring the team financially, please contact us at the email below.”

For more information on the Sandpoint Trailblazers visit https://www.sandpointnicamtb.com/. To learn more about NICA’s Montana division visit https://www.montanamtb.org/

Anyone interested in joining the team or attending the preseason events should contact head coach Mike Martz at sandpointnicamtb@gmail.com.