Mountain bikers organize, form inaugural VHHS team
For several VHHS students, the rubber may meet the road, but it’s a better ride when the rubber meets rough terrain.
With their love of a hobby once reserved for far-flung parks and weekend devotion, these students have successfully established the first-ever mountain biking team at Vestavia Hills High School.
While the sport is not a part of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, the Vestavia Hills Mountain Biking Team will function as a member of the Alabama High School Cycling League, which is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.
The team’s season officially begins in January 2015, though interested students in grades nine through 12 are encouraged to express interest in joining the team now.
Team sponsor Brigid Littleton said the team already has 22 members, six of whom have committed to race once the season begins.
“Hopefully after our inaugural year, we can increase our racing numbers,” said Littleton, whose affiliation with the team began shortly after she bought a mountain bike at Cahaba Cycles in Cahaba Heights. “I bought a mountain bike from there this summer, and after speaking to the owner on several occasions, he asked me if I would be interested in helping start a mountain bike team at the high school.”
From there, Littleton worked with VHHS math teacher and experienced cyclist Michelle Campbell and Alabama League Director Eddie Freyer to form the team.
The team will begin practicing three days a week at Oak Mountain State Park, starting in January 2015. Race season begins in March and runs through late April, with three races comprising the season.
For Littleton, the inaugural season has nothing to do with wins or losses.
“My expectations for our student-athletes are for them to learn about the sport and enjoy every moment,” she said. “I truly want this to be a positive experience for all involved.”
Her priorities align with the mission of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA): to support and develop mountain biking programs and events for students.
Littleton is actively seeking sponsors for the upcoming season. While she plans to partner with a local bike shop, Littleton said she welcomes additional support from local individuals or businesses to sponsor jerseys and other team needs.
“Residents can also get involved by volunteering to help set up our PitZone during races,” she said. “In addition, residents can donate monetarily so we can begin purchasing equipment, or they can donate used bikes that are repairable and have gears.”
More information about high school mountain biking can be found on the state’s website at alabamamtb.org.
2015 Vestavia Hills Mountain Biking Team Season
March 14-15, 2015
Race #1
Tannehill State Park, McCalla
April 11-12, 2015
Race #2
Chewacla State Park, Auburn
April 25-26, 2015
Race #3
Oak Mountain State Park, Birmingham
May 2-3, 2015
Race #4
State Championship
Munny Sokol Park,
Tuscaloosa
For more info on high school mountain biking, visit alabamamtb.org
For more info about the VHHS team, contact Coach Littleton at littletonbd@vestavia.k12.al.us or Mrs. Campbell at campbellmw@vestavia.k12.al.us.