Representatives of West Virginia Interscholastic Cycling League will hold a meeting at Hill and Holler Pizza on Friday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. to share information about opportunities to join the growing mountain bike community.

Parents and middle school and high school-aged youth are invited to learn more about the Greenbrier Valley youth mountain biking team currently under development.

All students entering 6th through 12th grade next school year and who are interested in off-road cycling are encouraged to join. There will be no tryouts and no cuts. All participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced mountain bikers, ride trails, improve technique, and, if interested, race in the fall WV race series. However, racing is not a requirement of participation. Beginners are welcome to join group rides and train at their own pace with no pressure to race competitively.

Local mountain bike racer and parent, Max Hammer, will coach the developmental team. Other adult riders interested in helping lead the team are encouraged the attend the meeting. For those unsure if coaching is a right fit, information about an upcoming coach’s training session will be shared.

Members of the WV NICA board of directors will also be in attendance to share information about the state-wide program and the WV race series.

Team organizer and parent Clay Elkins says, “We live in a mountain biking mecca. I would love to see our trails teeming with kids on bikes. There is good reason the National Championships have been held at Snowshoe the past 2 years. And it says even more that the World Championships will be there this year.”