Hemet High School’s Mountain Bike team’s successful season is coming to an end. The twelve-member team, comprised of six Hemet High students, five Western Center Academy students, and one Idyllwild School student will be competing in the Southern California High School Cycling League finals in Tehachapi in Kern County April 29-30. The team has already competed in four races this season and are currently eighth in their division.
Peter Kirkham, Hemet High Mountain Bike coach, created the team back in 2008. Under his leadership the team has made it to the state championships since its inception in 2011. In 2012, the team placed fifth in the state competition out of 22 teams. Team members are earn points as a team and individually. Freshman and Sophomore girls and boys race two laps, Junior Varsity girls race two laps, Junior Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls race three laps, and Varsity Boys race four laps. Each lap is typically between five to six miles in distance.
In order to prepare for their races, the team has set aside a lot of time for practice. They practice three times per week for an hour and a half to two hours and then participate in a two-three hour Saturday ride, if there is no race on Saturday. The team normally practices in the surrounding foothills, typically at Simpson Park.
Congratulations to the Hemet High School Mountain Bike Team on another successful season! We will be cheering for you as you compete in the league finals at the end of the month.