This post comes from Marisa who has asked if we at Cape Fear SORBA would kindly put some information up about the Carolina Youth MTB League currently based in the Western Part of NC. We have added their events to our calender and to our links page so if you have additional interest after reading this post just follow the links!

Carolina Youth Mountain Bike League (CYMBL)
These mountain bike races will give youth in the Carolinas the opportunity to line up against peers on fun, flowy trails! The races will also offer free workshops on bicycle maintenance, nutrition, safety, trail etiquette and recovery. The hope is to create an environment for young cyclists to learn, exercise, and have fun at a low cost in a family setting. CYMBL is in the process of petitioning for League status with NICA for the Carolina region. We are a non-profit organization through the Community Focus Foundation.

RACE DATES April 17th at Falling Creek Camp
May 22nd at Jackson Park
August 28th at Camp Carolina
September 18th at Christ School (tentative venue)
October 23rd Championships at Falling Creek Camp

These races will take place almost entirely on dirt trails. Race venues will change throughout the season to give kids the opportunity to race on different types of terrain. All races will take place on Sundays, starting at 9AM.

RACE SCHEDULE
The race categories will be from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The length of the course will be from approximately 5 minutes to 75 minutes.

REGISTRATION
Registration is available at www.cymbl.org
Kindergarten – free
Pre-registration- $25
Same day registration- $30
Series cost (includes t-shirt) – $100
T-shirt- $15

RACE DAY EVENT
• Clinics will be held at each event around a “theme” such as nutrition, stretching, trail etiquette, proper bike fit, and bike maintenance. Bike shops will be available for questions and have the “themed” products on sale.
• Contests- In addition to the races, there will be a different contest offered each time such as a lake jump, skinny contest, longest track stand, etc.
• A bike wash will be available at each venue.
• Participants are expected to race “caffeine-free”.
• Caffeine-free races for participants.
• Recycling and composting will be available and expected.

SPONSORSHIP
The higher levels include finish line logo placement, inclusion on the t-shirt and tent space among other benefits. It will also include your logo on custom made jerseys together with the school/team name. These will be given to the first 5 school teams that have 10 or more sign up for the series. Organizations that are interested in supporting youth biking and getting exposure, should contact Todd Branham at epicrides@gmail.com or 828-606-5107.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Facebook- Become a fan of CYMBL.
Volunteer- Contact Ben Williams at 828-243-6526 or ben@fallingcreek.com
Spread the word- Posters advertising the series are available to bike shops, restaurants, and stores. Media with additional questions, contact Marisa Pharr at 828-230-0985 or marisa@fallingcreek.com

WILMINGTON, NC (March 26, 2011)– The threat of rain did not deter young mountain bikers from coming out to the first event of the Spring 2011 Youth MTB Series at Blue Clay Bike Park.  The series, open to elementary, middle school and high school age youth, features three events including March 26, April 16 and May 21.

In a testament to how dedicated kids and their parents can be to healthy, active lifestyles, some participants came straight from their soccer games and hopped onto their bikes.  Others built up the nerve to ride the course for the first time, after only a week without training wheels. Parents, siblings and friends were on hand throughout the afternoon cheering on the participants. The elementary school division rode a three mile course while the middle school and high school divisions rode six and twelve miles respectively.

“We look forward to building upon the momentum that’s been created from this first event,” said event director, Jennifer Mangiacapre.  “The vibe was upbeat, and it was entertaining to watch the kids maneuver around the course. Most of them were pretty fearless.”

Impressively, a few competitors chose to push themselves and competed up a division, including fifth grader, Max Brinker (Wilmington NC), who won the middle school division, and eighth grader, Hayden Miller (Raleigh, NC) who won the high school division.  “My family and I were visiting from Raleigh and were planning to recreationally ride Blue Clay today, when we stumbled across the event,” said Miller.  “I am fresh out of rehabilitating my shoulder from a snowboarding accident, so it felt good to get out and test myself.”

The next event of the Spring 2011 Youth MTB Series takes place on Saturday, April 16 at Blue Clay Bike Park, starting at 12pm.  For complete results, and photos from today’s event visit www.wilmyouthmtbseries.wordpress.com

The Spring 2011 Youth MTB Series would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Back on Bikes, Cape Fear SORBA Chapter, Halley White DDS., Two Wheeler Dealer, CB Surf Shop, Another Skate Shop, Southern Signs, Sock Guy and BB&T.

The first race in the Youth Mountain Bike Series is taking place this weekend and the event organizers are in need of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please call Steve at 910-443-8086 or email them at longshotproductionsinc@gmail.com

For more information you can find the site for the race series at the following link: wilmyouthmtbseries.wordpress.com

Bring the youngins and come to the park to enjoy a little bit of youthful bliss!