LOS OLIVOS, Calif. – On Sunday, May 17, the largest high school mountain bike race is history took place in Los Olivos.

The SoCal Cycling League hosted 785 riders from throughout California at the Dirt Club, a private mountain bike facility/property in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Located not far from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, the area is dotted with vineyards and horse ranches among its rolling oak grasslands.

As with Neverland, the site was somewhat “out of this world”; the venue became a huge RV park as hundreds camped, hot air balloons floated by, a marching band played music and hundreds of children on bikes networked with others from all over California. 

Riders converged onto the 6-mile course that climbed approximately 800 feet each lap; completing two to four laps (12 to 24 miles) depending on their category.

With a huge climb right near the start of the lap, the remainder of the course was fairly smooth and rolly with lots of switchbacks.

Technicality was largely due to the large amount of climbing. This is where all the training and fitness will be tested.

With six riders representing Lake County, Clear Lake High School junior Mark Jeffrey Morton came into state ranked third overall in Junior Varsity Division 2 in the NorCal North Conference. 

Summing up the race, Morton stated, “It was a fun, but challenging race. It had the most and steepest climbing of any of the other races. Another reason it was difficult – many more riders. I was happy to be able to squeeze out a sixth place.” 

The largest field of the day, Junior Varsity Division 2 had 94 riders compete. Among the other JV competitors, Jadon Lindsey, Kelseyville High, placed 22nd; Gabe Wind, Clear Lake High, 40th; and Craig Andre, Kelseyville High, 73rd.

Unfortunately Craig suffered from a mechanical problem in his very last high school race. 

“In his final lap, Craig’s rear brake lever broke,” said Coach Tami Cramer. “Since braking is shared between the front and rear brakes when riding; when it broke it all went to the front. This resulted in Craig wiping out in a turn. Once back on the bike, he rode considerably slower since he only had the front brake, but finished.” 

When asked to compare freshman versus senior year, Craig stated, “Freshman year I was determined to just get through the year. I didn’t expect to and was hesitant at every obstacle. This year, I not only try to get through; but I lost most of the fear and hesitation I experienced. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities, not to mention new strength and skill.”

The other two riders to compete included CLHS sophomore Solano Dominguez and KHS sophomore girl Kia Kohler. 

Battling back and core issues this year, Solano felt considerably better in this race finishing 10th out of 57 riders. 

Kia, who hadn’t been able to get in as much training the 3 weeks between race No. 5 and state, felt pretty happy to walk away with 23rd out of 39 competitors.  

“We had a great season,” said Coach Jeff Cramer. “State marks the official end to the season, but most of the riders will continue throughout the year. All Kelseyville and Clear Lake High School students reading this; go ride your bike and we hope to see you on our interest rides in the fall.” 

A big shout out to our 2015 Sponsors: Main Street Bicycles, City Fitness, Wasson Memorial Hospital, Conser Land Surveying, Maherajah Water Skis and Longboards, Mountain High Coffee and Books, Disney’s Boat Rentals, Edward Jones Investing, and a big thank you for continued support from Clear Lake High Sports Foundation and Kelseyville High School Boosters. 

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