high school mountain bike

San Angelo's High School Mountain Bike Team

High School athletes aren't always found on the football field or basketball court. KSAN's Sarah Pilla found a group that works the rocky terrain across our state on two wheels.

Sarah Pilla: "If you're hanging out in San Angelo State Park, you can hear the sounds of bike tires racing on the dirt paths. This is the San Angelo Mountain Bike Team. They head off on the trails for an afternoon ride and explain why they chose this sport.

Spencer Castle: Well it's basically just a bunch of friends getting together and hanging out and then during race day we're basically just racing mountain bikes. It's a lot of fun.

Summer Bewick (JV Girls State Champion): I actually didn't like riding that much when I started but I made it through and just trained a lot. Honestly riding with the coaches, and the coaches have an amazing skill set and they have so much to teach you and they have a lot to offer.

Megan Croyle:It's so much fun, and your team is like your family.

Pilla: Coach Christina McBride got San Angelo involved in the Texas High School Mountain Bike Racing League. With only two participants last year, it's grown to twelve this year and one goal is to get mountain biking recognized as a sport in the school system and grow in popularity.

Christina McBride: Right now we're a composite team and then we hope eventually as we get stronger to be a club and then eventually down the road be a high school sport.

Nick March: I wore this shirt to school once and almost no one knew there was a mountain biking team here. If more people knew they'd probably get into it.

Pilla: There are lots of benefits to being a part of the team. It can be challenging but it's a great way to meet friends be outside in nature, and easy to sign up.

McBride: Anybody if they can ride a bike they can come. We've had kids, I'd say most of the kids hadn't been on a mountain bike before and now they're going to meet at the championship state level and riding and riding strong.

Pilla: If you're interested in joining the San Angelo Mountain Bike Team, you don't need a bike to join. Concho Bike Shop helps to provide that if needed. The first practice will be in December  and keep your ears open for announcements this fall at school. Sarah Pilla. KSAN. San Angelo's Sports Channel."