Rattlers prepare for Colorado High School Mountain Biking state championships
By JJ Gerlach | jjgerlach@alamosacitizen.com
Head out to Limekiln Trail in Monte Vista any day around 4 p.m, and you’re bound to see the SLV Rattlers, the high school mountain biking team of the San Luis Valley.
“I think people should know how much fun it is to explore the trails and experience the beautiful country that we get to live in,” said head coach Larry Roberts.
The Rattlers offer an alternative to organized high school sports for students in the San Luis Valley. They compete in the Colorado High School Mountain Biking League, with teams from New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado.
“Not everyone wants to play football or baseball or track,” said Roberts regarding the appeal of the team.
Valerie Goodland, who is the daughter of assistant coach Gregg Goodland, said that her favorite part of mountain biking is the team spirit and the family atmosphere that the team shares.
The Rattlers have completed three races this season. They will complete their season in Nathrop Oct. 9 before the state championships races in Glenwood Springs Oct. 22 and 23.
“They put on a world class event for these high school students,” said assistant coach Goodland, talking about his excitement for the races.
The Rattlers are reflective of the growing popularity of competitive high school mountain bike racing both in the Valley and across the state. The Colorado High School Mountain Biking League was started in 2009 with 202 student athletes competing for 19 teams from southern Wyoming and Colorado. Since its inception, the league has grown exponentially, with the league splitting into two conferences and expanding to New Mexico. All coaches are volunteers in the league.
The Rattlers are also joined by middle school students, including Owen Barr, who said that his favorite part about mountain biking is the challenge of rocky areas.
“I hope that this team continues to grow, even after my time.” said Roberts. Goodland offered a similar sentiment. “I see our team expanding, much like mountain biking as a whole has over the last few decades.”
If you are interested in joining the Rattlers, contact slvrattlers@gmail.com or 719-580-0129.
