OCTOBER 2019 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 41
racers are flying over gap jumps and forging down
rocky declines, but Garrison explains that this is crosscountry
mountain biking, which is much more of a
fitness sport.
“When you’re going in a race, you’re up against what
your heart can basically sustain for whatever time
you’re out there,” he said. “It’s a pretty demanding sport
fitness-wise, certainly more than baseball or softball.
You’re up against what we call the threshold on certain
climbs at times, which is 90% of your max heart rate.
So in a race that’s basically where you’re going to be
for an hour, hour and half. Think about what it takes to
maintain that level of exertion for that long; it’s pretty
tough.”
While mountain biking is a bit different than the
average high school sport, it’s still very much a team
activity. “The entire course is scattered with your
teammates who are on the sidelines cheering for you,”
said 11th-grader Maria Wallace who races on their
varsity team. “Racing by, as your teammates cheer,
is probably the best part of racing.” It’s also a big
confidence boost.
“As mountain biking is a primarily male-dominated
sport, being able to race as a woman and show off my
own strength and power fills me with so much pride,”
she added. “On top of that, being able to race alongside
some equally incredible female riders fills me with so
much joy.”
Her teammate, Helen Stephens, would agree. “It’s a mix
of almost every emotion you can feel,” Helen said. “It’s
very surreal. Your nerves and adrenaline are going crazy,
but sometimes you feel isolated if you’re in the middle
of the woods with no one directly in front of or behind you.
It’s one of the craziest things I’ve experienced.”
Though it’s more of an individualistic sport, Helen has found
that the mountain biking community is very supportive. “I
think it’s almost funny how nice people are,” she said. “If
someone passes you, often times they’ll congratulate you
on how far you’ve gone; and sometimes you get stuck with
someone who’s the same pace as you for a good part of the
race and become friends as you support each other.”
One of the most rewarding aspects for these students
racing on a mountain bike team in high school, is that
it’s something they can carry with them far beyond their
academic years. “Take myself as an example,” said Garrison.
“I just turned 50 and I’m out there all the time, no problem.
It’s one of those sports where you don’t need a team. If you
keep up on your fitness, it’s a life sport.”
To support or get involved, visit their website at echsmtb.
com or follow them on Instagram @echsmtbteam. As they
plan for the next season, the team is always looking for
support. Donations and sponsorships are always welcome, and
especially coaches that can keep up with some of the faster
kids would be a great help. You’d get a great workout while
supporting a great cause!
So spread the word, and support these future champions next
season!