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| Sept 26, 2002 | Online Since 1996 | Vol 77 No. 9 |
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Mountaineers look to expand program,
continue success |
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 Monica Geraci| The Appalachian Rocky
terrain, steep drops and catastrophic collisions are just a few
of the obstacles facing Appalachian State University’s Mountain
Biking Club as they race through the Appalachian Mountains each
weekend. |
Each weekend, beginning at the start of the school year and continuing through late October, members of Appalachian’s Mountain Biking Club participate in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) races in various locations ranging from West Virginia to Boone. Competitions consist of mountainous terrain, ranging from 20 to 30 miles, and averaging a 7,000 to 8,000 foot climb per race. Races typically last between one-and-a-half to two hours. Collegiate mountain bike races are divided into three divisions ranging in competitiveness: A, which is the most competitive and professional; B, which is still competitive; and C, geared more towards beginners and those seeking more fun than competition. “Since collegiate
cycling offers A, B and C groups, [the club] is for anybody who
likes to bike and is interested in meeting people who can help them
progress in the sport,” said club participant sophomore Hatcher
G. Rosebrock. |
Appalachian is currently in fourth place out of eight schools competing in division one of the ACC races, and Rosebrock is leading the team and the conference, ranking first place in the men’s division A standings. Appalachian has three riders actively competing in these races but hopes to gain more as interest in the club grows and more riders are attracted by the team’s success. “A lot of people don’t know about us,” said Rosebrock. “People in the club now are racers coming from a racing background who come to Appalachian knowing that we have a strong racing club. We’d like to reach out to those who are newer to the sport and want to meet people with interests similar to theirs.” Performances by Rosebrock, freshman Taylor Jones and club president senior Kelsey Oliver, at the Virginia Tech Hokie on Sept. 14 placed Appalachian only two points beneath East Carolina University, currently in third place. Despite two nearly catastrophic crashes, Rosebrock scored a major triumph for the team placing first in the race and putting 17 minutes between himself and his nearest competitor. The Appalachian Mountain Biking Club hopes to host an ACC race Oct. 5-6 on Sugar Mountain’s ski slopes. In an effort to plan this event, a great deal of planning and sponsorship recruitment has gone into the team’s attempt to bring exciting mountain biking competition home to Appalachian. “I love a good race,” said Rosebrock. “And when you have stiff competition, it makes it even better as it just serves to bring out the best in you and make you better.” 
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