Looking for an XCP/BCP club activity that participates in off-campus events and offers great opportunities for college athletic scholarships? Then the mountain biking team might be the one for you. Introduced to the Xavier roster of clubs last year, it supplies ample opportunities for meeting new people, making lasting friendships, participating under instructed exercise routines, and competing in state-renown biking competitions.

“You don’t have to have any prior biking experience,” says Mercedes Bischoff ‘17, “the team is super welcoming which is a major draw.” Not only is no experience necessary, there is no copay required to sign up and train with the team and none of the events during the year are binding. There are a total of five races to participate within annually, and you may participate in all of them or none of  them depending upon your schedule and unique desires. Even those who just want to join the club for the atmosphere, training, and cardio are welcomed to do so without any pressure to race competitively. Although, those who choose to race, which many elect to do because it is so invigorating, must pay an individual racing fee of $35 for each event. “It’s super fun to cheer on your teammates at races and it’s an amazing feeling when you’re racing and going fast; there’s no other feeling like it.” relates Bischoff ‘17. Additionally, bikes are always provided by the team for its riders. “Loaner bikes are provided and transported to every practice and race,” comments Bischoff ‘17, “however, if you do have your own bike, you can bring it to the first practice and the coaches will keep and transport it all season for you.”

The season begins at the commencement of the first semester of each year and carries out into the late fall. All of the sign-up information related to the club can be procured at the Club Fair or online through the XCP website. The first race of the season usually happens in early to mid-September and the last race is typically held somewhere near the beginning of November. A majority of the races fall on Saturday mornings. Practices are on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:15pm after school in the spin room and on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30pm after school on designated trails.

The mountain biking club is a very inclusive environment that encourages the growth of all of its members no matter their levels of experience. “It is such a welcoming team and everyone becomes friends,” says Bischoff ‘17, “We are like a little family and I’ve met some of my best friends in the club.” Not only does the team provide a very interpersonal environment, it also exposes its members to college scouts and recruiters. “My friend was recently recruited by Stanford, so there are definitely scholarship opportunities that arise,” states Bischoff ‘17.

The club is a part of both the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and the High School Arizona Cycling League which opens it to some of the most prestigious meets in the state. This year alone, the team traveled across state to places like Waddell, Flagstaff, Prescott, Fountain Hills, and Fort Huachuca. Although the races are quite far away at times, the team always provides transportation to and from both practices and events when needed.

So, if you are searching for a club that will introduce you to boys, up your cardio game, show you beautiful sights across state, and grant you college exposure, the mountain biking club is definitely the one for you.