First high school bike race at Washougal

The Washington High School Cycling League offers a mountain biking program for Camas and Washougal high school students to ride locally and compete against riders from all over the state.

In the league’s inaugural season in 2011, the Clark County Mudslingers captured second place out of 14 total teams in the state. The 10 riders from Camas, Washougal and Vancouver formed the largest team in the league.

This spring, there will be three teams from Southwest Washington blazing the trails. The first one is a Camas High School specific club led by Camas Bike and Sport owner Ed Fischer and his staff. The other two are composite teams based out of Vancouver and Woodland.

The league will have its first race at the Washougal Motocross Park on Sunday, April 15. Fischer said he hopes this race generates enough interest to create a team in Washougal. In the meantime, anybody from the high school is welcome to join the Vancouver composite team.

Camas currently has eight riders signed up, but Fischer wants to see more.

“The league and the teams are co-ed, and all abilities are welcome, especially beginners,” he said. “This is a ‘no-cut’ program where no one sits on the bench. Everyone with a desire to ride gets a chance.”

Fischer is also looking for gear, parts, accessories, apparel and even bikes to be loaned or donated to the students.

“Our goal is to enable any student that wants to join a team the opportunity,” he said. “We do not want financial limitations, lack of equipment or a bike to be an obstacle. We already have several quality bikes donated to help get students started.”

The first race is March 25, at Fort Flagler State Park, near Port Townsend.

To be a part of these local high school cycling teams, contact Fischer at 210-5160 or ed@camas.bikes.com.

For more about the league, go to washingtonmtb.org.