LIBERTY – The Catskill Claws Mountain Bike team hosted over 200 cyclists this past Sunday at Walnut Mountain State Park. Despite the frigid temps and wind gusts, families from all over New York State, as far as Rochester, Saratoga, Otsego, and the Finger Lakes region attended the season opener. Head Coach and team director, Keith Stephenson, stated, “The weather is usually much better for our races.” Keith, once a school resource officer, started the program with just a few boys. This is a fresh start for all of our kids because they don’t know anyone on the team.

 The kids are from different schools, complete strangers, and they create a strong bond. On the trails, they not only bond with their teammates, they bond with kids from other teams. You see a lot of sportsmanship come out.” Sylvia Laput was excited to race for the first time competitively. Her older brother, Phineas, races with Catskill Claws. Dad, Evan Laput said, “She [Sylvia] has been coming to races for two years now to watch her brother.” The GRiT (Girls Riding Together) tent is where Sylvia became interested in riding. 

Parents and volunteers came out to support and help make sure the event ran as smoothly as possible. Snacks and drinks were available under many of the tents to make sure riders stayed hydrated and fed throughout the day.

We’re not a bike racing league first; we’re youth development. Strong bond, strong body, strong character, having fun is really what we’re trying to build on the bike. And they don’t realize those things are happening until it’s happened, shared Jason Cairo, league Director for NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association’s). And hopefully we’re building better people to send out into the world in the future.”

Catskill Claws will race at Lippman Park in Wawarsing on Sunday, May 4. 

If you are interested in more information about the program, contact Catskill Claws at info@ccmtb.org.