The Sedona School Mountain Bike Club is gearing up for its 12th season, providing Sedona and Verde Valley youth — from sixth-graders to high school seniors — the opportunity to hit the trails, learn proper nutrition and build community.
“We started with three students, and I was the only coach,” Head Coach Eric Mace said. “Last year, we had 28 students and probably eight different coaches helping out. What we’re doing is creating youth development, and this program has great growth.”
There are no tryouts and no cuts — anyone who wants to join can participate. A $125 registration fee covers liability insurance, and students who want to compete in the team’s five scheduled races pay an additional $150. The first race will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff.
“If a student can’t afford a race, we’re able to cover that cost for them,” Mace said. “We also have a series of bikes that we’ve purchased, built up over the years or received as donations — so we can always get a kid a bike if they need one.”
The club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, received $8,000 this year through the city of Sedona’s Small Grant Program. It also raises funds through events like a bike wash station at the annual Sedona Mountain Bike Festival.
According to the club’s funding request submitted to the Sedona City Council on July 8, the grant will help “repair bicycles, provide and replace worn team jerseys, and provide healthy food and snacks for their active teenage participants.”
The team competes in the Arizona Cycling Association during the summer and fall, then transitions to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association in winter and spring.
“It’s great to have an avenue to get some funding because inclusivity and equity is a big part of who we are,” Mace said. “So if a student needs a bike, or a hydration pack or proper nutrition, it allows us to do that — especially on race weekends. We create a camping environment, and then we cook healthy meals that are appropriate heading into competition. It allows us to teach the importance of nutrition to youth, so it’s great to see the city involved.”
As competition season nears, team members increase their mileage to prepare. They also travel to Flagstaff to pre-ride the course the weekend before each race.
“We start racing at the start of September, and each race is very different,” said Quincy Mabery, a 16-year-old Mingus Union High School student entering his fifth year on the team. “I’m racing at the highest level offered — it’s called varsity — and it’s my first year at that level. I really hope to improve my skills and shine where I can.”
Mabery returns season after season because of the welcoming team culture.
“You can be who you want and ride how you want, and there’s always someone to support you,” he said. “The bikes are cool, the trails are fun, and you always have a good time. Riding with a group like this makes it a truly unforgettable experience.”
Mace noted that some riders aim for the podium at every race — including Sedona’s Cormac Kincheloe and Cottonwood’s Greyson Stevens, who are both aiming to win the state championship.
Still, Mace emphasized that the focus is on meeting kids where they are — whether they’re elite racers or just out to have fun and improve their skills.
“This is my first time on the team,” said Max Holton, an 11-year-old homeschooler. “I just like mountain biking, and I like doing it all the time. What I like most about this are the trails.”
Danae Dearden, a 16-year-old homeschooler and Yavapai College student, is back for her fourth season. She’s especially excited after being sidelined by medical issues last year.
“I came to watch the races and cheer people on, but I wasn’t able to race or ride at all,” Dearden said. “This year, I’ve finally gotten through it and come back strong enough to ride again. My love for bikes and the community is what keeps me coming back.”
For more information, visit sedonaschoolmtb.com.
Sedona Roster
- Ali Anish
- Hunter Brady
- Tyne Brady
- Kasin Burke
- Danae Dearden
- Michael Dearden
- Jaxson Campbell
- Max Holton
- Logan Jankowski
- Jack Jones
- Cormac Kincheloe
- Jacob Mandeville
- Rowyn Mandeville
- Talon “TJ” Mandeville
- Korbin Nelson
- Noah Nelson
- Theo Wilkins
Cottonwood Roster
- Greyson Stevens
- Quincy Mabery
- Vincent Pugliano
Head Coach: Eric Mace
Race Schedule
- Saturday, Sept. 6: Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff
- Sunday, Sept. 21: Pioneer Park, Prescott
- Saturday, Oct. 4: Secret Trails, Snowflake-Taylor
- Sunday, Oct. 19: McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills
- Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 1-2: Wren Arena, Fort Huachuca
