By CHRIS PETERSON

Hungry Horse News

On a brilliant Wednesday evening earlier this month, about 35 riders and a host of coaches bombed down the trails at Cedar Flats just north of Columbia Falls.

They’re members of the Flathead Cutties mountain biking team (Cutties is short for cutthroats, a nod to the local trout). 

Paralympian and junior high teacher Sam Kavanagh is the head coach of the squad, which draws mountain bikers from Columbia Falls, Whitefish and a few from the West Valley. Kavanagh has been coaching the team for four years now, and it’s slowly, but surely, seen its ranks of racers grow.

The team includes riders from sixth through 12th grade in a variety of different skill levels. A typical course winds through the woods, but also has open areas where riders can more easily make a passes, Kavanagh noted.

They practice at Cedar Flats, but local races are held at Herron Park near Kalispell. They also travel to races across the state, including Bozeman, Butte and Missoula. The sport is sanctioned by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, which oversees it sport in 40 different states.

A typical course is 3 to 4 miles long with 400 to 500 feet of elevation gain, Kavanagh noted. All skills levels (from JV up to varsity) run the same course, they just do more laps as they gain experience and skill level. A typical varsity race, for example, will take about an hour with multiple laps.

While a top of the line mountain bike can cost $10,000, families can get into the sport with a far more modest bike. If they don’t have a bike, the team can oftentimes get a used one at minimal to no charge, Kavanagh noted.

“At this stage of development it’s more about the engine than the bicycle,” Kavanagh noted. “We have means to get bikes in kids hands.”

Several racers have been with the club since the beginning and are making their mark, taking home trophies against stiff competition across the state.

Bozeman’s team, for example, has 200 riders.

The team could use more girls. Right now it has about seven. On a recent practice, assistant coach Sara Kavanagh and team director Lynn Foster of A7 Cycles in Columbia Falls were out practicing with the girls.

Every coach carries a First Aid kit on their bike along with bear spray, as the area does have both grizzly and black bears.

Sam Kavanagh said he just likes to see the kids get out and have fun. The competition comes as they develop.

“Kids outside and off screen is what I’m all about,” Sam Kavanagh said.

The seasons starts in July with practices and races start in August. Races have very much a family atmosphere, as most camp at the track, Kavanagh said.

Columbia Falls kids can learn more about the team by stopping by A7 Cycles just off Nucleus Avenue.