Saturday, Feb. 18 was sunny and warm at Ferris Park outside of Mayodan where students on the Davie County Combine Mt. Bike team raced in their first preseason race.

“It was a tough introduction to racing,” said Head Coach David Mills. “There were a lot of rocks, and I think everyone went down at least once.”

The races gave the team the chance to test themselves in preparation for the start of the interscholastic season. Also present were student athletes from West Forsyth and East Forsyth high schools, Davidson and Guilford counties.

Jacob Rhyne placed 17th in a fast junior race that saw Blake Johnson delayed by a long pit stop.

Best showing for the team was Charlotte Anderson placing third in her category.

Cyndle Nix showed her toughness and after contact with a tree and some rocks she was finally put out with a mechanical problem.

Two of the team riders were out for work and illness.

The N.C. Interscholastic Cycling League racing season starts in three weeks with the first race of the season outside Wilmington. The Davie County team will be facing 39 teams of middle and high school athletes from across the state.

Anyone interested in joining the team can contact Mills at millsbike52@gmail.com.