Ridge Rider Jack Kenamond gets water handed to him by Coach Bruce Miner during a past mountain bike race. The team is set to compete at 9 a.m. Sunday at Grand Vue Park during the West Virginia Interscholastic Cycling Association Race. (Photo Provided)

Hundreds of young mountain bikers are slated to take on the terrain of Grand Vue Park during the West Virginia Interscholastic Cycling Association Race on Sunday.

Chris Gardill, team director for the Northern West Virginia Composite Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Team, said the race will kick off at 9 a.m. Spectators are welcomed to attend and cheer on the riders, who include local middle and high school students.

“We anticipate having about 400 student-athletes compete in this event and estimate there will be approximately 1,500 people at Grand Vue throughout the weekend attending just as part of the league and the 23 teams that now participate in it from all over the state,” Gardill said.

The race is also helping the local economy.

“All of the park’s cabins, RV park and campgrounds are fully reserved, and we have blocks at several local hotels that are also being used,” Gardill said. “The last two weekends in particular, we have run into friends and other riders from around the state who have come to Moundsville and Grand Vue to preview and practice on the course in preparation for the event, many of whom have asked for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions to check out while they’re in town.

“We have also tried to bring some additional, non-biking activities to the event to allow others to have fun attending it,” he added. “So, in addition to our team being in a position of legitimately competing for a state championship on our home course, we really hope that the event better showcases the other positive aspects of mountain biking and can be a catalyst for further trail development interest and activity in the Upper Ohio Valley.”

Gardill said Grand Vue Park officials and volunteers helped get the course ready for the practices and the race.

“It’s a safe course for even beginners, but is also a technically-challenging, fun and fast race loop that is different than the other venues the kids race at,” he said.

“To cap it off, our team has been consistently finishing in the Top 3 teams in races this season, and we are second in the points standings heading into this race. So it’s going to be a very exciting weekend for the league, Grand Vue, and most certainly for our team.”

Gardill said the Ridge Runners have had a good season.

“Being able to compete at and end our regular season on our home course where we practice, is an opportunity that we are most proud of, and something that has been the product of a large amount of hard work both on the trails at Grand Vue and also advocacy with the league,” he said.

In addition to watching the race, other activities include live music on Friday and Saturday night at Grand Vue Park’s The Vue restaurant, and a free outdoor movie at 7:15 p.m. Saturday.

The park will also be open with its usual activities including ziplines, trampolines and climbing. There will also be food trucks, Flurries ice cream and The Vue.

Those interested in joining Ridge Riders or becoming a sponsor can email coach@wvridgeriders.com or visit facebook.com/WVRidgeRiders. Gardill said the Ridge Riders offers different levels of biking including non-competitive beginner riding. There is also a group just for girls called GRT or Girls Riding Together.

Some past riders have come back to become certified coaches including Gardill’s son, Kaleb.

“It’s really been a lot of fun,” he said, adding that all three of his children enjoy the sport.