The Southern Maine Bike Syndicate team recently competed at the Northern New England High School bike race at Mt. Abram. The team includes a combination of athletes from neighboring towns.

Trent Stevens, a Gorham High School (GHS) junior, is one of sixty athletes who competed in the race, hosted by the Gould Academy mountain bike team. In this particular race, there was an enduro and a short track race. Stevens said, “Most of the races are cross country where everyone’s starting times are the same.”

Enduro races can last up to an hour. Athletes can expect rough terrain, designed to test their skills and endurance. The rider with the lowest accumulated time wins the race. Cross country races require more stamina and endurance.

Stevens explains, he enjoys cross country and downhill, with the freedom to rip down the trails as fast as possible between trees, rocks, drops, and jumps. “Being outdoors and riding with other bikers from other school systems, especially the downhill enduro race is the best.”

Stevens also enjoys individual competitions and the motivation to “make it to the podium”. The podium is similar to ski racing, the top 3 athletes are recognized. “The most challenging is giving it all you got at the XC races. The more technical the trail, the better it is for my skills.”

He prioritizes his health and wellness during the season; getting proper rest and drinking plenty of fluids are key in preparing for races. The team practices locally at mountain bike trail systems in Gorham, Falmouth, and Yarmouth. Practice starts at 5:30 p.m. and the riders use bike lights as it gets dark.