2023 ACA Season Recap
For those unfamiliar, the ACA stands for the AZ Cycling Association, the official high school mountain bike program that caters to riders of all levels. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned racer, there's a spot for you in this league.
The ACA hosts races for middle school and high school students, following traditional high school sports levels - freshman to varsity. The season spans from September to November, culminating in the thrilling State Championship after four intense races.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the ACA series is a celebration of community. Five weekends of camping with teammates, friends, and family create memories that transcend the finish line. And, the perfect fall Arizona weather, with the leaves changing, is always a welcome escape from the weekday grind in the classroom.
My journey with the ACA began in sixth grade, fueled by dreams of one day racing among the varsity elites who once whizzed past me. I still recall being awe-struck by their blistering lap times. Now, as a junior with a coach and national racing experience, those once-unimaginable lap times are becoming my reality. But this success isn't just a dream fulfilled; it's the result of years of dedicated work.
The first four races went well, I was able to win by good margins. Those victories were a testament to the fitness gained from national-level training earlier in the year. I won the northern varsity series title and claimed the leader's jersey. This set the stage for an epic showdown at the State Championships.
The grand finale took place at Fort Huachuca, near the Mexico border, where North and South divisions merged for the state championship crown. The weather was perfect, and the familiar dusty course presented both opportunities and challenges. Visibility is always a concern as the track’s fine dust is like a smoke cloud when kicked up by bikes racing by.
Being the first racer called to the start line, I felt the eyes of fellow competitors on me. The race started with a fierce battle for position on a road before diving into technical single track. With undefeated south conference leader, Elliot Semonsky, in the mix, the competition was high.
After a few tactical moves, Isaac Cole and I broke away, establishing a lead over the rest. The course's technical challenges and sharp rocks demanded focus. When the climb arrived, I seized the opportunity, creating a gap that continued to grow, reaching a 10-second lead after the first lap.
Despite my lead, my dad's reminder at the feed to protect my bike echoed in my mind. I rode with controlled aggression, wary of potential flats or mechanical issues. As laps passed, my pace dipped slightly, but not as much as my competitors. Surpassing JV racers motivated me to keep pushing, creating a thrilling race within a race.
Crossing the finish line over three minutes ahead of second place was a dream realized. Winning the varsity state championship, a goal set in sixth grade, holds immense significance. The state championship jersey isn't just an accolade; it's a symbol of dedication and triumph, one I plan to frame as a lasting memory.
Looking ahead, some time off the bike calls before diving back into training. My sights are set on earning my first UCI points in the spring. My next race will probably be the MBAA McDowell Meltdown in Jan. serving as a warm-up before my first racing block in Puerto Rico, where I'll face international ranked competitors. The anticipation of challenging myself against the best is already building, and I can't wait to embark on the next chapter of my mountain biking journey.
