ERIK'S is pleased to announce sponsorship for the newly formed Minnesota High School Cycling League, which will introduce the sport of mountain bike racing to Minnesota high schools this year.
“It’s a privilege to be involved at the ground level for this exciting new program,” said Erik Saltvold, founder and owner of ERIK’S. “We are excited to help introduce the healthy sport of cycling to high school students throughout Minnesota. Our sponsorship will provide financial assistance and a fleet of mountain bikes to ensure that all youth have the ability to participate in this exciting new high school sport.”
The Minnesota league was selected to be part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) in 2011 and was organized to support the involvement of high school student-athletes in safe, high-quality mountain bike programs throughout the state of Minnesota. Teams will begin forming in the spring of 2012. Skills camps and coaches' training will begin in summer 2012. High school mountain bike racing will begin in September 2012.
Gary Sjoquist, founding chair for the Minnesota High School Cycling League, is excited about ERIK’S sponsorship and support. “I’m pleased to welcome ERIK’S Bike and Board Shop as a founding retailer for the Minnesota High School Cycling League,” Sjoquist said. “Erik and I have known each other a long time, and it’s great to have his support as we build this league and get high school youth on mountain bikes.”
Upcoming Events
Sunday, March 11, 2012 – Minnesota High School Cycling League Kick-Off & Open House at Quality Bicycle Products, 6-8 p.m.
Come and join in the fun as we kick off the inaugural race season! Parents, coaches, volunteers, and student-athletes are invited. Stop by and learn how to start a team, what gear you’ll need, and how practices will work while checking out Minnesota league t-shirts, posters, stickers, etc. At our “Connect Zone," you’ll meet other parents and students from your community who also want to start a team. Parents will learn about the coaching process, how to volunteer at our races, and how to help build the league. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided, as well as valuable auction items you’ll need to start racing. Directions to Quality Bicycle Products at www.qbp.com.
Saturday, April 14 – Sunday, April 15, 2012 – First Annual Leaders' Summit at Quality Bicycle Products
The Leaders’ Summit brings together coaches, assistant coaches, ride leaders, and parent volunteers (both new and experienced) to develop skills and knowledge, share strategies, build community, and meet licensing requirements. This conference will promote a holistic approach to coaching that creates an environment in which young people can grow and thrive. This is a great opportunity to spend a weekend in the company of peers and energize for the upcoming season.
About ERIK’S Bike Board & Ski
ERIK’S is a leading bike, snowboard, and ski retailer with 18 locations and growing. For information on ERIK’S products and events, visit shoperiks.com.
About the Minnesota High School Cycling League
The Minnesota High School Cycling League promotes personal development and teamwork through bicycle racing and encourages the formation of teams at public and private high schools. With the cooperation of local race promoters and our sponsors, the league organizes a first-class series of races designed for high school-aged riders. The league makes high school racing the easiest route for youth to get involved in the challenging and exciting world of competitive cycling. The Minnesota league is generously supported by founding national sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Jeep, Clif Bar and Co., Primal Wear, GU Sports, Maxxis, QBP, Adidas, Kinetic, Yakima, Fox Racing Shox, CamelBak, Crank Brothers, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Mountain Bike Action, and WTB. For more information about the Minnesota High School Cycling League, visit nationalmtb.org.