The Sedona School Mountain Bike Club kicked off its season Sept. 9.

It was the first of five races with the Arizona League, with the next event occurring on Sunday, Oct. 7, in Flagstaff.

Sedona had 10 bikers suit up in the opening race with River Valdez placing second and Ben Wishnewski finishing fourth.

Head coach and physical therapist Eric Mace spoke about the team’s season.

How would you say the team looked after their first race?

They were all happy with their finish times. The kids were well prepared from all the training rides and the core strength training.

What do you think they need to improve on?

Some want to work on the speed in the corners and others on their endurance for the climbing hills

How do the bikers train in the offseason?

Some play other sports, and most continue to mountain bike with friends and family.

Is there a team leader who motivates the rest?

The team works so great together, and they often point out great accomplishments team members do like making a climb without a rest or getting over an obstacle for the first time. That keeps the motivation high. Sometimes we go back to the same obstacle just so they can practice trying to make it a few times.

What exercises help improve your mountain biking skills?

We do skills labs like braking drills or cornering drills. Interval training where you go max exertion for 30 seconds to 1 minute followed by a minute of easy pedaling helps dramatically for endurance gains.

Is there an ideal diet for a mountain biker?

Yes, we practice and teach clean eating. Simple carbs during the rides and plenty of water.

What is the best advice you could give for bikers?

Try to stand up off your saddle often, keeping your elbows bent and looking far ahead.

What is your favorite part about coaching?

Having all the coaches help develop youth to have strong bodies, strong minds and strong character.

How did the mountain biking club start?

I started the club after leaning about the Arizona Interscholastic cycling league starting six years ago. I then went to the coach training courses and learned how great the organization was and how much positive impact and confidence building mountain biking can have.

What are common injuries that bikers face and how can you avoid them?

Common injuries include tendonitis — mostly of the hip. The best way to avoid that is ramping up your training slowly and stretching your IT [iliotibial] band.

What would you say the team dynamic is like?

The team dynamic is a great balance of celebrating others’ achievements and fun rivalry.

Why is biking important?

Biking can help build confidence when you conquer an obstacle that you couldn’t prior. It builds strength and endurance that promote healthy weight. It offers a chance to get outdoors that helps combat depression and it is a sport you can do your whole life.

How would inquiring bikers join the Sedona School Mountain Bike Club?
They can email me at eric@azmace.com.