April, 2026

Starting Line

We're deep in the season now, with 3 races behind us and Troy and State Championships back to back 2 weeks from now. It's crunch time!
Congrats to everyone who raced Reveille Peak and Kerrville! After losing our 2nd spot in the division to Lake Travis (by 5 points!) last race, we reclaimed it after some incredible performances at Kerrville.
Two weeks until our 4th race of 2025 on April 12th! Aloha at Troy. This is a good course, no rocks and minimal roots. Fast, flowy, and purpose built for NICA racing by the Sackett family.
We are only 18 days out until the final contest of the season on April 19th - the Lonestar Finale. It's a winner-takes-all contest for the Texas State Championship. Win the race, get the crown, wear the jersey for 26-27.
As the season enters it's final leg, take the time to drop a note in the suggestion box. We'll have a more thorough end of season survey, but this is an opportunity to let us know what you like and what we can improve in the final weeks of this season.
Parents, grandparents, siblings - raise your hand to help make the camping and meals even better! Email the weekend race directors to be a big part of great weekends!
Everyone - at these races be sure to take pictures and upload them to the gallery.
Check out our Insta, YouTube, and Strava Club. All the cool kids are doin' it...

SHEGWAT Spotlight

To quote the 90's rap visionary, Ice Cube: "You better SHEG yo' self, before you wreck yo' self"

This month, we’re spotlighting ‘S' - Shoes .

Shoes - you're all wearing them but some of you need to think about a bike-specific upgrade. Bicycling shoes have stiffer soles to prevent fatigue and increase pedaling efficiency. They have added protection around the toe box and leading edges of the shoe to mitigate impacts. Cycling shoes soles are specific to the sport, with 'stealth' rubber which is both more durable for walking but easier to puncture for sharpened pedal pins. Many also have the ability to add cleats which will clip into your pedals to allow riders to not only push on the pedals using their quads but pull on the pedals with their hamstrings. Furthermore, they either have Velcro, BOA, or some sort of strap to prevent shoestrings from causing entrapment.

Race Recap

Let's look back at 2 great race weekends! Note, if you see any photos you like, be sure to grab your full-resolution version over at the NICA photo gallery.

Reveille Peak Roundup

This race is always a favorite, taking place on some of the best trails in Texas. The weather cooperated beautifully, and the venue delivered everything we love about racing out here — fast singletrack, great energy, and a real sense of community. We found a neat campsite at the end of the road (and next door to an attractive nuisance). Austin High volunteers came through in a big way, putting together some incredible meals — dinner and breakfast — that kept everyone fueled and in high spirits. Our athletes' racing was on point. Mostly kept upright (at least on course — the start gate is a different animal). Dash showed up with a standout performance, taking the Varsity category by surprise and putting almost a minute on the fastest riders in the state. It was one of those weekends where everything just clicked - the riding, the teamwork, the vibes - 🤌

Austin High ranked 3rd in the conference

Guadalupe Groove

This is the first year NICA has raced this venue (although it's been a TMBRA staple for years) and it did not disappoint. Austin elected to camp together in the group camping areas and scored a great spot tucked away from the chaos (thanks Peter!). It made for a relaxed home base and gave the team a chance to hang out, recharge, and cheer each other on between races. The course was almost devoid of tech — a pure fitness and cornering test that rewarded smooth, fast riding and punished anyone who came in cold. Times were quick across the board, and the racing was tight in nearly every category. Riders left it all on the course, and you could feel the intensity from the sidelines. Of note: our Lady Maroons absolutely ate, taking 3 top spots and combining for a 10-minute gap over their nearest competitors. No big deal. 💅

Austin High ranked 2nd in the conference

Practice Pulse

Just 2 more races!

Training in earnest for those series titles and State Championship medals is well underway. For some of you not in a series hunt, Troy is going to need to be a throw-away race - it's too tight to taper for - you'll just have to race it tired ;)

It's time to really think about your goals.

All of you that have raced have met expectations - finished the race. That's huge.
Many of you have even realized your goals - top 25, top 10, podiums. Congratulations athletes - we're proud of you.
Some of you may have even realized your stretch goals (top 10, top 5, 1st place, win by 6 minutes, etc.).

I want everyone to take a minute to decide what the rest of the season is going to hold for you. Are you going to take it chill? Are you going to double down? Are you planning on taking that State Championship title and wearing the Champion's Jersey next year? Give yourself time to ponder your goals, your real wants.

Win a Bike!?

Make sure you share our fundraiser with your friends and family. You can win a bike! Find your personal page and share it with friends and family: https://texasmtb.rallyup.com/1ebfed/t/3d6349/Members/Details.

100% of funds raised go back to teams and student athletes. Our team keeps 50%, with remaining funds going to grants and scholarships.

Grand prize is a TREK SUPERCALIBER SL9.7 mountain bike. Incentives for athlete participation include drawings for Gear Bags, Gift Baskets and a SuperCaliber Trek bike.

Coaches' Corner

Coach meeting Friday at Doc's at 7pm. Required.
Coaches are flying the team flag and are representatives of the team. Make sure we're all conducting ourselves as such.
Coaches, I'll be rolling out a new app in the next few days. Watch your inboxes for an invite.
Safety is the primary driver for PODs. If you see safety infractions, if athletes do not follow coaching direction, if you witness any behavior that is unsafe (unsafe passing, blocking, etc.) please be sure to report it using the Safety Violation on the secure coaching site.

Questions: info@ahsmtbteam.com

Website: https://www.ahsmtbteam.com