Mountain biking is a Colorado staple. For some, mountain biking is a fun way to get outside and do something active. For the few who dare, mountain biking is a love and a mental and physical challenge; a way to push yourself to the limits.

“It’s an adrenaline sport,” Paul English, Junior said.

On October 20 and 21 the Grand Junction High School’s mountain biking team headed to state in Durango. The state team included Annika Sisac, Paul English, Miles Willis, Amber Lobato, Rylan Birch, Mitchell McBride, and Jacob Thomas. Overall, GJHS places 17th with 2839 points. Miles Willis and Paul English placed high out of the 89 varsity boys. Miles Willis placed 21st with a time of 1:58.00.43. Paul English placed 23 with a time of 1:58.01.70.

“I did 4 laps and did 27 miles,” English said. “The hardest part about racing is having to push yourself for two hours straight with no breaks,” English said. Although, the physical grind is challenging, the mental fortitude required is high.

“If you’re coming to a big obstacle it’s scary, you could crash you could get hurt,” English said.

Results from the race:

Varsity Boys:

Miles Willis, 21st place, with a time of 1:58:00.43

Paul English, 23rd place with a time of 1:58:01.70

Varsity Girls:

Mia Brygger, 46th place, with a time of 1:53:04.35

JV Girls:

Annika Sisac, 13th place, with a time of 1:09:40.71

Amber Lobato, 29th place, with a time of 1:15:17.73

Sophmore Boys:

Jacob Thomas, 122th place, with a time of 1:09:54.92

Mitchell McBride, 73rd place, with a time of 1:05:34.29

Freshmen Boys:

Rylan Birch, 38th place, with a time of 1:07:18.88

*For more times go to https://my3.raceresult.com/110666/?lang=en#0_D4291E