NORWICH- Mountain Biking will be taking over the trails through the hills of Chenango County as hundreds of middle school and high school athletes will descend upon Norwich this weekend for the New York National Interscholastic Cycling Association’s fourth race of the five race regular season series on Saturday May 22nd and Sunday May 23rd in Norwich.

The Galena Growlers, Chenango County’s NICA affiliate is one of the 22 middle and high school teams in New York and is set to play host for the two day event. Race organizers are anticipating a crowded field of competitive athletes with just over 250 high school and middle schools athletes slated to participate. Due to the size of the event and for safety of the athletes competing Upper Ravine road will be closed over the weekend.

“Race four of our 2021 NICA New York League will prove to be a great showing here in Norwich, with a strong Growler team hosting the event” said Galena Growlers Head Coach Rob Baker.

This weekend’s event has been a focus for the Galena Growlers program and has been a goal they have been working towards in the past to showcase Chenango County’s biking trails and beauty along with providing a positive outlet to attract people to the area as well as to promote the sport of mountain biking for area youths.

“There are some awesome riders from all over the state coming her to be tested by the hills just west of the City of Norwich. [It will be] guaranteed excitement…come cheer all the kids on!” added Baker.

Saturday’s event will kick-off at 1:00pm and consist of a 2.5 mile race course for the middle school boys and girl’s races. Sunday’s festivities will consist of the high school boys and girls races which will feature a longer 3.25 mile course with the first race of the day to begin at 10:00am.