The Chenango Bullthistles are back for a muddy weekend of racing

CHENANGO COUNTY – The 2017 New York High/Middle School NICA Mountain Bike season is upon us and the Chenango Bullthistles are ready for it all with the help from some great local businesses.

2017 marks the second year for the Chenango Bullthistles.

“We’re excited big time,” said co-head coach Rob Baker of the impending season-debut.

The New York NICA league is now in its fifth year and is seeing growth like never before, going from 19 teams in 2016 to 32 registered teams this season.

“The Central New York weather hasn’t really been outdoor bike friendly but the kids have braved the cold/wet/muddy elements and have been putting in the miles, both outdoor and indoor thanks to great support from our local YMCA,” said coach Baker.

Baker extended many thanks to their growing list of sponsors.

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“First, thanks go out to the Raymond Corporation for sponsoring the teams NICA Team registration fees. Last year, we were racing in plain jane shirts to look like a team, but this year is a different story. The team now has official team jerseys thanks to Chobani, one of the team’s main sponsors. Not only paying for all of the team jerseys, Chobani provides the team nutrition, aka yogurt products, on race day too,” said coach Baker. “Safety, safety, safety and NBT Bank came forward and sponsored the team with all new helmets that have the new MIPS safety system (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) integrated into the helmet. The bright blue was chosen to be able to help spot Team Chenango in the races. Growler Bikes out of Rochester has been huge support too, donating a race bike over the off season, and nice matching MTB gloves for that added comfort and protection level. Thanks go out to Chenango Valley Technology (CVT) for support, and NOMAD BikeX Repair, Central New York’s mobile bike repair shop. All this local community support is outstanding.”

Baker alleged that the team will be following the same model as last year, with half of the team practicing out of Norwich and half out of Greene – however, the list of riders and areas in Chenango County has grown immensely since the 2016 season concluded.

“We’ve been practicing in and around Norwich, here at our farm in Plymouth, Colgate University trails, and Chenango Valley State Park getting the kids used to the single track/double track trails, rocks, roots, mud they’ll expect to see at our first race,” said coach Baker.

As of April 7, 2017 the Chenango Bullthistles have 17 registered NICA riders on the team with nine more having shown an interest to join the team. The 17 riders are broken down into 14 boys and with a great push the team now has three girls registered as well.

Registered NICA riders for the 2017 Chenango Bullthistles:

• Michael Cardoza, Senior, Norwich

• Harrison DuBois, Junior, Sherburne-Earlville

• Stanton Baker, Sophomore, Norwich

• Ethan Eldred, Freshman, Sherburne-Earlville

• Noah Bufalini, Freshman, Norwich

• Nick Loscavio, Freshman, Norwich

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• Alex Trifunovic, Freshman, Greene

• Connor Grant, Freshman, Greene

• Ethan Ketzak, Freshman, Greene

• Houston Edwards, Freshman, Norwich