A local Mesquite youth can be found as the only Mesquite representative amongst a mountain biking racing team in Moapa Valley. The kid wanted to participate, so with some help from family and friends, especially his mother, he was able to race. A little over a month ago, Jackson Greig ran his first mountain biking race on February 26th in Logandale, Nevada. The race took place at the Logandale Bike Trails near the entrance to the valley.

The race consisted of multiple teams within the Nevada Interscholastic Cycling League. The Moapa Valley Composite Bike Team is led by Don Whipple of Logandale, Nevada. Whipple owns Bike Access which is a small business in Logandale that rents out different varieties of bicycles, including mountain bikes, E-bikes, and more.

“It is great having someone from Mesquite on the team, but unfortunately, we need more coaches for more youth to be part of the team,” said Whipple.

Whipple explained that according to league rules, there has to be a coach for every four youth. He also explained that potential coaches must go through FBI background checks and certifications to be a coach. The NICL has programs for training coaches, so no experience is necessary.

“We need coaches, as we have a waiting list for other youth to be part of the team,” said Whipple.

In order for Jackson to be able to compete, his mother, Jill Laub, had to perform the qualifications to be a coach. Luckily, Jill has had lots of riding experience and the ability to obtain the certifications. Jackson, 12 years old, was able to race. The Moapa Valley Madness Race and plans to continue racing.

“I had so much fun doing the race. I love mountain biking and plan on definitely doing it next year,” stated Jackson.

Jackson is the son of Randy and Jill Laub of Mesquite, NV.

The NICL for the Southern Nevada League has the following races and events left for the season:

April 9th, Spicer Ranch Roundup @ Spicer Ranch in Beatty, Nevada

April 23rd, Caliente Crusher @ Kershaw-Ryan State Park in Caliente, Nevada

May 7th, Sawmill Challenge @ Sawmill Trailhead in Las Vegas, Nevada

May 21st, Backpacking Event @ Rhyolite Ghosttown in Beatty, Nevada

May 22nd, Orienteering Experience @ Spicer Ranch in Beatty, Nevada

July 16th, Gold Fever Trail Family Weekend @ Hanna Flat Campground in Fawnskin, California

For more information about the Nevada Interscholastic Cycling League for Southern Nevada, visit their website at www.nevadasouthmtb.org/. For further details on the Moapa Valley Composite Bike Team, you can contact Don Whipple through his business site, Bike Access, at www.bikeaccess.bike or email him at don@bikeaccess.bike.