‘Thrill at Ski Hill’ draws student bike racers from across the state

LEAVENWORTH – Ski Hill was alive with the sound of gears and cheers over the May 3-4 weekend as hundreds of student mountain bikers from across Washington State descended on the inaugural “Thrill at Ski Hill” race. 

The event marked the first time in the ten-year history of the Washington Student Cycling League (WSCL) that a race was held at the iconic venue.

Hosted by Icicle Bicycle Club (IBC) in partnership with the WSCL, U.S. Forest Service, and Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, the race served as the third stop in the league’s five-event spring series. 

Sunny skies and a landscape splashed with a riot of blooming balsamroot and lupine provided a stunning natural backdrop to the almost 500 student riders from over 30 teams to test their endurance and spirit on a challenging course designed specifically for the occasion.

The course featured steep climbs, fast descents, and a dramatic finish down the face of the ‘Big Hill.’ “It was a really fun track, especially the big bank turn under the ski jumps,” noted Icicle River Middle School (IRMS) eighth grader, Tyson Koinzan. 

Riders tackled one to three laps of the course depending on category, with 5th through 8th graders and newer high school riders pedaling one, while more experienced high schoolers and advanced middle schoolers rode two, and JV and Varsity athletes completed three. 

The route incorporated Ski Hill’s lower-level single track and cross-country ski trails, a segment of the “New Uphill Trail,” and ended with a winding path down the Big Hill —delivering a thrilling challenge and ideal vantage points for spectators.

“I designed the racecourse two-plus years ago and have been working on securing the race here since then,” explained IBC Head Coach Mike Bedard. “And we confirmed with the League maybe six months ago. Since then, it’s been a series of boxes to check, some trail work, and many hands helping to get it ready.”

IBC, founded in 2013, is fully volunteer-run and draws athletes from IRMS and Cascade High School (CHS). It’s known for its positive team culture and strong community involvement. That culture is currently being shaped by the ever-energetic and enthusiastic Bedard, now in his second year at the helm, alongside his equally spirited wife, Lisa, who serves as team manager.

“Hosting this race at our home venue is something we were really looking forward to,” said Bedard. “We were excited to bring a huge group of fun people to our community and share our awesome trails. And it went off pretty much without a hitch. I would call it an absolute success for our team, for our community, and for the League.” 

The whole weekend buzzed with activity. Saturday featured a lively pre-ride session and a lighthearted coaches’ race, with Bedard and assistant coaches Nick Krenz and Terry Houghton taking their turn on the course. 

Both days the team tent area or “race village” transformed the Ski Hill base into a festive gathering space, complete with lawn chairs, cheering families, and the aroma of burgers and BBQ, not to mention scoops from Leavenworth’s Whistlepunk Ice Cream Company, which generously helped IBC raise nearly $1,000 through sales at the event.

While the competition was fierce, the emphasis remained on sportsmanship, safety, and skill development. And the local riders shone on their home turf, with standout performances from Cedar Tremberth (4th place, 7th Grade Boys), Dudley Krenz (4th, 8th Grade Boys), Lane Bedard (5th, high school boys), and Caroline Menna (2nd, Varsity Girls).

The WSCL spring series continues with its next race in Winthrop on May 18, followed by the State Championship and Relay at 360 Trails in Gig Harbor on June 1.

“For anybody who is interested in our team, at any level, we love developing riders and confidence,” stated Bedard. “That’s what we are all about. So, if you [are in middle or high school and] have any interest in getting better at biking, please contact me.”

More information on IBC can be found here: iciclebicycleclub.com.

Caroline Menna is an intern at Ward Media and a senior at Cascade High School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Publications Group.