The Timpview mountain biking team wrapped up a remarkable season, leaving their mark on trails across the state while gaining an unforgettable sense of community and camaraderie.
The league, divided into six divisions, hosted four regional races for each group. Timpview competed at Beaver Mountain, Richfield, Herriman, and Eagle Mountain, consistently performing at the top of their game. “Timpview did very well at all of them. I believe they either won or got second at all four of the regional races,” said Morty Lindley, a senior and standout rider reflecting on the season.
The season’s finale took place at the state championship in Cedar City. Despite heavy snow the day before, the trails miraculously dried overnight, and the competition went off without any problems. Riders braved the cold, pushing through tough terrain to deliver impressive performances.
For Lindley, this season held personal challenges but also team highlights. “Individually, it was good. It was kind of a change in how I approached (the sport) because I kind of fell out of love with the training aspect,” he said. “But it was an excellent year for the team—certainly the best that has occurred while I’ve been on it. There’s a really good crop of sophomores right now that are just killer. They’re great riders. My goal this year has been to get them as far along as I could.”
The team’s success is only part of the story, as the true magic lies in the experiences shared by its riders. “The community the MTB team creates is so awesome,” said Jack Duerden, another senior and accomplished rider. “Riding with all my friends is one of the funnest things ever.” Beyond the friendships, mountain biking offers moments of pure exhilaration and personal growth.
For Matthew Squire, also a senior and experienced rider, the most rewarding aspect of the team is watching riders grow together. “It’s awesome to see beginners become more experienced and better bikers, just as it’s awesome to see people get podiums in their division,” he said. Mountain biking has also taught him valuable lessons. “It’s an excellent way to learn to do hard things, even when you don’t know if you can make it. It teaches you to keep trying, even if the top is far away.”
Kate Gillespie, another senior, echoed the sentiment of how fun and meaningful the team is. “I get to hang out in the mountains and bike with all my best friends. We literally always have the best time,” she said. Her favorite memories come from their end of the year parties, where the team races mini bikes down Rock Canyon Bowl. “It’s hands-down the best part of the whole year. It’s hilarious to watch, everyone has a good time, and it’s just so fun.”
For many riders, mountain biking is more than a sport—it’s an escape. “When you ride, you get into this flow state and hone in on the task at hand,” Duerden said. “All other distractions fade away. It’s not only addicting but therapeutic. It clears my mind and makes any problems or worries I had before seem so much smaller. It’s something I think many people would benefit from.”
Whether it’s flying down ridges, grinding up steep climbs, or simply enjoying time on the trails with friends, the Timpview mountain biking team exemplifies the joy, challenge, and sense of community that the sport brings. As Lindley put it, “It’s a really good sport for anybody. There’s a high level of competition, but it’s also very enjoyable. It can be enjoyed by anyone.”
