Whether it is embarking on new trails or attempting new tricks, mountain bikers challenge themselves with the thrilling sport. Their shared experiences foster passion and community, which founder of Portola High’s Mountain Biking club and sophomore Luke Passey sought to bring to campus.

“I’m excited to meet new people that are passionate about the same thing that I am,” Mountain Biking club member and junior Theo Vorias said.

Passey began mountain biking with his father about four years ago and was captivated by its fast-paced nature, which other outdoor activities, such as hiking, did not offer. He said his father came up with the idea to try it out one day. Since then, they have been regularly sharing the activity with one another. 

Passey came up with the idea to bring his passion to school when his advisement teacher introduced the in process of starting a club to the class. Passey said he bikes with some of his friends — who now hold leadership positions in the club — and knew of other mountain bikers from school. Their first club meeting had about 30 attendees, according to Passey. 

“It was mainly a way to unite people with the same hobbies and something to do outside of school,” Passey said. “Eventually, we hope to start a team and compete locally in mountain bike races, but for now it’s just to get a feel for the mountain bikers at the school.”

Beyond offering him a medium to pursue a hobby, running a club has offered Passey the opportunity to develop new leadership skills, such as communication and adaptability.

“Having to delegate is a big thing,” Passey said. “You always want to do it your own way. But to actually get it done, you have to delegate because it’s too much work for one person to do.”

When he first began mountain biking, Passey and his dad  purchased a couple of beginners’ bikes, tried out a local trail and eventually upgraded to better bikes. As Passey became more experienced in mountain biking, he began tackling more difficult trails. However, most of his club’s members are beginners who have only been out biking a few times or have just practiced jumps in parks, so he aims to guide and motivate them through their skill progression.

“We hope to train them with some of the skills and techniques that a biker needs,” Passey said. “And eventually, they’ll be able to go on trails by themselves; so that’s our ultimate goal.”

Passey said the Mountain Biking club’s first official meeting outside of school is currently being planned. The club’s board is considering meeting at Whiting Ranch, a beginner friendly trail that will allow them to get a feel for the range of experience and skill level across the club.

“I’m looking forward to being able to mountain bike in a group of friends that I enjoy hanging out with,” Vorias said. “It pushes each other to go faster and do better.”