Who we are

The Transylvania Timber Rattlers Mountain Bike Team welcomes girls and boys in grades 5th - 12th from Transylvania County to ride with the team. The team is a member of the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League (NCICL). Our team philosophy is fun first, and our central goal is for student-athletes to develop a strong body, mind, and character through mountain biking. There are no tryouts. Everyone rides no matter their ability and skill level. League events are strongly encouraged but not required to join the team. 

The Transylvania Timber Rattlers rides mountain bikes on local trails in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest. Our local trails offer challenging rides that require stamina for climbs and attentive skill for descents. League events are cross-country style racing, based on National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) standards starting in the spring. Cross-country is a specific form of cycling different from road riding, downhill racing, BMX, cyclo-cross, or track racing. Cross-country requires a broad range of skills to ride up and down mountain bike trails that benefit all cycling disciplines.

Team members will develop both technical skills and improve their fitness through cross-country riding. As a team member, you will greatly improve your mountain biking skills in a supportive, enjoyable team environment. You may or may not choose to participate in league events. 

The mountain bike coaches provide valuable guidance and technical instruction whether you race or not, and we will all drive each other to succeed and achieve. Our coaches volunteer their time to develop themselves as coaches and to provide a great ride experience for the students. The coaches and ride leaders receive background checks and are trained per NICA standards in mountain bike skills training, concussion awareness, risk management, and first-aid/CPR.