A group of middle and high school mountain bike riders head into the woods at Lebanon Hills, tires humming as they hit the trails. Some are nervous. Some are already laughing. And none of them quite realize yet how quickly this becomes a place where everyone rides — and every rider belongs.
That’s the 196 Mountain Bike Team.
In District 196, most families know the traditional paths—academic programs, varsity sports, spring musicals. Fewer know about the students riding singletrack after school, climbing hills, and lining up at race starts in the fall. Not because someone told them they had a future in it—but because something about being on a trail sticks.
Since 2012— 196MTB has been one of the original teams in what is now the Minnesota Cycling Association—the program has grown into something truly unique. The 196 Mountain Bike Team is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving student-athletes in grades 6-12 attending schools within District 196. The co-ed team is open to riders of all experience levels—and it brings together students who might never otherwise meet.
The program is led by Head Coaches Darin Thureen and Emily Strong, alongside assistant coaches Alesia Smith, Jeff Gartner, Brian Plantz, and Zach Walker, with support from many dedicated parents, volunteers, and ride leaders.
Like many families, Darin first got involved through his son—starting as a ride leader before stepping into coaching. With over 25 years of coaching experience, he quickly saw that mountain biking offers something different.
At its core, this program is about the positive development of young people through cycling—building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
And it starts with the basics.
Riders don’t just show up and hit the trails. The first weeks are focused on fundamentals—body position, braking, bike control—broken into skill stations that build confidence before riders ever take on more technical terrain. It’s intentional. It’s structured. And it works.
By the end of the season, the growth is hard to miss (adults included!). It’s not about competing against each other—it’s about learning to compete with yourself.
Some riders choose to race. Others follow the adventure path—coming to practice, riding new trails, and building skills without the pressure of competition. Ride leaders meet riders where they are, so no one is left behind—and no one is pushed beyond what they’re ready for.
Lebanon Hills serves as home base for a reason. The trails range from beginner-friendly flow to technical sections that challenge even experienced riders. And when someone finally clears something they’ve been working on all season, the whole team cheers them on!
That shared progress builds something bigger than riding.
Students form friendships across schools. Families get involved. Race weekends become shared experiences. And riders begin to see what they’re capable of—not just on a bike, but as individuals contributing to a bigger picture.
Because on this team, there’s no bench. In the end… this is more than a team —
it’s a community where everyone rides, and everyone grows.
The season runs from July through mid-October. No experience is required. Learn more about the 196MTB team at 196mtb.org.