Mountain biking in Charlottesville starts the same way for most kids: they borrow a bike, feel nervous at their first race, and learn alongside friends at local trails like Preddy Creek Trail Park or Walnut Creek Park. For those who want a little more support on their journey, there are local resources available. Programs like the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and the Virginia High School Cycling League offer that crucial first step into youth cycling. Their goal is simple: show up, try, and belong.
From that first moment at Rivanna Trails or Observatory Hill, the community begins to grow. Group rides, weekend races across Virginia, and familiar faces help young riders build confidence. Local organizations like the Charlottesville Racing Club and Rivanna Trails Foundation support them along the way.
Many of these programs are seasonal, however. That’s where 3 Cats Racing comes in. This small, invitation-based team based in Charlottesville helps young athletes stay engaged year-round. While the core team is selective, 3 Cats has community rides and coaching that are open to local junior riders throughout Central Virginia.
At a Glance: 3 Cats Racing
- Location: Charlottesville, Virginia & Albemarle County
- Ages Served: Middle school and high school (typically 11-18)
- Affiliation: NICA, Virginia High School Cycling League
- Training Locations: Preddy Creek Trail Park, Walnut Creek Park, Observatory Hill, Rivanna Trails system
- Season: Year-round programming with peak season August-November
- Team Size: 8 core athletes (4 middle school, 4 high school)
- Open Programs: Community rides and coaching clinics available to all local junior riders
What Is 3 Cats Racing?
3 Cats Racing is a Charlottesville-based youth mountain biking team affiliated with NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) and the Virginia High School Cycling League. The program serves middle school and high school athletes in the Charlottesville-Albemarle region. Riders coming from Albemarle County Public Schools, Charlottesville City Schools, and area private schools.
The 3 Cats Racing core team includes eight athletes. Four middle school and four high school riders are chosen for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and positive attitude, rather than purely on racing results. This intentionally small team size allows for personalized coaching and strong athlete relationships.
In addition to the core team, riders of all skill levels are welcomed at community events and group rides held throughout Charlottesville. This welcoming approach creates an environment where learning and growth are accessible to all local youth interested in mountain biking.
Two athletes, Nathan Brannock and Samantha Braden, helped shape the program in its early years, and that athlete-led spirit remains central to the team culture today.
Elizabeth Seliga, program director and head coach, oversees athlete development while maintaining a structure that prioritizes both safety and long-term growth. As a NICA Level 3 coach and co-founder of Slipstream Sports, Seliga brings professional cycling experience into a youth-focused environment designed to be both welcoming and sustainable for Charlottesville-area families.
Creating Space for Girls to Stay in Mountain Biking
In many youth sports, participation among girls declines significantly during middle and high school years. According to research, nearly 50% of girls drop out of organized sports by age 14. As schedules become more demanding and athletes’ confidence is tested, the competitive environment can feel unwelcoming.
3 Cats Racing actively works to counter that trend in the Charlottesville cycling community. The organization focuses on belonging and community as much as performance. By fostering a supportive team culture among female athletes, the program helps girls remain engaged in sport through the critical middle and high school years. This is the time when the long-term benefits—confidence, resilience, and mental well-being—can take hold.
The team’s approach aligns with research showing that girls who stay in sports during adolescence experience:
- Higher self-esteem and body confidence
- Better academic performance
- Lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Stronger leadership skills
- Healthier lifestyle habits into adulthood
By creating a safe, encouraging environment on Charlottesville-area trails, 3 Cats Racing helps young female athletes build these lifelong benefits.
A People First Approach to Charlottesville Mountain Biking
Coaching at 3 Cats Racing is led by Erik Hultgren, who brings more than 15 years of youth cycling experience. Hultgren’s past work includes time with the 5280 Junior Development program in Boulder, Colorado, one of the nation’s premier youth mountain biking programs. His coaching approach centers on safety, skill progression, and individual athlete growth rather than win-at-all-costs competition.
Together, Seliga and Hultgren have created a close-knit, people-first coaching environment. They encourage Charlottesville-area athletes to develop at their own pace, whether they’re riding the beginner-friendly trails at Preddy Creek or tackling more technical features at Walnut Creek Park.
“Most athletes don’t need something dramatic,” Seliga explained. “They need the next step, the right challenge at the right time.”
This philosophy of incremental, sustainable growth has helped 3 Cats Racing athletes develop both as cyclists and as people, building skills that extend far beyond the bike.
Growth Without Burnout: A Balanced Approach to Youth Sports
Unlike many youth sports programs that emphasize early specialization and year-round intensive training, 3 Cats Racing values steady development, genuine enjoyment, and long-term participation to avoid the risk of early burnout.
Training remains flexible, allowing athletes to balance cycling with other interests and commitments, from other sports to academics to family time. This approach aligns with current sports science research showing that multi-sport athletes often develop better overall athleticism, experience fewer overuse injuries, and maintain higher motivation than single-sport specialists.
For Charlottesville families, this means young cyclists can participate in 3 Cats Racing while also playing soccer, skiing, running cross country, or pursuing other activities that contribute to well-rounded development.
Athletes With Big Lives: Samantha Braden’s Story
That balanced approach is reflected in athletes like Samantha Braden, a current 3 Cats Racing team member. In addition to mountain biking competitively with 3 Cats, Samantha is a nationally ranked alpine skier at Wintergreen Resort in nearby Nelson County, Virginia.
Her skiing accomplishments include:
- Multiple podium finishes in regional competitions
- Top-15 ranking in North America for her age group
- Active volunteer with Wintergreen Ski Patrol
- Nominated for the NICA Extraordinary Character Award
Samantha’s story illustrates the team philosophy: cycling is one important part of a broader, well-rounded life. She balances training at Charlottesville-area trails with weekend ski racing at Wintergreen (about 45 minutes from Charlottesville), academic commitments at school, and community service. Samantha’s success demonstrates that young athletes can excel in multiple areas without sacrificing their childhood to a single sport.
Her experience is not unusual within the team. 3 Cats Racing athletes juggle school demands, other sports, volunteer work, and friendships. The 3 Cats philosophy for youth mountain biking in Charlottesville is that cycling enhances young athletes lives, rather than consuming them.
Part of Charlottesville’s Larger Cycling Community
3 Cats Racing operates within a thriving Charlottesville-area cycling ecosystem that includes:
Youth Programs:
- Virginia High School Cycling League (NICA affiliate)
- Charlottesville Racing Club junior development
- NICA composite teams at local schools
Trail Systems & Training Locations:
- Preddy Creek Trail Park (Albemarle County)
- Walnut Creek Park (Albemarle County)
- Observatory Hill (UVA grounds)
- Rivanna Trails system (50+ miles around Charlottesville)
- Mint Springs Valley Park
Community Organizations:
- Rivanna Trails Foundation (trail maintenance and advocacy)
- Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Organization (CAMBO)
- Local bike shops: Blue Wheel Bicycles, Crozet Running & Outfitters, Jack’s Bicycles
Racing Venues:
- Walnut Creek Park hosts Virginia High School Cycling League races
- Regional races throughout Virginia and Mid-Atlantic
Together, these organizations and locations create multiple entry points for young riders in Charlottesville and Albemarle County to find their place in the cycling community, whether they’re interested in casual trail riding, competitive racing, or anything in between.
How to Get Started with Youth Mountain Biking in Charlottesville
There are many opportunities for Charlottesville-area families interested in youth mountain biking.
Beginner Entry Points:
- Virginia High School Cycling League – Open to all middle and high school students, regardless of experience. Fall season (August-November) includes weekly practices and weekend races.
- Charlottesville Racing Club – Offers junior programs and community rides
- Local bike shops – Blue Wheel Bicycles and others offer youth clinics and beginner rides
- Rivanna Trails – Free, accessible trail system perfect for beginners
Trail Recommendations by Skill Level:
- Beginners: Preddy Creek Trail Park (easy, flowing trails), Rivanna Trail sections
- Intermediate: Walnut Creek Park (more technical features), Observatory Hill
- Advanced: Walnut Creek Park race course, technical sections at Mint Springs
Equipment & Costs:
- Entry-level mountain bikes: $400-$800
- Many programs offer bike lending/rental for beginners
- NICA registration: Approximately $150-200/season
- Safety gear required: Helmet, gloves (additional protective gear recommended)
Season & Commitment:
- Virginia High School Cycling League season: August-November
- Year-round programming available through teams like 3 Cats Racing
- Weekly practice commitment: 2-3 times per week during season
- Weekend races: Typically one per month during season
For more information about getting started with youth cycling in Charlottesville, contact the Virginia High School Cycling League or visit local bike shops for beginner clinic schedules.
Why Youth Mountain Biking Matters for Charlottesville Families
Mountain biking offers unique benefits for young people in the Charlottesville area.
Physical Health:
- Full-body cardiovascular exercise
- Develops balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Lower impact than running (easier on growing joints)
- Outdoor activity in Charlottesville’s beautiful Blue Ridge setting
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
- Builds confidence through skill progression
- Teaches risk assessment and decision-making
- Reduces stress and anxiety through outdoor time
- Creates sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy
Social Connection:
- Team environment without tryout pressure (NICA model)
- Multi-age community builds mentorship
- Family involvement encouraged at practices and races
- Lifelong friendships formed on the trails
Life Skills:
- Goal-setting and working toward improvement
- Resilience and handling setbacks (crashes, mechanical issues)
- Bike maintenance and mechanical skills
- Environmental stewardship and trail etiquette
For families in Charlottesville and Albemarle County seeking positive youth development opportunities, mountain biking offers an accessible, inclusive pathway that combines physical activity, outdoor exploration, and community building.
The Path Forward: Where Riders Go From Here
Some 3 Cats Racing athletes stay local, continuing to ride Charlottesville trails and race regionally throughout their high school years. Others go on to larger stages—college cycling teams, national competitions, or professional development programs.
But regardless of where their cycling journey leads, all of them begin in the same way: by showing up at Preddy Creek or Walnut Creek, getting on a bike, and discovering where they belong in Charlottesville’s welcoming cycling community.
The beauty of youth mountain biking in Charlottesville is that there’s no single “right” path. Whether a young rider dreams of national championships or simply wants to spend Saturday mornings on the trails with friends, programs like 3 Cats Racing, NICA, and the Virginia High School Cycling League create space for all of them to ride, grow, and belong.
About 3 Cats Racing
3 Cats Racing is a NICA-affiliated youth mountain biking team based in Charlottesville, Virginia, serving middle and high school athletes in the Charlottesville-Albemarle region. Founded on principles of athlete development, community, and long-term participation, the program offers year-round coaching and competition opportunities while maintaining a focus on balanced youth development.
Contact Information:
- 3catsracing.com
- Training Location: Charlottesville, VA (Albemarle County)
- Affiliated Organizations: NICA, Virginia High School Cycling League
For General Youth Cycling Information in Charlottesville:
Related Resources for Charlottesville Families
- Ultimate Guide to Kids Sports & Classes in Charlottesville – Explore all youth sports options in the area
- Best Charlottesville Parks & Playgrounds – Family outdoor recreation guide
- Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Charlottesville – Trail recommendations for families
- Moving to Charlottesville? – Complete relocation guide for families
- Charlottesville Summer Camps Guide – Including outdoor adventure camps
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JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, Co-founded CharlottesvilleFamily and is a mom of four. A believer in experiential education and an avid gardener, beehives, a fruit and veggie plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.