Through a partnership with the Colorado High School Cycling League (Colorado League), Fountain Valley School (FVS) is pleased to host the inaugural Lazy B Ranch Rally high school mountain bike race from Friday, September 20, through Sunday, September 22, 2024. This event, the first of its kind to be held on-site at a Colorado high school, will welcome approximately 730 riders across 51 teams and multiple states to Fountain Valley’s 1,100-acre Prairie campus in southern Colorado Springs. 

“As the sport of mountain biking has grown in popularity, we knew we had the ideal terrain, and immediately looked for ways to optimize our location,” said Director of Athletics Geoff Harlan.

Throughout its 94-year history, Fountain Valley School’s vast landscape and rigorous academic programs have been coupled with a strong commitment to outdoor education and athletics. Today, FVS is home to a 60,000-square-foot athletic complex featuring an indoor swimming and diving pool, spin room, gymnasium, and the largest high school climbing facility in the nation, eight outdoor tennis courts, numerous grass fields, indoor and outdoor horseback riding arenas, and an extensive 15-mile trail system.

Planning for the race began several years ago with a partnership between Fountain Valley School, the Colorado High School Cycling League (Colorado League), and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation to bring this unprecedented event to the Pikes Peak region. 

“The coordination and support has been phenomenal,” commented Colorado League Executive Director Kate Rau. “The Fountain Valley staff, Tony Boone Trails, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation have been integral in bringing this race venue online for us and others.”

A middle school race known as the FVS Junior XC was offered to over 50 riders on the Fountain Valley School campus this past May as a trial run for the large-scale event in September. Beyond the high school competition, which will feature teams from Colorado and neighboring New Mexico, the rally aims to foster a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among student-athletes. The Lazy B Ranch Rally will also provide opportunities for families, students, alumni, and spectators to experience Colorado Springs’ vibrant mountain biking community firsthand. 

In all, the Lazy B Ranch Rally represents Fountain Valley’s dedication to outdoor education, athletics, and the spirit of adventure – a hallmark of the School for nearly a century. "With most Colorado League races occurring on the Western Slope, we are hopeful that the ease of access and exposure this race brings to mountain bike racing will lead to greater awareness and participation in the sport," said Harlan.

For beginner mountain bikers ages nine to 13, the School will offer two week-long Fountain Valley Summer Camps in June 2025. Additional information can be obtained at www.fvs.edu/summer.

View Lazy B Ranch Rally Photos

This News Story Appeared in:

September 17, 2024 - "FOX 21 News" - Fountain Valley School Hosts Inaugural Mountain Bike Rally
September 18, 2024 - "Loving Living Local" - Inaugural Lazy B Ranch Rally at Fountain Valley High School
September 19, 2024 - "KOA News"
September 19, 2024 - "The Gazette" - Fountain Valley Brings Cycling Race to Colorado Springs
September 19, 2024 - "BVM Sports" - Fountain Valley Hosts Lazy B Ranch Rally for High School Cyclists
September 20, 2024 - "The Gazette" - Lazy B Ranch Rally
September 22, 2024 - "FOX 21 News" - Fountain Valley School Hosts H.S. Mountain Bike Race
September 22, 2024 - "FOX 21 News" - 9 o'clock News