Festival weekend brings together student mountain bike riders

ARPIN – On Labor Day weekend, approximately 1,200 student mountain bike riders will take part in the Bluff Bash Festival at Powers Bluff County Park, 7073 County Rd. N, Arpin. The event is hosted by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League, with support from local central Wisconsin teams.
Team directors, Sarah Oksiuta and Dave James, direct the SPASH/Central Wisconsin Composite team. This team has over 60 registered riders and 33 licensed coaches. As Oksiuta explains, “All coaches are volunteers, and many of them are Levels 2 or 3, meaning they have completed many hours of training in not just mountain biking but also first aid, outdoor survival skills, hands-on skill mastery and coaching. We all go through several hours annually of risk management including concussion and child abuse awareness training.”
As stated on its website, Central Wisconsin Cycling supports the core values championed by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA): fun, inclusivity, equity, respect and community. NICA’s operating principle is, “No tryouts! Everybody rides!”
The SPASH/Central Wisconsin Composite team was formed in 2014 and serves the Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Amherst, Rosholt, Iola-Scandinavia, Almond-Bancroft and Waupaca school districts. It is co-ed, grades 6-12, with individual and team scoring occurring for grades 9-12.
“Our SPASH team component has finished in the top three in the state for the last five seasons in Division 1, which is comprised of over 20 teams,” Oksiuta said.

Races are held in September and October. Training begins in July, with preseason events held during May and June.
“All riders are registered to race and most will, however, it is not required, and some opt just to enjoy practices with their friends and supporting teammates during the races along the sidelines,” Oksiuta added.
The Marshfield team currently has about 15 riders. Mike Trulen is one of the volunteer coaches for the Marshfield team. He states, “We are expecting around 1,200 or more racers for the Labor Day weekend race, plus parents, coaches and siblings. Some will be camping right on the grounds in the field.”
Although there is no camping permitted at Powers Bluff County Park, for this weekend only, Wood County Parks and Forestry has issued a special use permit for riders and their families to primitive camp on the grounds.
According to the WI NICA website, Powers Bluff is the group’s newest venue. Bluff Bash, Sept. 4-7, is the first full Festival Weekend of the season, bringing the entire WI NICA community together Labor Day weekend. Races start in waves for various ages, beginning with varsity and JV boys’ competitions at 10 a.m. Sept. 5-6. Races are held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Parents, siblings and friends may not ride the race course, but are free to use public trails on their own time. They are encouraged to hike around the entire race venue.
“We love the energy our spectators bring — your enthusiasm makes races unforgettable,” stated the official event guide.
To keep things safe and fair for everyone, please follow these simple guidelines so your team stays penalty-free and the fun keeps rolling:
• Be a great role model. Stay positive and show good sportsmanship.
• Keep the course clear. Athletes are fast — keep personal items, children and pets away from the course and look behind you before stepping near it.
• When and where allowed, pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.
• Use designated crossings only. Never go over or under course tape.
• Listen to officials. The safety of everyone is their top priority.
• Yield to Bike Patrol at all times, just like any emergency vehicle.
• NICA is drug-free. No smoking or vaping at events. Alcohol (21+) is allowed only at private campsites after all NICA activities end.
• Spectators stay on foot. Only racing athletes, Rovers, Bike Patrol and select staff may ride bikes near or on course during races.
• Spectators, including coaches and other athletes, may not run alongside racing athletes. Only race staff may assist with on-course bike repairs during races.
Food trucks will be on-site Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6 with a number of meal options.