The Pahrump Valley Mountain Biking Club hit the trail with determination and spirit at the Kingman Cactus Kicker on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Hosted at the scenic Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area and Monolith Gardens in Kingman, Arizona, the event marked the second season of this exciting course, which quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique terrain, wacky rock formations, and picturesque desert views.
Racers faced a 3.45-mile loop with about 200 feet of elevation gain. Starting with a fun downhill ride, the course transitioned into a steady climb toward the finish—challenging riders from start to end. Both high school and middle school athletes competed on the same course, testing their endurance and skills on a route that’s quickly becoming a favorite in the league.
Adding a festive twist, this year’s event embraced a “Day at the Derby” theme, encouraging teams to get creative for a shot at the coveted Spirit Award. The fun didn’t stop there—GRiT (Girls Riding Together) hosted a league-wide Easter Egg Hunt, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for all participants.
Pahrump Valley’s student-athletes showed grit and determination across the board. In the JV2 Boys division, Isaac Norton led the team with a strong 14th place finish at 59:47.50. Teammates Timmy Stutzman and Shaun Street followed with times of 1:08:15.52 and 1:16:00.55, respectively. In the JV2 Girls race, Ashlon Stewart and Taylor Zalaco rode with heart, finishing in 1:29:05.80 and 1:30:35.99.
The JV3 Boys delivered impressive performances, with Mason Whitney finishing the course in 45:15.31, Ryan Nasso in 48:28.11, and Nicholas Stutzman in 52:18.18. Sophia Hoffman represented Pahrump in the JV3 Girls race and blazed through the course with a swift 26:23.76.
Middle school riders also made a strong showing. In MS1 Boys, Xavier Schwinkendorf clocked in at 23:54.19, followed by Edmond at 26:36.50 and Gavin Brown at 29:30.55. The MS2 Boys division saw solid rides from Tyler Leavitt (45:39.85), Everette (46:03.38), and Everest Leavitt (49:41.35). In MS2 Girls, Whitney Frausel completed her race in 51:24.98.
From the thrill of competition to the camaraderie on and off the trail, the Pahrump Valley Mountain Biking Club made the most of their time in Kingman. The team’s dedication, sportsmanship, and positive energy were on full display, continuing to build momentum for a standout season.
*A special thank you to Jessica Brown for the photos.
