Young PICL cyclists back for second year of racing at Earth Science Center

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League will bring its high-energy youth mountain bike racing back to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center, across from White Deer Golf Course off of Route 15. The two-day competition – Playin’ at Penn College – is slated for Sept. 6 and 7 and is expected to draw more than 1,400 student-athletes, families and fans.

In its 10th season, PICL is a nonprofit youth development organization that provides safe, inclusive and competitive mountain biking opportunities for students in grades six through 12. Each of the events are built around community, teamwork, outdoor adventure and character-building experiences.

The 400-plus acre course quickly became a favorite of cyclists who attended last year’s debut event at Penn College. Ryan Oelkers, PICL outreach director, said feedback from the 2024 race was fantastic.

“This quickly became a favorite course,” Oelkers said. “There’s plenty of climbing, fast downhills, a rock garden and it’s spectator friendly.”

Eighty teams are preparing to take on the trail, with most riders representing their schools. Some, however, will race as individual cyclists. Registration is still open for those who choose to participate on their own.

Event Schedule

• Saturday, Sept. 6
  • Sixth, seventh and eighth grade cyclists will have an opportunity to check out the two-and-a-half-mile course with their teams as part of a pre-ride before racing begins at 10:30 a.m.
    • High school riders will complete the pre-ride after the middle-school race and awards are complete.
• Sunday, Sept. 7
  • Racing for high school-aged cyclists will begin at 9:30 a.m. Awards will follow.

The season officially kicked off July 1 with practices, and cyclists will race until early November. Oelkers said 11 leagues will then come together for a regional East Coast competition, with riders vying to ultimately participate in a national competition, at which 32 states will race.

For more information about PICL, visit pamtb.org or contact Oelkers at 267-973-5821.

For more information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.