Area Kids And Coaches Sought For Cycling Team Based In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield resident Jay McKeon, who owns Jay's Cycle Center in that town, is seeking local kids in grades six to 12, as well as volunteer coaches, who want to sign up for a local mountain bike team. The team is open to kids from Union County, except for Summit, New Providence, and Berkeley Heights, as there's already a team in Chatham that includes those towns, McKeon said.

The flyer notes, "No one sits on the bench! Youth development through cycling! Co-ed, no cuts, everyone rides. Racing not required."

There are 22,000 active students and 10,000 volunteer coaches in 30 states in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. The Westfield team will be part of the New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League, a spring mountain bike program.

The cost for the year is $300, but financial assistance is available for kids who need it, and bikes are available through a loaner program for kids who don't have their own.

The fee includes participation in five races and insurance and league fees.

There will be an informational meeting for all interested parties at Jay's Cycle Center, 227 North Avenue East, in Westfield, on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, see the flyer above or go to newjerseymtb.org.