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Vision
Vision
A vibrant Westmoreland County where every young person has the opportunity to discover the joy of cycling, build lasting friendships, and grow into confident, resilient individuals through shared outdoor experiences.
Mission
Mission
To get more kids on bikes in Westmoreland County by providing inclusive, fun, and enriching cycling programs that foster fitness, friendship, and personal growth. Through racing, adventure, mentorship, and trail stewardship, we empower youth with the skills and confidence to thrive—on the bike and in life.
Interscholastic Mountain Biking
Interscholastic Mountain Biking
LHYC operates within the framework of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), a national non-profit that develops mountain bike programs for student-athletes in grades 6–12.
Our Teams
Our Teams
Laurel Highlands Composite Team: Our regional team open to all students in the area who do not have a dedicated program at their specific school.
School-Based Teams: We actively support and incubate dedicated teams for local schools—such as the Ligonier Valley School District, Greater Latrobe School District and Hempfield Area School District—allowing students to represent their home school colors.
Highlanders: Multi-Discipline Racing Club
Highlanders: Multi-Discipline Racing Club
Beyond the NICA season, LHYC is a registered USA Cycling (USAC) Junior Team. This status allows our athletes to compete in sanctioned events year-round across diverse disciplines:
Cross-Country (Non-NICA): Competitive mountain bike racing outside of the scholastic league, allowing athletes to compete in regional and national USAC-sanctioned events.
Gravel: Long-distance riding and racing on unpaved roads, combining endurance with the beauty of our backroads.
Cyclocross: A high-intensity autumn discipline featuring short laps on mixed terrain with obstacles that sometimes require carrying the bike.
Gravity: Focused on high-speed downhill descents and technical bike-handling skills rather than uphill pedaling.
Highland Sparks: Youth Development
Highland Sparks: Youth Development
We are excited to launch a new Youth Development Program for 3rd–5th graders. This program will focus on foundational bike handling, safety, and confidence, serving as a "feeder" program to prepare younger children for the middle school transition.
Ready to Ride?
Ready to Ride?
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
We strive to make cycling accessible to everyone. You don’t need the most expensive gear to get started—just a willingness to learn!
A Bike: A mountain bike in good working order (we recommend knobby tires and multiple gears).
Safety Gear: A properly fitted helmet is mandatory for every ride.
The Essentials: Close-toed shoes, a water bottle or hydration pack, and a spare tube that fits your tires.
Don't have a bike? Ask us about our Loaner Bike Program! Thanks to our generous grants, we have a fleet of bikes available to help student-athletes get on the trails regardless of their financial situation.
Want to Learn More?
Want to Learn More?
Whether you are a parent with questions, a student ready to join a team, or a local business looking to support youth development, we want to hear from you.
Get in Touch: info@LHMTB.org for more information
Attend an Info Session: We host "Try It" days and parent meetings every spring before the July 1st kickoff.
Join us in getting more kids on bikes across Westmoreland County!
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