Ep. 108: Huck & Braaap Cycling

This week Clint and I sat down with Craig Lawson and Brad Cobb. Craig is a Coach with Huck and Braaap Cycling. Brad Cobb is a sponsor and Founder of Motor Mile Racing which are Mountain bike racers from the "Dirty South dippin', divin' and dodgin' all around the world."

Our podcast centers on junior and senior high mountain bike racing team; HBC. Craig is quick to affirm the coaches and families that make this program possible.

The 2017 inaugural season of Team HBC consisted of six youth racers. By 2018 the team doubled in size and produced two individual Tennessee NICA State Champions. 2019 season, Team HBC had grown the love of the sport for 30 youth athletes competing all over the state. That season ended on a high note for Team HBC when they were named the number one middle school NICA team in the state and four of their racers were named individual Tennessee NICA State Champions (6th grade girls, 7th grade girls, 7th grade boys and 9th grade boys). Their athletes’ podium finishes were a testament to their dedication, and most of their racers improved on personal best performances throughout the 2019 season. Newer riders also gained the skills and confidence to advance within the sport, setting the groundwork for another promising year ahead in 2020.

The year 2020 presented the dedicated volunteer coaching staff of Team HBC with unique challenges. Like many organizations, Tennessee NICA suspended the entire 2020 season, no race opportunities. By the fall of 2020, after growing the team to 57 riders and in response to the uncertainty about the future of NICA in the state, Team HBC re-tooled its identity and focus. They launched Huck & Braaap Cycling and joined USA Cycling’s rapidly growing youth ranks. Practicing twice a week, the team racked up more than 10,000 miles on the trails (4,282 in race miles with 260 race entries, 55 podium finishes, 160 top 10 finishes and 19 category winners).

As a competitive team, racing is at the center of the program, but success is not defined solely by winning. With the help of their generous donors, selfless volunteer coaches and community of team families, Huck & Braaap Cycling is back in 2021 with team members ranging from first year racers to nationally ranked athletes. Through hard work and dedication, HBC athletes will grow within the sport of mountain biking, as well as grow the sport within the greater Chattanooga Area. Huck & Braaap Sponsors:Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga Audi of Chattanooga, Owen Cyclery, Scott’s Bicycle Centre, Motor Mile Racing, ArrowPointe Surveying and Revive Construction Services. 

Dayfire Podcast is sponsored by: Sponsored by: Rock/Creek and Mountain View Auto Group.