From Trails to Teamwork: How Gaston County Composite is Building a New Generation of Mountain Bikers
- Melissa McCauley
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Just beyond Charlotte, Gaston County is becoming a destination where outdoor adventure is accessible for riders of all ages and experience levels. From wooded singletrack trails to community greenways, mountain biking here is about more than the ride itself — it is about connection, exploration, and the people who help bring these experiences to life.
Across Gaston County, a growing network of land stewards, trail builders, volunteers, riders, coaches, and outdoor advocates are working together to strengthen the county’s outdoor recreation community.
This story focuses on the people who bring those trails to life through participation and community. Among them is Gaston County Composite, a youth mountain biking team helping introduce a new generation to the sport while building a stronger cycling culture throughout the region.
Finding Your Trail in Gaston County
To better understand the mountain biking experience in Gaston County, we turned to someone who knows the trails firsthand, not only as a rider, but as someone helping shape the next generation of cyclists. Keith, a coach with Gaston County Composite and an active member of the local cycling community, shared his insight on where riders of all experience levels can begin exploring.
OUR TRAILS
For riders discovering Gaston County for the first time, Keith recommends starting with the county’s diverse network of mountain bike trails, which offer opportunities for beginners building confidence as well as experienced riders looking for new challenges. From skill-building features to flowing trail systems, each location offers a unique way to experience Gaston County on two wheels.
Located just minutes from Charlotte, Gaston County offers riders the opportunity to trade city streets for wooded trails without traveling hours to find outdoor adventure. George Poston Park, Rocky Branch Park, and Mountain Island are among the area’s popular mountain biking destinations, each offering something unique.
Rocky Branch Park
Rocky Branch Park is a great introduction for riders looking to experience a variety of trails in one location. Its compact layout makes it easy to explore different sections, while offering options for riders with different skill levels.
George Poston Park
George Poston Park offers over 10 miles of hand-built singletrack trails with varied terrain, technical climbs, and scenic views, suitable for riders of all skill levels. Riders can practice skills on the pump track, a feature designed to help cyclists improve balance, control, and confidence. The park has also hosted major cycling events, including Red Bull pump track competitions.
Mountain Island
Mountain Island Park Trail continues to grow as a mountain biking destination, with ongoing improvements and new features being added. While it may be overlooked by some riders, those familiar with the trails recognize the work being done to make it an exciting place to ride.
Beyond dedicated mountain bike trails, Gaston County’s greenways provide opportunities for casual rides, family outings, and those who are just beginning to explore cycling.
The People Behind the Ride
Great trails are only part of what makes an outdoor destination special. The experiences visitors have on those trails are shaped by the people who invest their time, knowledge, and passion into creating a welcoming outdoor community.
Keith sees that connection firsthand. As a coach with Gaston County Composite, Gaston County’s youth mountain bike team, he is helping introduce young riders to a sport that combines adventure, teamwork, and personal growth.
For Keith, involvement with the team has always been about more than competition. It is about creating a place where kids and families can connect through cycling, build confidence, and discover a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
“I want to make a difference in the lives of kids and families in Gaston County through the cycling community,” Keith said.
Gaston County Composite is part of the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA), a youth mountain biking program for students in fifth through 12th grade. Unlike many traditional youth sports, this group welcomes riders of all experience levels. There are no tryouts, and no one sits on the sidelines. Riders are coached, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
“Mountain biking is one of the few sports that tends to stay with you forever,” Keith said. “I played soccer and baseball in school as a kid, but I stopped both when I graduated. I will be riding my bike for as long as I can.”
Building Confidence One Ride at a Time
Gaston County Composite completed its first season with eight student-athletes and seven coaches. While many riders were new to racing, each athlete made significant progress throughout the season.
For Keith, seeing that growth was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.“Gaston County Composite NICA team is unlike other youth sports. We don't have tryouts and nobody sits on the bench. Anyone can be on the team and learn as much as they want. There are NICA athletes that just want to be on the team and not race. That is perfectly fine. Usually, kids that don't race go to the events to support the team and still ride in our practices. Our team is like a family. We never pressure the kids into doing anything that they don't feel comfortable doing.”
Most importantly, the team created a place where riders could overcome challenges, build friendships, and celebrate accomplishments together.
The program is about more than competition. Through initiatives like Adventure, G.R.I.T. (Girls Riding Trails), and Teen Trail Corps, NICA creates opportunities for riders to connect, encourage one another, and become stewards of the trails they enjoy.
A Community Built Around the Outdoors
The growth of mountain biking in Gaston County is supported by a larger network of people committed to creating quality outdoor experiences. The Gaston County Composite's first season was supported by dedicated coaches and community sponsors. Rocket Revolution and Boyd Cycling provided cycling-related support, while Helt Design of Belmont and Clancy & Theys contributed to the team tent and other team needs.
Organizations like Tarheel Trailblazers help maintain and improve local trails, while parks continue to invest in new features and enhancements throughout the year. They also have maps of local trail systems and display trail status on their website.
For visitors, those efforts mean more opportunities to explore Gaston County on two wheels. For residents, they create places where families can spend time outdoors, stay active, and build connections within the community.
Plan Your Mountain Bike Adventure
Visitors planning a ride in Gaston County should check trail conditions and park rules before heading out. Riders should come prepared with a properly working bike, helmet, water, and snacks, while remembering to respect other trail users, stay on designated trails, and leave outdoor spaces better than they found them.
A day of riding can easily become a full Gaston County experience. Riders near Rocky Branch can explore nearby downtown Belmont for a meal, coffee, or a sweet treat. Those visiting Mountain Island can continue their adventure in downtown Mount Holly, where restaurants, breweries, and local businesses offer places to relax after a ride.
Growing the Future of Mountain Biking
As Gaston County continues building its reputation as a premier outdoor recreation destination, mountain biking represents more than miles of trails. It represents the people who maintain them, the families who enjoy them, and the young riders who are discovering a lifelong passion.
Anyone in 5th grade to 12th grade can join Gaston County Composite. They have groups inside the team such as Adventure, G.R.I.T. (Girls riding trails), and Teen Trail Corps. Registration for the Spring 2027 season starts October 1st and practices can start December 1st. There are 5 regular race weekends followed by the state championship.
Through teamwork on and off the trail, Gaston County Composite is helping build the future of mountain biking in Gaston County — one rider, one family, and one adventure at a time.
If you would like to learn more or get involved you can go to HTTPs://northcarolinamtb.org or contact Coach Keith at KSO729@msn.com. Also check out Gaston County Composite on Facebook.
