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Midland Mayhem:
MTB Racing Comes to the Ranch
The first annual Midland Mayhem Bike Race was nothing short of extraordinary. Nearly 100 racers – students, community members, alumni, and seasoned riders – took to the course for a weekend filled with challenge, camaraderie, and a whole lot of Midland spirit. From the first call up to the final sprint, the energy across campus was electric.
Midland student ambassadors hosted a tent and welcome table, complete with a raffle of three beautiful fresh picked and student grown Midland produce baskets, which sparked conversations with families and riders throughout the day. One visiting family–who happened to be hiking nearby– saw the race signage, stopped in, and later reached out to schedule a campus tour. It was a wonderful reminder of how community events can open doors and build meaningful new connections here, on our own land.
Volunteering to serve as race Marshals, Midland alums Tom Mone ’72 and Jason Burns ’90, plus our very own Dan Petrocelli, offered guidance, encouragement, and a visible link between past and present Midlanders. Jason’s generous donation of state-of-the-art mountain bikes not only helped many students compete, but also set in motion an exciting new chapter for MTB at Midland. His leadership and support in Midland’s new biking era is deeply appreciated.
The day was upheld by incredible volunteer support from both families and student ambassadors. Evie’s family helped officiate the race course, and Midland student ambassadors welcomed attendees and assisted with site logistics. After breaking down our own tent, our student cleanup crew immediately jumped in to help other vendors and clubs pack up their gear. Their kindness, work ethic, and service drew compliments from all corners of the event.
The race was also the culmination of years of vision and effort on campus. For Michael Sibalski, Farm Manager & Educator, cycling has always been more than a sport–it’s been a constant source of community, adventure, and grounding. When he arrived at Midland in 2021, he immediately saw what the land could offer young riders.
“I knew there was potential here,” he says. “Once I connected with SAGE Trail Alliance, everything started to come together.”
Thanks to professional trail-building guidance and the determined hard work of students, the idea of a campus trail network has been a reality. Building on generations of early trails Midland have built, students are now dreaming up expansions, rallying teammates, and forming friendships along every mile.
“That what inspires me most,” Michael reflects. “Watching young people deepen their connection to the land, to themselves, and to their communities. Honestly, what could be more Midland than that?”
Of course, no recap would be complete without celebrating the riders. Several Midlanders landed on the Podium or in top placements, showcasing their grit and excitement.
- Winslow ’28 – 1st place
- Evie ’29 – 2nd place
- Michael ’27 – 4th place
A phenomenal showing by Midland riders in a field of nearly 100 competitors. As we look back at this remarkable weekend, one thing is clear: the Midland Mayhem event was more than a race – it was the beginning of a wonderful new tradition. With alumni generosity, student enthusiasm, and a growing network of campus trails, mountain biking at Midland is just getting started.
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