“Why didn’t they have this when we were kids?” is the common question among adults when they hear about Washington’s high school mountain biking program.

Now, in its fourth year offering organized mountain biking to high school and middle school students, the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (www.washingtonleague.org) has played an instrumental role in the formation and continuation of the league.

High school and middle school students from the area are invited to join Arlington and Lakewood mountain bikers for a fun season of mountain biking on local trails. Currently comprised of students from schools such as Lakewood, Arlington, Burlington, Granite Falls and Lake Stevens, the Arlington/Lakewood Mountain Bike Teams are looking for new riders. On Dec. 22, there will be a team interest meeting at the new Cycle University, located in Smokey Point, for kids in grades 7-12 who want to ride. Practice starts in January, and riders have the opportunity to race four times during the season. For more information about the league and riding opportunities, join them on Dec. 22, or contact Coach Heidi Klippert at arlington@washingtonleague.org.

Upcoming events:

Dec. 9 — League Registration opens at www.washingtonleague.org.

Dec. 14 — Trail work at Little Mountain, Mount Vernon. www.mountvernontrailbuilders.com.

Dec. 22 — Meet the Team, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Cycle University in Smokey Point.

January-May 2014 — Bike League Season.

Jan. 12 — First Practice.