Galloway Grinder Recap — Season Opener

The 2025–2026 NJ NICA season kicked off at the Galloway Grinder in Galloway, NJ over the March 28 and 29 weekend, and the Veloraptors came ready to race.

We brought 12 racers to the start line, faced tough conditions, and delivered across the board with 3 high school podiums and 2 middle school podiums to open the season.

Strong Results to Start the Season

Congratulations to our podium finishers:

Sloan (JV2) – 1st Place
Gabby (JV3) – 5th Place
Maddy (JV1) – 5th Place
Jason (7th Grade) – 5th Place (first podium)
Justin (5th Grade) – 5th Place (first race ever)

This was not just about results. It was about effort, composure, and showing what this team is capable of.

A Tough Course and Tougher Conditions

The 3.14 mile loop brought a mix of speed, strategy, and technical riding.

The race opened into a strong headwind that only got worse as the day went on. After the first right turn, that headwind shifted into a crosswind, forcing riders to stay steady and controlled before hitting the first steep and loose dirt climb into the woods.

From there, the course tightened up into twisty singletrack with very limited passing opportunities. Riders had to navigate close “knuckle knocker” trees and a series of small rollers that kept the pressure on the entire lap.

Once out of the woods, it opened up to a fast gravel downhill and a full sprint to the finish.

This was a technical course, but also a strategic one. Positioning before entering the singletrack mattered. Riders who pushed on the gravel and held their line had a clear advantage.

With temperatures around 45 degrees and heavy wind throughout the day, this race demanded toughness.

Race Day Moments

There were some standout finishes that captured the spirit of the day.

Jason (7th Grade) came from behind in the final stretch to secure 5th place and earn his first podium.
Kaden (6th Grade) edged out a rider at the line for 11th place in a very large field.
Sloan (JV2) held off a late challenger in the final sprint to lock in 1st place.

These moments are what racing is all about. Awareness, effort, and the willingness to push when it matters most.

First Time Racers Stepping Up

We had two first time racers take the line.

Justin (5th Grade) and Owen (7th Grade) both showed up with nerves, which is completely normal. With strong coaching, leadership from teammates, and support throughout the day, they pushed through and competed hard.

That is how riders grow.

Total Team Effort

Every Veloraptor contributed to this weekend.

Riders showed up prepared, warmed up in cold and windy conditions, supported each other, and raced with positive attitudes. The results reflect the work being put in and the culture being built.

Leadership and Coaching

A big thank you to our team captains Nic and Adrian for organizing riders, making sure everyone was warmed up, getting them to staging on time, and offering guidance and encouragement throughout the day.

Special recognition to Coach Walter for handling logistics, setting up the team tent early, and keeping everything secure in the wind with buckets of rocks and sand, with help from his racer son, Adam.

Thank you to Coach Carl for capturing great photos from the day, some of which are shared here.

And of course to Head Coach Nadine who pulled all the coaches and athletes together for a great race!

Thank You to Our Families

Race weekends like this do not happen without the support of our families.

Thank you for bringing healthy snacks and hydration for both pre race energy and post race recovery. Thank you for sticking it out through a long, cold, and windy weekend. Thank you for cheering on all of our riders and helping create a strong team environment.

Your support makes a real difference.

Looking Ahead

Next up is the Camp Edge Classic in Alloway, NJ on Sunday, April 12, with the pre ride scheduled for Saturday.

We will build on this momentum, continue improving, and come back ready to compete.

Final Thought

This was a strong start to the season.

Tough conditions, a demanding course, and a competitive field. This team showed resilience, discipline, and the ability to rise to the moment.

Exactly the kind of foundation you want to build on.