Veloraptors Dial It In at Chimney Rock Park Ahead of Race Day

With race day right around the corner, the Veloraptors brought the energy to Chimney Rock Park for a focused and fun practice session that checked every box: skills, teamwork, and preparation.

Race Starts: Fast, Focused, and Competitive

We kicked things off by dialing in race starts, one of the most critical parts of a successful race. Riders worked on positioning, acceleration, and staying controlled under pressure. It is one thing to be strong on the trail. It is another to get off the line clean and confident.

Relay Races: Teamwork Meets Competition

Next up was relay races.
This was not just about speed. It was about communication, strategy, and supporting each other. The energy was high, the competition was friendly, and the team bonding was real. You could feel the momentum building.

Back to the Trails

From there, we hit the Chimney Rock singletrack for a solid ride. Riders flowed through the trails, putting their skills into action. Cornering, climbing, and staying smooth over technical sections all came into play. Conditions were great, and the trails delivered exactly what we needed heading into race week.

First Foot Down: Pressure and Fun

We wrapped up riding with a classic, first foot down.
Simple game, but it sharpens balance, control, and composure while keeping things light and competitive. It is always a team favorite.

Race Talk: What to Expect at Galloway

To close things out, we gathered for an important discussion about the upcoming NJ NICA race in Galloway this Sunday. We covered:

• What race day looks like

• How to prepare physically and mentally

• Course expectations

• Team logistics and support

For many riders, this will be their first race of the season, or even their first race ever. That mix of excitement and nerves is completely normal. It is also where growth happens.

Eyes on Galloway

Everything we did at Chimney Rock had a purpose. Getting ready.

The work is in. The team is ready. Now it is time to show up, support each other, and give it everything we have.

Let’s go, Veloraptors. 🦖