Reno Reporter

A University of Nevada, Reno marketing student likes to ride his mountain bike off the beaten path and hurdle obstacles.

According to a news release provided by the school, Nathan Jones found competitive cycling during his senior year of high school when he decided to join an area mountain biking club.

“I've been able to ride a bike since I was five. However, I was exposed to competitive cycling in 2019 as a senior in high school, when I joined the local mountain biking club,” Jones said in the release.

Jones added that the season in which he participated in the NICA league became a love affair.

According to Jones: ‘Since then I've been obsessed with enduro mountain biking and road cycling and through my job at a local bike shop. I've learned a lot about the sport of cycling.’’

During the summer, Jones and his friends designed a downhill bike rack in Washoe Valley where he was able to refine his skills.

According to Jones:  “We spent 15 plus hours sculpting dirt and building a four-foot jump at the end. All the work we put into a 15-second-long trail was well worth it when we were finally able to send it! It may have only been three turns, but the few moments of feeling weightless and the confidence boost on sticking the landing were incredibly rewarding. That feeling beats any race by far.’’

Jones said that he utilizes his bike when on campus as a quick way to get to class.

“With all the hills on campus, a bike makes the climbs uphill more of a short challenge than a grueling trudge,” said Jones. “Biking around campus is also great for me mentally because it takes my mind off of classwork and forces me to think about riding and being aware of my surroundings. Around UNR, the scenery makes for an enjoyable ride in itself.”