WEST BARNSTABLE — When eighth grader Io Torrellas faced a flat tire in her final mountain biking race of the season, she didn’t stop to fix it. Instead, she rode on the rim and still crossed the finish line first — capping off a perfect six-for-six season.
Torrellas is one of about 40 young riders from the Lower Cape who train and compete with the Cape Crushers, a regional mountain biking team that brings together boys and girls from across Cape Cod. The Crushers specialize in off-road, cross-country mountain biking and ride on dirt trails filled with roots, hills, and wooden bridges. These rugged paths wind through local parks and conservation areas, offering the perfect landscape for the sport.
“There’s a lot of adrenaline right before the start,” Io said about race days.
The team is part of New England Youth Cycling, a league with dozens of teams from across the region. Riders range from fourth grade through high school seniors and compete in age-based races at various locations throughout the spring — from Massachusetts to Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Justin Torrellas, Io’s father, serves as the head coach of the Cape Crushers. He remembers how quickly his daughter fell in love with the sport.
“After her first day, she came back with the biggest grin on her face,” he said. “She was super stoked. Just loved it.”
Not all members of the Crushers race competitively. Some kids join just to ride and learn, whether they’re beginners or more experienced. For team manager Tom Rockwell, the strength of the Crushers lies in their team spirit.
“I think one of my favorite things is just how supportive all of the kids are of each other,” said Rockwell, who lives in Sandwich. “They cheer each other on at races. They work together in practice. For a competitive sport, it’s not a competitive atmosphere.”
Rockwell added that the team often breaks into smaller groups during practice sessions. Riders help each other with bike repairs, participate in fun relays, and bond over shared challenges.
Each spring, the league hosts six races, with courses that can stretch up to 20 miles, depending on the rider’s age group. It’s tough riding, and bumps and bruises are part of the experience, Coach Torrellas said.
The Crushers operate through a strong volunteer network. While Justin Torrellas and Rockwell hold the official coach and manager roles required by the league, many parents and supporters pitch in. Practices often take place at the West Barnstable Conservation Area, where groups of kids head into the woods under the supervision of around 10 adult volunteers.
“It’s a community grassroots kind of effort,” Torrellas explained. “It’s really wholesome. It’s hard but fun.”
That combination of challenge and camaraderie seems to be the team’s formula for success.
“We’ve had a lot of success just by having fun and riding,” Torrellas said.