Mountain Biking Group Builds Local Interest in the Sport [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- A local group held a family and youth ride Thursday to build interest in mountain biking -- a sport that's growing in Minnesota.

"We're going to go out, show everyone the [trails], grill up some brats afterwards and have a good time," says Mike Rathlisberger of the Mid Minnesota Cycling Club.

There are over 40 mountain bike teams in Minnesota and the club is working on forming one in the St. Cloud area -- a part of the state whose many trails make for a good location for mountain bike events.

"We're still looking for more kids, we have a fair amount of parents and volunteers who are helping out," Rathlisberger says.

"We're going to see who shows up, get a couple more kids and get it rolling."

Rathlisberger encourages anybody interested to give the sport a try.

"It's a blast, it's an adventure every time you ride," Rathlisberger says. "You're out in nature, you're getting exercise -- pretty much everything about [the sport] is getting out there and having fun."

For more information on forming a high school mountain bike team in the area, Rathlisberger says you can visit their Facebook page.