Whiz Kid: Matt Erbentraut, Mountain Biker

Every Wednesday, Novato Patch honors a Whiz Kid in the community for doing something special in academics, sports, for charity, or for excelling in chess or reading like recent past Whiz Kids.

This week we honor a young man born and bred in Novato who has shown a passion and proclivity for mountain bike racing with his high school club.

NAME:  Matthew Erbentraut

SCHOOL:  San Marin High

GRADE:  Sophomore (2011-2012)

GOOD DEED:  According to his dad and coach, in a story which may soon prove to be the stuff of legend, Matt morphed from an overweight coach potato to one of the fastest mountain bike riders in California in less than two years.

"Matt is strong and dedicated with a work ethic that is going to take him places in this sport," said Craig Anderson, volunteer head coach of the cross country mountain biking club at San Marin and Novato high schools.

Indeed, training (three hours a day, three times a week) starts in early December for a season of races that extends from March to May. Normally, a freshman races in the freshman class, but realizing that Matt was fast and wanted to be challenged, Anderson petitioned the NorCal league so Matt could race on the junior varsity team. Races are usually three laps each about eight miles long, a total of 20-25 miles. Matt won the leader's jersey in every race and the NorCal league champion in his team's class (Division 2). 

"For a freshman to come in and do this is a huge accomplishment," says Anderson. Matt competed alongside about 500 kids from 50 high schools at the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League, part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, and went on to the state championship event where he was a top contender until his rear derailer cable snapped.

"A $3 part spoiled his legitimate shot at the state championship," Anderson says.

KEY TO AWESOMENESS: 

Anderson calls Matt a "crusher" for his ability to go up hills fast. Matt says riding up-hill is a big part of winning races although going fast downhill is definitely important, too. "The coaches (Anderson and assistant coach Tom Harrington) are awesome," he says, "they really know what they're doing." Matt's favorite rides are Mount Burdell and China Camp State Park in San Rafael. Matt also says that having good access to fun trails and friends to ride with make it a fun sport.