About the Team
The Finger Lakes Crank Spinners is a middle and high school mountain bike team operating out of the Ithaca area. Our team is composite meaning we are not affiliated with one particular school; instead, we are made up of riders from all over the area!
We are committed to creating a fun & inclusive program to help the next generation of riders fall in love with the sport. The Crank Spinners are an officially sanctioned NICA New York mountain bike team, participating in the NICA NY Spring League cross-country circuit.
What to expect at practice
Mountain biking is a challenging and rewarding endurance sport. To ensure all riders have a great time on their bikes, riders will be organized into strength and skill-level based groups. Beginner riders will focus on skills development, while advanced riders focus on mileage, etc. We expect team members to attend and give their best effort in practices.
Pre-season activities are held in February.
During the season (March to beginning of June), we will typically practice two times per week. Locations include the Black Diamond trail, Hammond Hill State Forest, and Shindagin Hollow State Forest.
We use TeamSnap for all team communication and scheduling.
Practice Areas
Black Diamond Trail and Taughannock Overlook
Our get-to-know-you rides and easy spins early in the season are on the Black Diamond Trail. We meet at the Ithaca Children’s Garden at the base of the trail and ride from there.
There are also some short trails at the top of the Taughannock Overlook. These trails have historically been the first to dry out.
Hammond Hill State Forrest
This is the second area likely to dry out in the spring. The trails here are fairly easy and a good place to build base miles for the season.
Shindagin Hollow State Forrest
Shindgain has the most technical riding of the three areas we ride. With steeper hills and rooty sections, this area provides a place for riders to improve both their fitness and their skills.
Meet the Coaches
All of our coaches are volunteers and are NICA-certified. We focus on skill-building, confidence, and respect for self and others.
Ellen Manning
Head Coach
Jason Manning
Ride Leader
JR Elliott
Ride Leader
Ben McClintic
Ride Leader
Karl Granroth
Ride Leader
Aaron Maclaughlin
Ride Leader
Volunteering
We are a completely volunteer-run team and love what we do! However, without your help & support we wouldn't be able to provide this experience for the team members and our student athletes.
Volunteering can take many forms. Some ideas include: practice ride leaders, race day setup/takedown, race course marshals, etc.
Schools in the area
Home Schools:
Wherever you might be!
High Schools:
Charles O Dickerson High School - Trumansburg, NY 14886
Cortland Junior-Senior High School
Dryden High School - Dryden, NY 13053
Groton High School - Groton, NY 13073
Lansing High School - Lansing, NY 14882
Ithaca Senior High School - Ithaca, NY 14850
Newfield Senior High School - Newfield, NY 14867
Middle Schools:
Dryden Middle School - Dryden, NY 13053
Groton Middle School - Groton, NY 13073
Dewitt Middle School - Ithaca, NY 14850
Boynton Middle School - Ithaca, NY 14850
Lansing Middle School - Lansing, NY 14882
Newfield Middle School - Newfield, NY 14867
Russell I Doig Middle School - Trumansburg, NY 14886
Other Schools:
Lehman Alternative Community School - Ithaca, NY 14850