BHS Teen Helps Found Mountain Bike Team

Brighton resident and Brighton High School senior CJ Brish, 17, has had a busy summer.

On July 31, he took second place at the Junior Michigan State Criterium Championship bike race in Milford, his first ever road race.

“I was really happy,” Brish said. “The kid that won is a pro racer, so I knew I would be fighting for second place.”

Brish is also a first place contender in the 2011 Michigan USA Cycling Series, a summer-long event composed of eight races that vary in length from 20 to 50 miles. To secure the top spot, Brish will have to earn first place points in at least one of the three remaining races.

To prepare for the races, Brish rides almost every day. But he doesn't consider the rides training.

“I love riding, so I don't consider it a task to get out and ride. And I don't follow a set program.” Brish said. “I think it's better off to do what you feel.”

Brish began riding when he was 12 years old. His father, who is also an avid racer, encouraged him to get out on the trail. The family is so into the sport that family vacations are sometimes centered around biking.

“We went out to Utah a couple of summers ago to ride the mountains,” Brish said.

Brish's experience on the trail landed him a position as a mechanic at in Brighton, where he has continued to develop his knowledge of bicycles and ability as a racer.

“My dad and Shaun (Hometown's owner) taught me everything I know,” Brish said. “There's so much to know about bikes, but day by day I'm building up knowledge.”

Brish said he is also inspired by Scott Hoffner, a fellow Hometown employee and winner of the Milford Criterium Category 3 bike race and 2011 Michigan State Championship.

“There are group rides every night out of the bike shop, and I'm always picking up tips from Scott,” Brish said.

Over the years, Brish has come to know many area trails by heart. With the help of a camera mounted to his helmet, Brish provides video reviews of the trails. The videos, which can be viewed on YouTube, include commentary and clips from Brish's rides.

Another of Brish's summertime accomplishments involves the formation the first-ever BHS mountain bike team. The team, which is coached by BHS principal Gavin Johnson and math teacher Ted Buckless, currently has 5 active members.

The team is also one of the first of its kind in the area. Along with teams from Clarkston High School, Holly High School, Lake Orion High School, and Detroit Country Day, the BHS team will compete in a league maintained by the Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association, which is in its second year.

Practice has already started, but the team is in the process of recruiting more members. Both girls and boys are encouraged to join.

Like most high school seniors, Brish, who is also a member of the BHS varsity football and wrestling teams, is starting to look forward to college.

“I haven't decide yet, but I know I'm going to ride wherever I go,” he said.