Exploring the Desert Trails with the Spartan Riders

At Scottsdale Prep, amidst the Great Books and classic artwork that lines the halls, there is a group of scholars that have dared to venture beyond the classroom. Scott Shaughnessy, a Physics teacher with a passion for the great outdoors, has birthed an unconventional enrichment activity for students – the Spartan Riders.

“I started the Spartan Riders six years ago as a small club… when I transferred to Scottsdale Prep,” Shaughnessy explained. “It is essentially a mountain bike club for 8th through 12th grade students, and any parents who wish to ride along, that meets approximately every other Saturday morning from September to April at local trail systems. I’ve been teaching Physics at Great Hearts for 11 years but love to destress by enjoying the great outdoors and the amazing trail systems we have in our backyard.”

“It’s a small group, consisting of typically 6-10 students, a couple of parents, and an extra teacher or two. The purpose of the club is to not only develop mountain biking skills, but to promote fitness, confidence, and an appreciation of the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert,” he said. “Students are also encouraged to participate in any local races that take pace independently throughout the year. We close out the season with a day trip to Sedona for a grand finale ride through the beautiful red-rock canyons.”

The Spartan Riders quickly became a draw for those looking for adventure. For Sebastian Martin, a sophomore, it was a bi-weekly journey he eagerly anticipated. “The Scottsdale Prep Mountain Biking club is an amazing experience! It is so much fun to wake up on Saturdays feeling ready to take on the natural world,” he exclaimed. “A big thank you to Mr. Shaughnessy for setting it up and giving us such a great time!”

Martin had been involved for two years, and in that time, he had transformed from an eager novice to an ambitious rider. Last year, he even took on his first race and emerged victorious. The trails had a way of forging character, and Martin’s determination shone through every pedal stroke.

Ryan Winston, a senior who had grown alongside the club, echoed Martin’s sentiment. “Riding alongside other students in the SPA Mountain Biking Club has made me a better rider and has given me the opportunity to ride trails that I’ve never been on before,” he shared. Over the years, Winston had evolved into a formidable rider, his skills honed by the challenges the trails presented.

And then there was Liz Sutherland, a force of nature on two wheels. With a fearless spirit, she lives by a simple mantra, “Ride fast; don’t die.” Sutherland has become a competitive Enduro racer. Her love for speed and the rush of downhill sections has led her down a path of exhilarating races and triumphant finishes.

Riding the rough terrain under the desert sun, the Spartan Riders continue to push on. They are not merely students on bikes; they are a testament to the transformative power of nature, camaraderie, and the human spirit.

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