The 2024 South Kent School Mountain Biking team may have been small in number, but their impact was anything but. Competing against much larger squads from schools like Trinity-Pawling and Hotchkiss, our boys brought skill, determination, and heart to every race, often punching above their weight to make a lasting mark on the circuit.

The season culminated in a thrilling finale at Norbrook, where Max Gerbilsky ’25 captured a 1st place finish in Category 3, cementing his place as one of the top riders of the year. Teammate Bodhi Walsh ’25 delivered a gutsy performance in Category 2, earning a strong 4th place finish despite battling minor equipment issues and injuries earlier in the season.

A Unique Home Course with Rave Reviews
South Kent’s mountain biking program boasts a distinct edge: a technical and downhill-heavy course unlike the cross-country tracks favored by other schools. This season, competitors and coaches alike praised the thrilling terrain, which added excitement and a unique challenge to the league. Many expressed eager anticipation to return next year.

Spotlight on Our Seniors

Max Gerbilsky ’25
Max is a fearless competitor and a true force on the trail. Whether racing downhill or tweaking the course’s technical features, Max’s adrenaline-fueled approach has elevated South Kent’s mountain biking program. His work on the school’s trails, particularly the tabletop section, has not only improved the course but also left a lasting legacy for future riders.

This season, Max’s skill, leadership, and passion earned him a Varsity Letter, an honor well-deserved for a rider who has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired his teammates.

Bodhi Walsh ’25
Bodhi brought determination, resilience, and infectious positivity to the team this year. A true outdoorsman at heart, Bodhi’s leadership as a school prefect and his family’s deep connection to wilderness adventures made him a vital part of the team.
While still honing his technical skills, Bodhi’s steady improvement and unwavering spirit propelled him to a stellar 4th place finish at Norbrook. This season, Bodhi, too, earned a Varsity Letter, a testament to his dedication both on and off the trail.

Looking Ahead
As the season closes, South Kent bids farewell to Max, whose legacy as the team’s most passionate and skilled rider will leave big shoes to fill. However, his influence has sparked new enthusiasm in younger riders like Yurii and Pavlo, ensuring a bright future for the program.

With efforts underway to recruit more mountain bikers and the steady guidance of Coach Eric Leitz, the program is poised for continued growth and success. Coach Leitz’s leadership and ability to inspire the boys have laid a strong foundation for the seasons to come.

Gratitude and Hope
Congratulations to the Mountain Biking team for a remarkable season of triumphs, challenges, and camaraderie. As we celebrate Max and Bodhi’s contributions to the program, we look forward to welcoming new riders and continuing to grow the legacy of mountain biking at South Kent School.

Keep pedaling forward. #GoCardinals

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The South Kent team—comprising Max Gerbilsky Wainberg ’25, Bodhi Walsh ’25, Pavlo Samoilov ’26, and Yurii Nechyporenko ’26—competed across two race categories, with outstanding results. The Championship course kept competitors close together, challenging them to navigate narrow trails on the 6.75-mile Cat 2 course and the 3.35-mile Cat 3 course. Three of South Kent’s riders completed the grueling event with notable finishes:

• Cat 3 – 1st Place: Max Gerbilsky Wainberg
• Cat 3 – 12th Place: Yurii Nechyporenko
• Cat 2 – 4th Place: Bodhi Walsh

“This was the perfect culmination of hard work and resilience,” said Assistant Mountain Biking Coach Anthony Tyburski. “The boys gained momentum in the second half of the season, and Max and Bodhi achieved personal bests on the biggest stage. Coach [Eric] Leitz and I are incredibly proud of how they represented South Kent School.”

Head Coach Eric Leitz emphasized the determination shown by the riders, particularly Max and Bodhi, who battled through injuries earlier in the season. “Both of them performed very well today, securing top finishes in their categories. They showed immense perseverance, overcoming setbacks to succeed at the Championship.”

South Kent School’s mountain biking program, founded in 2013, has quickly grown into a thriving athletic opportunity for students, welcoming riders of all levels. As a founding member of the Housatonic Mountain Biking League (HMBL), South Kent offers a unique combination of rigorous competition and outdoor exploration, fostering a lifelong love for the sport. “Mountain biking teaches resilience, focus, and respect for the environment—values we strive to instill in every student,” said Tyburski.

A key element of the program’s success is the school’s extensive, world-class trail system on its 650-acre campus. Built in partnership with Vermont-based Sinuosity Flowing Trails, the system boasts eight miles of flow trails that challenge riders of all skill levels. Students can experience everything from single-track cross-country routes to rustic logging roads and intermediate to expert flow trails. The trails also include features such as berms, tabletops, bridges, and rock gardens, creating an exhilarating training ground that rivals professional courses.

“The trails are as much a part of the program as the races themselves,” says Leitz. “They allow our riders to train on a challenging, varied terrain that prepares them for competitive events like the Championship.”

The Championship finish marked a high note in the season for South Kent’s Mountain Biking team, solidifying its place as a standout program in the region. In addition to fostering competitive spirit, the program builds a strong sense of community and pride among its members, with the team’s accomplishments inspiring peers and faculty alike.
As mountain biking continues to grow in popularity at South Kent School, this season’s Championship performance underscores the dedication and skill of its riders and the exceptional resources that support them.

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Max Gerbilsky | Graduation Year: 2025 | Hometown: Bosques de las Lomas, Mexico

Aidan Sherlock | Graduation Year: 2027 | Hometown: Austin, Texas

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South Kent School is home to what some might call a cycling haven offering renown mountain biking program, trails, and hiking trails across 650 acres of gorgeous landscape and completes in the HMBL.

From winding paths through lush forests to scenic routes along historic rail trails, the cycling opportunities at South Kent are as diverse as they are exhilarating. A stones throw from the Appalachian Trail and the recently extended Harlem Valley Rail Trail, South Kent School’s bike trails offer riders a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

For cycling enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, South Kent School boasts an array of thrilling trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. From gentle slopes perfect for leisurely rides to challenging terrain designed to put seasoned cyclists to the test, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The school’s extensive network of trails meanders through scenic woodlands, offering riders a glimpse of Connecticut’s breathtaking natural beauty at every turn.

One of the highlights of cycling at South Kent School is its proximity to the iconic Appalachian Trail, a legendary footpath that stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Cyclists can pedal alongside this historic trail, soaking in panoramic views of the rolling hills and verdant valleys that define the Connecticut landscape. With its rugged terrain and awe-inspiring vistas, the Appalachian Trail offers a truly unforgettable biking experience for adventurers seeking a taste of the wild.  See more on All Trails.

In addition to its natural wonders, South Kent School is also home to the newly extended Harlem Valley Rail Trail, a scenic pathway that follows the route of an old railway line through the charming towns of Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills. This recently expanded trail offers cyclists an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and vibrant culture while enjoying a leisurely ride through quaint villages and countryside.  See more Kent Trails.

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Date: 10/11/23

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Opponent: Private School Medley @ SKS

H/A: Away

Location: South Kent School

Score:

Result: DNP

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Date: 10/18/23

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Opponent: Trinity Pawling School

H/A: Away

Location: Trinity Pawling School

Score:

Result: DNP

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Date: 10/25/23

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Opponent: Berkshire School

H/A: Away

Location: Berkshire School

Score:

Result: DNP

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Date: 11/1/23

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Opponent: HMBL Championship

H/A: Away

Location: Norbrook Farms- Norfolk, CT

Score:

Result: Walsh, 1st place

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Max Gerbilsky | Graduation Year: 2025 | Hometown: Bosques de las Lomas, Mexico

Jackson Plumeri | Graduation Year: 2024 | Hometown: Wainscott, NY

Bodhi Walsh | Graduation Year: 2025 | Hometown: Falls Village, CT

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The

South Kent School Mountain Biking team has had its most successful season ever. In early November, South Kent’s student-athletes competed in the Housatonic Mountain Biking League (HMBL) Championship at the Norbrook Farm trails in Colebrook, CT. The boys pushed hard all season and had a strong performance in their Championship rides. Third Form rider P. Samoilov earned 2nd place in the “C” division. B. Walsh finished 6th in the “B” division. G. Russell led all Cardinal riders with an 8th-place finish in the “A” division.

 

The top point earners for the South Kent School team were G. Russell, B. Walsh, N. Dwyer, J. Plumeri, and P. Samoilov. Together, their combined point totals were enough to secure third place in the HMBL for the season, the School’s best performance since joining the league. Congratulations to Coach Darrin and the South Kent School Mountain Biking team for their passion, self-discipline, camaraderie, and hard work all season!

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