(Melissa Gute/MI Monitor Photos)

Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics held the second race of the Birkdale Animal Hospital Kids Triathlon Series in mid-May. Nearly 200 children ages 4-14 competed from across the Charlotte region.

This was the second race of the four-race series. Upcoming races take place June 16 and July 21, both events beginning at 2 p.m.

Learn more about the series at www.hffa.com/2013KidsTriathlonSeries.html.

Hopewell finished the season with a 9-10-1 record and an 8-6 mark in
I-MECK 4A conference play.

All practices and league games are on SouthLake’s campus. There are three age/weight divisions for ages 8-13. Information and the registration form is online at www.southlakeeagles.org/athletics-dept/junior-eagles.html#jefa.

Based on Carpino’s early assessment, the Hawks’ mere presence in the Class 4A state playoffs could constitute the season as a success.

West Mecklenburg notched a 7-7 mark in MEGA-7 3A/4A conference play and advanced to the postseason, but didn’t move past the first round.

The Hawks fell 6-0 to Indian Trail Porter Ridge High on May 10 in the opening round.

The Hawks’ softball team overcame an 0-3 start to the season to also qualify for the playoffs.

West Mecklenburg lost 12-2 on May 10 to Monroe Sun Valley High in the first round.

The Warriors’ postseason, however, was brief.

East Gaston’s baseball team dropped an 8-1 decision to Asheville Reynolds High on May 10 to end the Warriors’ season in the first round of the playoffs. The team finished the year 14-11 and 10-2 in MEGA-7 3A/4A conference standings.

The East Gaston softball team met the same fate on the same day.

East Gaston fell 4-1 at McDowell High to end the Warriors’ 2013 campaign in the opening round of the postseason.

Cyclists make a turn during a ride in Huntersville. (Aaron Burns/Mountain Island Monitor photo)

Cycling continues to be a growing, popular option for Mountain Island-area residents seeking fun new ways to be fit as the weather heats up.

The City of Charlotte’s Department of Transportation website lists cycling as “an alternative to congested streets, a cleaner environment and contributes to improved physical health and mental well being.”

“The city has adopted long-range bicycle plans identifying steps to help Charlotte become a city where cyclists can feel comfortable riding to work, running errands or simply enjoying a neighborhood ride with the family. Charlotte is building the infrastructure to make cycling better. In the coming years, the city will increase its inventory of bike lanes, signed routes, paved shoulders and bicycle racks,” the website states.

Here are some tips for beginner cyclists to follow to help you get started on your cycling journey:

Start by getting a good bike that fits you

Bicycling.com produces a yearly buyer’s guide for people looking to buy a bicycle to get their new hobby going. The cost of bicycles varies depending on size, brand and age. There are also options for steel, aluminum and carbon-fiber bikes. Visit www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/bikes-and-gear-features/buyer-s-guide-entry-level-road-bikes for a list of affordable new options.

Get the best helmet you can find

According to an Outdoor Foundation study, cycling is the second-most popular outdoor activity in the country. But it’s popular for reasons extending beyond fitness. Cycling is also safe, provided you use proper equipment. Get a comfortable helmet you’ll like and always wear it.

Visit www.amazon.com or www.performancebike.com for online options, or check out Gaston Bicycle, 316 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia; The Spirited Cyclist, 9911 Rose Commons Drive, Huntersville; or Uptown Cycles, 1432 W. Morehead St., Charlotte.

Have the necessary equipment

In addition to a helmet, be sure to have a water bottle (with an attachable cage) to keep you hydrated. A pump to fix a flat tire is also a necessity, as is a repair kit, which ordinarily includes a patch kit, spare inner tube, tire levers and a multi-tool. Gel-padded seats, biking uniforms, gloves and lights are also suggested additions.

The race was a part of the USA Crit Speedweek, which included races in Roswell, Sandy Springs and Tybee Island in Georgia and in Beaufort, Walterboro, and Spartanburg in South Carolina.

This was the first time Belmont participated in the Speedweek.

“I was really pleased. I think our officials were ecstatic,” said Reba Edwards, community event director for Belmont. “The whole community came together, with the police department, fire departments and public works. Without all the departments here I don’t think we could have pulled it off.”

The day’s events also included the 28th annual Garibaldifes in downtown Belmont, which offered arts and craft vendors, live music and games for children, and a kick-off for the Friday Night life concert series with a performance from Rough Draft.

(Bill Ward/MI Monitor photos)

That fact still hasn’t stopped the six squads from seeking success on the diamond.

Here’s a look at the progress each team made in the 2013 regular season and their prospects of a playoff run.

East Gaston baseball

Record: 10-2 MEGA-7 3A/4A conference, 14-8 overall

Biggest wins: 25-0 over Garinger High (March 15) and 21-0 over Harding University (April 19)

Recap: The Warriors had no reason to worry about qualifying for the playoffs. East Gaston wrapped up the regular season ranked second in league standings, one game behind Olympic High for the MEGA-7 crown. They’ve got the potential to go several rounds in the playoffs after finding the secret to victory late in the year. The Warriors outscored opponents 31-0 in their last two conference games.

East Gaston softball

Record: 7-5 MEGA-7 3A/4A conference, 11-7 overall

Biggest wins: 18-0 over Garinger High (March 15) and 15-0 over Harding University (April 19)

Recap: East Gaston’s softball team had some of its biggest wins the same day of its baseball team. The difference, however, lies in the rest of the conference slate: The Warriors struggled against top-level competition and ended the regular season with an 8-1 loss to Gastonia Huss High on April 24.

Hopewell baseball

Record: 10-4 I-MECK 4A conference, 15-9 overall

Biggest wins: 14-0 over West Charlotte High (March 8), 13-2 over Vance High (April 16)

Recap: The Titans had high hopes before their season began, even without star pitcher Tristan Baker. Hopewell had reason to be optimistic, as a strong balance of hitting and defense helped guide the Titans to the postseason. They could make a splash there, provided Hopewell keeps up the good hitting.

Hopewell softball

Record: 10-3 I-MECK 4A conference, 13-4 overall

Biggest wins: 25-0 over West Charlotte High (April 11), 14-1 over Mallard Creek High (April 25)

Recap: You could say Hopewell’s softball team peaked at the right time. The Titans won nine of 10 games in a late-season stretch from March 21-April 25. Hopewell’s pitching and defense led the way. The Titans outscored opponents 109-24 in that run and are a playoff lock.

West Mecklenburg baseball

Record: 4-8 MEGA-7 3A/4A conference, 5-9 overall

Biggest wins: 20-5 over Harding University (March 28), 15-0 over Garinger High (April 26)

Recap: West Mecklenburg graduated much of its offense from last year, so the 2013 season was always going to be focused on rebuilding. Runs were at a premium for the Hawks all year in games against the league’s elite teams: Olympic High, East Gaston High and Charlotte Catholic.

West Mecklenburg softball

Record: 7-5 MEGA-7 3A/4A conference, 11-11 overall

Biggest wins: 24-3 over Vance High (March 16), 20-5 over East Mecklenburg High (March 13)

Recap: The Hawks were a sink-or-swim team in the 2013 regular season. Of West Mecklenburg’s 11 losses, 10 were by at least eight runs. The Hawks posted nine wins by at least 10 runs. They’re on the bubble for the playoffs.