RIDGE coach Ben Parsons is no stranger to success in mountain sports. He has been competitive in mountain biking and ski mountaineering races for nearly a decade. As Ben prepares for this weekend's Butte 100 Mountain Bike Race, he does so with an already full trophy case from races across the Northern Rocky Mountain Region this year:

Ben Parsons 2015 Mountain Bike Race Results

Spokane Beacon and Legs: 6th place (pro/open)

Helena Scratch Gravel XC: 2nd overall

Herron Hammer: 2nd (pro/open)

Barvarion Bikes and Brews: 2nd (pro/ open)

Missoula Thursday night race League (3 race series): Series champion, 1st at all three races

Missoula Pro XC: 1st (CAT 1)

Ben is able to maintain his competitive edge while also working as a full-time firefighter/ paramedic in Whitefish, coaching at RIDGE, and balancing his personal life. Student athlete's are drawn to his innate ability to remain positive and funny when the going gets tough.

The Butte 100 is referred to as 'the most difficult mountain bike race in the country'. Ben is the defending champion and he's looking to stand atop the podium again this weekend.

You can learn more about The Butte 100 by clicking HERE, and you'll hear about results from the race on the RIDGE Facebook page.