Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tryouts?
Nope. Although we are a team and the high school racers accumulate points towards the team, each person is ultimately competing against him/herself; therefore, if you show up, try and keep trying, you are on the team. No one ever sits the bench in mountain biking and every rider will participate 100% of the time.
I am new to this sport. Do I need experience?
No experience is necessary. As long as you can ride a bike we can work with you.
What if I'm not sure I will like it?
There is a trial period in the fall where you can give the team a try. Look at the events calendar for more information on when this is held. With that said, since mountain biking is an endurance sport, it requires your commitment over many weeks (or months) to get into shape. This can make the difference between a very fulfilling season and a season that is less than satisfying if you do not put in a consistent effort. Additionally, since our spots are limited, we ask for the athlete's commitment, or step down to allow for a more enthusiastic athlete on the waiting list to join.
What can I expect at practice?
We have several ride groups which train at levels appropriate to the rider’s ability and experience. At the beginning of the season athletes are place in ride groups that most closely align with their endurance and skill set. If an athlete finds him/herself consistently at the front of the pack, the coach might suggest to the team's Head Coach that s/he move into a faster group. This is a coach's decision. Alternatively, if an athlete is consistently at the very back of the group, maybe competing in another sport whose practices conflict with ours at the moment, s/he may be moved (even temporarily) into a slower group. Athletes are expected to attend at least two of three practices a week when possible. The more practices attended, the fitter you’ll get. There are no consequences other than lack of fitness for athletes who miss practices.
How do I sign up?
Visit the Register page for more information.
What do I need to have in order to participate?
Team Ride Essentials
- What to wear: MTB specific helmet, non-cotton jersey (layer for temperature), gloves, protective eyewear, and padded bike shorts.
- What to bring on every ride: Bike in proper working order, water bottle or hydration pack, snack, extra clothing layer, pump, multitool and spare tube.
How many practices do I need to attend?
Practice Commitment
Our season runs December through April with state championships in May. We understand that you may be doing multiple sports or outside activities. We do not recommend fewer than 3 rides a week. Some athletes may only make one team practice a week but train on their own due to other commitments. This is important because if you only train once a week, you will find it increasingly difficult to stay with the group and your experience will become less than satisfying.
What happens when it rains?
First, please bookmark THIS website. The city of Chico updates the trail status during wet periods and we REALLY expect kids and coaches to adhere to these rules. If practice is questionable, a post will be made to the team communication platform an hour or more before practice time. If no cancellation post is made, then practice is ON. If the park trails are closed, we still ride; places like the levee, lower park, upper park road and old hwy 32.
What does it cost to participate?
Club dues are $325 for junior high (grades 6-8) and $325 for high school which covers team fee and team kit (jersey and shorts). This fee supports the team in our growth, including purchases such as team supplies (canopy/ies, 501c3 associated fees, race weekend items, marketing and more) and the costs of coaches' getting required training and licensing.
Annual NICA (national) league registration through Pitzone is $50.
Annual NorCal (our local league) League registration through Pitzone is $40.
Entry fee for races (high school only at this time) are typically $50 each plus family's cost of transportation to and from race venues. During the 2021-22 season, race fees were $25 per race. Not sure if this will change.
Sponsorships are available through NICA and the from the team. See Registration tab.
When and where are the races?
NorCal League offers 4 high school races plus the state championship. 3 races are required in order to potentially qualify for the state championships. Devo is offered 3 races. The race venues vary and have included "Six Sigma" in Lake County and "Exchequer" near Modesto. NorCal NICA is always looking to develop new venues. Races begin in February and finish with state championships in May.
If I'm on the team do I have to race?
No, you don't have to race but we highly encourage you to try at least one race.
I'm in junior high. Can I race?
NorCal League recently added Devo (junior high) races to the season's race schedule. Devo athletes have three planned races, and the registration process for races with NICA (in the Pitzone) is the same for both high school and middle school students.
How soon do I have to commit?
There is a maximum number of athletes that are allowed to join dependent on number of registered coaches the team has (due to required athlete to coach ratio) and what our park system can handle. Commitment is in the form of completed registration in the Pitzone and payment of team fees. Final acceptance will be first-come first-served based on PAID DUES. Final payment for the season is dependent on a few factors, but typically the latter part of November of every year.
Can a parent ride with the team?
An adult may ride with the team ONE TIME with a liability waiver signed. After the one-time ride, all adults that participate in team rides MUST have received a minimum of Level 1 Coaching Clearance within NICA’s platform called Pitzone. Without a Level 1 clearance, adults may not ride with the team.