FAQs

WHO CAN JOIN?

Our team provides one of the few ‘no-cut’ sport options at Redwood High School; students of all abilities and grade levels are welcome to join.

I HAVE NEVER MOUNTAIN BIKED BEFORE, CAN I STILL JOIN?

Our talented volunteer coaches will educate every rider about the importance of nutrition, hydration, sleep, and other healthy habits basic bike maintenance, riding and racing!

WHAT IS THE TRAINING SCHEDULE?

MONDAY - RIDER LUNCH MEETING (BI-WEEKLY)

TUESDAY - SPIN OR CORE CLASS (TBD)

WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY -

GROUP OUTDOOR RIDE 3:25-5:00PM - (Until Daylight Saving Starts, THEN 3:25-6PM)

SUNDAY - GROUP OUTDOOR RIDE 9:00AM-12:00PM

WHAT IS RACE DAY LIKE?

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

Our sponsorships and Redwood Foundation help reduce the costs to all club members, however, we are largely self-funded. Below is an outline of expected costs;

  • $500 Team Dues - payable to REDWOOD HS MTB Team. Dues cover coach’s education, team kit, team registration, team equipment, and coach licensing, and insurance and food/drink for our “race pit zones.”

  • $90 one time per year rider insurance for National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and NorCal League fee payable online. Scholarships Available.

  • $50 Race Entry Fees - payable to the NorCal League per race.

  • Tamarancho Pass - New riders need to get a pass for the Tamarancho area. Applications are collected by the team and processed through the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

  • Volunteering - All racers’ families are also expected to volunteer their time to help run our “race pit zone” at each race.

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

Financial assistance may be available to those in need. Scholarships are available through the NorCal League. NICA and NorCal are committed to making sure every student-athlete and coach have the best chance possible to participate in all events.contact - https://www.norcalmtb.org/about/

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO RIDERS NEED?

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

  1. BIKE

  • Bike fit is very important! Please reach out to a coach to ask about purchasing a bike for your rider. We want to make sure that they have the right size and type of bike for your rider’s level.

    PLACES TO SHOP;

    • TeamSnap - send a message to the team to see who is selling a bike

    • Discounts are available through TREK, Specialized, Canyon, Cannondale - https://nationalmtb.org/athlete-coach-benefits/

    • For example; TREK for all riders and coaches in good standing with the team is currently offering a 25% through Dec. 2023. Check out the Corte Madera and San Rafael Locations.

    • Pink Bike - https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell

2. TOOL BAG & HYDRATION

  • Clipless Pedals (SPDs are the preferred cleat system because they also work on spin bikes) or Platform pedals

  • Hand Pump for the trail

  • C02 System & cartridges*

  • Tubes & Patch Kit

  • Lubricant for chain and pivots

  • Multi-tool -- small with Allen wrenches (hex keys) and screwdriver(s)

  • Camelbak or similar hydration system (smaller packs are great for racing) OR Water Bottles

3. APPAREL, HELMETS & EYE PROTECTION

  • The weather can change quickly on Mount Tamalpais where we do a majority of our riding. PLEASE make sure your rider is prepared until our kits are ready (usually in January).

  • Helmets are required at ALL times if you are on the bike – the helmet must be strapped and buckled to your head (OR YOU WILL BE SENT HOME). This is a league rule as well.

  • Cycling shoes with cleat compatibility (recommend Shimano SPDs)

  • Gloves (long or short; long-fingered are more versatile given winter weather changes)

  • Eye protection (hardware store safety glasses are fine)

  • Cycling Shorts (baggie riding shorts or lycra with chamois)

  • Cycling jerseys (poly or blend; NO COTTON PLEASE) 

  • Team kits/uniforms are provided through the team

  • Windbreaker/Light Rain Jacket 

  • Wind Vest (keeps chest warm)*

  • Leg warmers and arm warmers

PLACES TO SHOP;

  • Check out additional discounts through NICA - https://nationalmtb.org/athlete-coach-benefits/#accessory

  • JOIN IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) & get discounts on 100s of brands - https://www.imba.com/member-benefits

  • Locally - check out Sportsbasement; local bike shops; the Recyclery; and reach out to our head coaches. We typically have a variety of previous kits available.

WHAT IS NICA?

WHAT IS NICA?

Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student’ athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.

WHAT IS NORCAL?

NORCAL HIGH SCHOOL CYCLING LEAGUE

WHAT IS NORCAL?

NorCal was organized in 2001 to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades 9 to 12. With the cooperation of local race organizers, our partners, and our sponsors we are able to provide a high quality mountain racing experience. Regardless of ability level, the NorCal League is committed to providing a positive experience for all student-athletes.

Each race season (March-May) Riders will register with NorCal for each individual race they enter. Approx. 6 races per season. ($50 race entry fee/race - scholarships available).

WHAT IS GRiT?

WHAT IS NICA GRIT?

Currently, girls represent 20% of NICA’s overall national student-athlete participation. NICA GRiT (Girls Riding Together) seeks to increase that number significantly over the next five years. The GRiT Program is NICA’s effort to recruit and retain more girls and female coaches in NICA programs.

WHAT IS TEEN TRAIL CORPS?

NICA Teen Trail Corps

The Teen Trail Corps advocacy framework is built around the four NICA Teen Trail Corps tenets developed to help student-athletes connect with local community efforts.

  1. Complete four different activities in the respective tenet categories to earn that badge. SPEAK SERVE RIDE RESPECT

  2. Upon completion of each activity, your coach must verify that you have completed the qualifying activity.

  3. Repeat this process until all four categories have been completed.

  4. Earning all of the four tenet badges will boost Teen Trail Corps members to a level of excellence known as a “Teen Trail Corps Captain''. Trail Captains will be eligible for recognition at the NICA Annual Teen Trail Corps Awards as well as a variety of benefits dependent on league participation.