PRE-RACE
1 Month Before Race
Secure your lodging arrangements. Most riders stay overnight the night before race day. We will provide links to recommend hotels - only book rooms with a cancellation policy. Weather changes may require rescheduling races. While it is nice to stay at one of the team hotels, it’s fine to stay somewhere else in the vicinity. Some race venues offer camp sites as well. Check the 2026 Season Hotels page for the lates hotel, camping and group travel information.
2 Weeks Before the Race
Make sure your rider is pre-registered for each race through NICA Pitzone: https://pitzone.nationalmtb.org/
Parents, are required to sign up to volunteer! It takes a village and we need your support at the pitzone, feedzone, NICA volunteer posts, and more. Races are an all day event and are frequently held in remote locations with no running water. The team provides lunch and snacks to approximately 75-100 people at race venues. Because of this it is essential that everyone works together to support the team.
Bike Check (Race-Ready Condition):
Smooth shifting
Wheels true, tires in good condition
Brakes not rubbing, pads with at least 1/16" visible
Fresh tubeless sealant (every 3–4 months)
Chain wear checked
Bolt check, Confirm nothing is loose
Charged AXS or Wireless shifting battery
Shifter battery checked (replace ~1x per year if electronic)
Confirm hotel/camping reservations
Confirm race registration and family volunteer shifts
Begin focusing on rest & hydration (3+ days out)
Day Before Departure
Bike Prep: ABCDE Your Bike
Double check race flyer for any changes in routes, start times, etc.
Confirm race-ready condition
Clean bike
Chain cleaned & lubed
Travel Prep:
Download directions to venue, hotel, camping
Have cash ready for parking (Granite Bay, Exchequer, Stafford, Six Sigma)
Packing: (see race packing checklist)
Race plate & team jersey (you only get one plate per season; replacements available at registration with a fee)
Coaches: Charge your radios!
Pre-Ride Day
EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL- We will submit a roster of riders' names to the attendance office for each race. Riders will have excused dismissal time that we will communicate. This is an excused absence from school.
PRE-RIDE - At the race venue between 2-5PM
This is your chance to ride the course with your coaches prior to race day! Pre-rides are typically between 2-5pm and 7am the morning of the race. Meet at the Redwood Racing tent in the “pitzone.” You must have a race plate or coach plate to pre-ride - NO EXCEPTIONS!
Arrive at Team Pit Zone at least 10 minutes early for pre-ride
Riders must pre-ride with a coach + at least one other rider (unless parent is the coach)
Important Rules:
Only riders & coaches with race plates allowed on course
Helmets required any time you’re on a bike
If pre-riding the day before:
Clean bike & lube chain before race morning
Remove race plate before transport & store in safe spot
TEAM DINNER - 6:00PM - We will announce and organize for each race.