FAQ​

Do I have to have a mountain bike to join?

  • We have a limited number of team bikes available for use. They are reserved on a first come first served basis. The Minnesota Cycling Association also has some loaner bikes available. Contact Rosevillemtb@gmail.com or info@minnesotacycling.org

Our family cannot afford to be spending all this money. Are there any options for us?

  • The Minnesota Cycling Association has scholarships available as does the team. Contact the head coach for more information at rosevillemtb@gmail.com

When does the team start practice?

  • The team will hold some activities in May and June- we are bagging groceries on May 20th at Cub! Practices start after July 4th.

How long does the season last?

  • Practices start in July and the final race is in Mid October. We usually do an end of season ride in October if the weather is nice enough, and a team banquet to follow.

Who is eligible to join the team?

  • Upcoming students in grades 6-12, both girls and boys in the Roseville, St. Anthony, Centennial school districts and surrounding areas without a school team.

Where do we go?

  • Practices are generally held at area parks/trails/roads including Sunfish Lake, Salem Hills, Elm Creek, Battle Creek, Theodore Wirth mountain biking trails and more.

As the parent/guardian do I have to fix my kid’s bike all the time?

  • We have maintenance days to check over the bikes, but do suggest using a bike shop for the major repairs.

As the parent/guardian I like to ride a mountain bike, how can I help?

  • We have several volunteer roles for parents/guardians. There is a place for everyone- we need your skills and passion!!!

As the parent/guardian I DON’T like to ride a mountain bike, how can I help?

  • There are many ways you can help support the team: bringing food/water on race days, setting up and taking down the tent at races, helping coordinate food for races, taking photos, and more!

I am an experienced rider, but don’t have a child on the team, can I still coach?

  • We are always in need of experienced assistant coaches whether or not you have a child on the team. You will need to complete a background check through the MCA and do some online training. Contact rosevillemtb@gmail.com for more information.

Who does the team race against?

  • We race against other middle and high school students from all over the state at MCA races. There are approximately 70 teams from Minnesota and western Wisconsin – a ful list can be found at https://minnesotacycling.org/mca-team-list/ Schools compete against other schools and students against other students in their grade and/or category

Where are the races held?

  • Race locations vary each year. See our home page for the current schedule/race locations.

How do students get to practice and races?

  • Families arrange their own transportation.

Do you need to be a proficient mountain biker to join your team?

  • No! We accept students as they come to us whether they have any experience or not. This is a grass roots program and we aim to help everyone meet their individual goals.

Do coaches pick who gets to enter the race?

  • No. Everyone gets to race if they wish to race.

As a parent/guardian I want to know if this is really safe. Can you guarantee my child’s safety?

  • We have a well developed and thought out program for training. Our Level 2 and Level 3 coaches undergo First Aid and CPR training every 2 years. We are riding bikes and cannot guarantee anyone’s safety, including the coaches. We use best practices to ensure student safety, but we are on bikes and sometimes are on public roads. We feel this is a safe program, otherwise we would not offer it, but cannot guarantee anyone’s safety.

Key dates to know

  • Registration is open now at https://ccnbikes.com/#!/ We prefer to have everyone registered by June 15th if possible. New Riders- reach out to Rosevillemtb@gmail.com and we will help get you set up!

Costs

  • Team Registration fee: $75 We hope you will volunteer your time at some fundraising events so we do not have to raise costs
  • Minnesota Cycling Association Registration fee: $100
  • Race Fees: $150 for the super pass which covers all races (or $50 per race). If you purchase the super pass and find that racing just isn’t your thing, the league will give you a refund on unused races. Races MUST BE purchased by AUGUST 1st
  • Team Jersey: approximately $65-80. A jersey is required for racing
  • Team Shorts- optional: approximately $90-$110
  • Lodging and transportation: on your own
  • Scholarships and loaner bikes are available.

Equipment

  • Mountain bike- no department store bicycles. Prefer modern 27.5 or 29 inch wheels. Knobby tires > 1.75″ wide. Multiple gears. Front and rear brakes.
  • Helmet (must fit properly)
  • Team Jersey if racing
  • Closed toe shoes
  • Water carrier – bottle/cage or hydration backpack
  • Tube/flat tire repair kit

Optional/Encouraged Equipment

  • Gloves
  • Protective glasses (safety glasses are an inexpensive option)

More info

  • Check out:https://minnesotacycling.org/ for more information including Try it out and Dirt School to see if it’s right for you.
  • Search YouTube “More than a sport” for a video on NICA youth mountain biking
  • Contact coaches anytime to ask questions

Expectations

  • As a team member we expect you to participate in at least 1/2 the practices. It’s challenging to make progress if you’re not there!
  • Volunteer for trail work days – minimum one time per season (then submit your hours in CCN Bikes toward the trailcrafters Golden McLeod award. Rider Sandy Fish won this award in 2021 for her trailwork hours.
  • Parents – we need you to volunteer at races. It takes at least 75 volunteers to make a race happen.

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