Frequently Asked Questions

YES!  No experience is necessary.  We will teach you basic skills and help you advance comfortably.

The following are mandatory for safe participation with the team:   a mountain bike that’s approved by a coach, a helmet (full face are discouraged due to limited visibility and hearing during racing), hydration source, spare bike tubes (even if you ride tubeless!), basic bike tools, an air pump or CO2, bike lights for night practices (white on the front of the bike and a flashing red tail light), and a team jersey for races.

It’s nice to have gloves, eye protection, cycling-specific shorts, and nutrition for longer rides.

Any youth from the greater Tampa Bay area, male or female, in grade 6 – 12 are welcome to join.

During season (Dec 1 – May 30), practices are generally one week-night evening and one weekend morning day.  For the 2022-2023 season, practices will be Thursday nights and most Sunday afternoons.  There may be some optional practices.  

Maybe.  Parents can volunteer as a Level 1 Coach –  general volunteer and ride supporter, which requires some training, background check, and registration with NICA.  This is a training support role and not a ride lead, which requires higher level training.  Any parent is also welcome to “try it out” and ride one time with the team after signing a waiver.    Parents otherwise may not ride with the team.

No.  Races are optional.  However, the races are designed so that all levels can participate.  Races are supportive and fun, so we encourage everyone to give it a try!

YES!  We love our female athletes and participate in the GRiT program: Girls Riding Together, to encourage and empower female athletes in a sport where they’re seriously under-represented.

All student athletes are strongly encouraged to attend as many practices and races as possible.  Training is a very important part of building strong minds, body, character and community.  Practices also are a time for the team to bond and to learn and enhance skills under direct supervision.  The team reserves the right to refuse participation in any event when lack of attendance could impact the safety of the student athlete.

The team offers assistance for any student athlete who needs it – both financial and with loaner bikes.  Please contact one of the coaches or the team director if you need further information.

There are three levels of coaches.  All coaches have annual training in risk management, the NICA coaching philosophy, concussion protocols, and submit to an annual background check.  Every two years, all coaches are training on athlete abuse awareness.  

Level 2 coaches (assistant coach & ride leader) additionally have first aid and CPR certifications,  NICA On-The-Bike Skills training,  field work and continuing education requirements.

Level 3 coaches (assistant coach and/or head coach and/or team director) have higher level wilderness first aid training, higher level risk management training, more field work and continuing education requirements, and have attended a NICA Leaders’ Summit.

Yes!  Any interested person can come ride with the team one time, after signing a waiver.  Any further participation does require registration.