TEAM FAQ
Q: Are you just a race team?
A: Nope! We are a team for all types of riders, and welcome kids of any skill level and background. Interested in racing? Great! Almost half of our riders participate in at least one race during the season. Interested in getting out on the trail with like-minded riders who just want the stoke but don’t want to race? Great! Many who don’t race have a lot of fun and see a lot of improvement attending our weekly rides.
Q: When does the season start and end?
A: Our official season starts on July 1st and runs through October. There will be parent/athlete meetings and maintenance skills clinics in May + June.
Q: What does the team calendar look like?
A: The Team calendar generally includes:
2 regularly scheduled team rides on Tuesday + Thursday 5pm-7pm
5 fall races - including 2 local races in Tahoe City + Tahoe Donner
Bike Maintenance Education Nights in May / June
Teen Trail Corp community service opportunities locally + league wide
End-of-Season gathering in October
Parents + coaches meetings in May / June
Q: Who can join Truckee MTB Team?
A: All 5th-12th grade students who attend public, private, charter, or home schools in the Truckee area and live within TTUSD. This includes students who attend Truckee Elementary, Alder Creek Middle School, Truckee High School, Tahoe Expedition Academy, Sugar Bowl Academy, Forest Charter School, and Sierra Expeditionary Learning School. Students who attend Creekside Charter School or Lake Tahoe Prep in Olympic Valley have a choice between Truckee MTB Team and North Tahoe MTB Team. Students who attend North Tahoe Middle School and North Tahoe High School would join the North Tahoe MTB Team.
Q: Is Truckee MTB Team a drop-in program?
A: No. Truckee MTB is a team and to build positive team dynamics, ensure athlete skill progression, and create balanced riding groups, we need consitency from each rider. We ask that all riders commit to a minimum of one ride per week. With that said, it is a long season and this is Tahoe! We understand and support families who participate in the many recreational activities that the area has to offer.
Q: Where will the team practice?
A: Team rides will take place in a variety of locations in the Truckee area, taking advantage of our amazing trail systems. Trails we’ll shred include Sawtooth, Donkey Town, Waddle Ranch, Serene Lakes, Tahoe Donner, Granite Chief, Donner Lake Rim Trail, JP’s, and Emigrant Trail. Occasionally, we will meet up with the North Tahoe MTB Team for joint rides on trails like Tyrolian, Painted Rock, and Paige Meadows. When possible, we set up carpools to make trips easier for parents.
Q: How do I know where to meet for each ride?
A: Each Sunday, the ride locations for that week will be announced. Specific trailhead locations and ride details will be posted in TeamSnap.
Q: Is there a separate High School and Middle School Team?
A: No. For rides, the team is separated into groups based on ability and interest, regardless of grade level. For races, each rider will participate in their respective competitive category but as part of the Truckee MTB Team as a whole.
Q: What kind of bike + equipment do I need?
A: Please see this link.
Q: How do I register?
A: Please see our Team Registration page for the relevant information. We will add you to our roster and you will receive an email from Pitzone to register.
Q: How much does it cost to be on the team?
A: For 2024, the costs for each rider include:
Early Bird Rate: $335 (April 1st - May 31)
Normal Rate: $350 (after May 31)
This season program fee is paid to NICA and covers: all races (no additional fees for races!), team rides, clinics, events, insurance, and coach education. Scholarships available.
Team Uniform Jersey: $55
All riders are expected to wear a Truckee MTB Team jersey on each ride and at each race. Scholarships available.
Suggested Donation: $50 per rider
Your tax deductible donation will fund team practice jerseys (given out at the end of the season), team fees to join the league, team equipment and tools, scholarships, coach reimbursements, race-related expenses, and the end-of-season celebration.
Individual Bikes + Helmets: each rider must provide their own
Q: Is the donation required?
A: No! And if you are unable to contribute to any team fees, please reach out to inquire about scholarship opportunities.
Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes! Both the Nevada North Interscholastic Cycling League (NICL) and Truckee MTB Team have funds available. Please let us know how we can support you. New for 2024: NICL has access to several LOANER BIKES.
Q: How do I purchase a team jersey?
A: Jerseys will be available for purchase online during a two-week period in late May. Once you are registered with the team, you will start receiving emails through our team communication platform, TeamSnap, where the purchasing window will be announced. Shorts, hats, socks, sweatshirts, and other options will also be available for purchase.
Q: Do I need to purchase a team jersey if I do not plan to race?
A: Yes!
Q: When does registration open and when are fees due?
A: Truckee MTB Team registration runs from April 1- May 15, 2024. After May 15, additional riders will be considered if there are sufficient coaches. All riders should be registered in TeamSnap by mid-May.
Q: When and where are the races?
A: For 2024, Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICL) will hold a series of five races from August-October. Dates and locations will be announced on their website.
Q: What is Pitzone?
A: Pitzone is NICA’s registration system to manage student athletes and race registration. www.pitzone.nationalmtb.org. Pitzone is also the physical area where the team sets up a tent to meet up and hang out before races.
Q: What is TeamSnap?
A: TeamSnap is an app-based communication tool used by the league and individual teams to schedule rides and communicate with parents.
Once coaches + athletes are registered in Pitzone, they must download and register in TeamSnap
All coaches + athletes must mark attendance in TeamSnap for every ride
If you have problems with the app, please reach out
Q: As a parent can I ride with the team?
A: Yes — but only if you become a coach! We WELCOME each and every parent to coach, but you must be a minimum of NICA Level One coach in order to join team rides. Please see our Coaches page for more information.
EXCEPTION: Not sure if you are up for coaching or joining the team as an athlete? There is a one time waiver that will allow you to come ride with the team once per season. Arrangements must be made with the Team Director a minimum of one week prior to the ride you’d like to join.
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: Not up for coaching? No problem! There are lots of opportunities to get involved. Reach out to us at truckeemtbteam@gmail.com. You can: bring snacks to races, set up the team tent at races, support fundraising and other administrative efforts, create year-end goody-bags, design and order team spirit items, plan end-of-season celebration, or just donate!
Q: Who are your coaches?
A: Our coaches are volunteers who are trained, certified, and background-checked under NICA’s coaches training program.
Q: How do I become a certified coach?
A: Please see our Coaches Information page.
Any other questions? Please get in touch!
