Welcome to the Edina Mountain Bike Team! We are excited for the upcoming year.
Before joining the team, we would like each rider and their family to review the team structure along with the Edina Mountain Bike Team requirements and expectations.
I understand the following:
The MN Cycling Association (MCA) operates the league. It is not operated by or associated with the MN High School League
Coaches are volunteer parents and community members
Official season runs from mid July - mid October (optional preseason in June)
Practices are 2-3 times each week (historically Tues/Thurs/Sun on non-race weekends). Practices are early evening (starting anywhere between 5:00 - 5:45 depending on daylight); not immediately after school.
Practice locations: Team utilizes various metro area parks and trailheads for practice locations.
Races are held on weekends starting late August-October and will require some travel. 4 regular season races and 1 State Championship (qualifier)
Transportation to and from practices and races is the responsibility of the athlete and their family. The team does not provide transportation.
Requirements to be a part of the Edina Mountain Bike Team:
Athletes must maintain a functioning bike (brakes, shifting, tires in good condition). Seek assistance as required via local bike shops or coach assistance. Athletes arriving to practice with a non-functioning bike will be released from practice as there will not be time to work on bikes at practice.
Athletes must have a properly fitted helmet, closed toe shoes, water bottle/pack and basic bike tools. Helmet must be worn at all times when riding (with the team or around town with family or friends).
Athletes must RSVP on Stack Team App at least 24 hours in advance of each practice
Athletes must ride with proper trail etiquette, obey traffic laws and be a good steward of our team
Parents/guardians must volunteer - this is essential to help our team run safe and fun practices and support race weekends. Volunteers make the experience better for everyone.
Parents, guardians can volunteer through coaching on the bike, other coaching such as bike maintenance, race preparation, off the bike practice assistance, race day gear transport, race day set up and take down, race day food, planning social events, MCA league volunteering.
Support / Training will be provided for all areas of coaching. On-the-Bike Coaching: only modest mountain bike skills required. The team and MCA will provide additional support in this area for parents or community members that are interested in helping.
Team Expectations:
Participate in at least 2 MCA races. The team is committed to providing opportunities for the beginner as well as the athlete that loves racing and wants to focus on competition. Racing is an excellent way to stay focused and have a goal to work towards.
Focus is on safety and fun. This is a sport requiring endurance and strength. We will ride a lot of "singletrack" dirt trails but will also focus on mountain bike handling skills and time on paved trails and roads. To build skills and endurance, there will be hard effort workouts for fitness and strength. Athletes should be riding their bike regularly, including on trail, during pre-season (especially June).
Practice Attendance. Athletes must attend a minimum of 1 practice per week (exception for family travel) in order to learn bike handling skills, increase fitness and be ready for races.
By completing this form, both athlete and parent/guardian agree to the above requirements and expectations.
