• Middle school and high school riders from Murrieta Valley High School and Thompson Middle School
• Eligible student-athletes follow CIF (or equivalent) academic and conduct requirements
Our coaches, ride leaders, and mechanics are passionate volunteers—mostly team parents and community members—who are SoCal licensed, background-checked, and trained in CPR and Wilderness First Aid. They foster a safe, supportive, and competitive environment for all riders.
We use a structured training plan with designated workout and rest days. Early-season time trials help place riders into skill-based groups. These are not tests—they’re tools to ensure appropriate challenge and progression. Periodic time trials throughout the season help track growth and adjust groupings.
All groups follow similar ride formats, with variations based on skill and time. Features may include sprints, hill repeats, and endurance segments.
Our coaches volunteer their time—often leaving work early or giving up weekends. Riders must show respect by being punctual and committed. Safety and group structure depend on coach availability.
Parents interested in riding with the team must register as Assistant Coaches through SoCal. All levels of ride leaders are welcome. For more info, contact Aimee McClellan at 951-719-0155.
Financial Expectations
We strive to keep costs low, but the team is self-funded. Modest fundraising (e.g., Super Bowl Squares) and sponsorships help offset expenses.
●Team Fee $125 per rider Due October 1st
●Sports Physical Due oct. 20th. Upload to www.homecampus.com
● Uniform/ Kit (jersey and bib shorts) $170 to $240
● SoCal Registration $125 + $4.03 processing fee Due October 20th
● Race Fees $60/ race + $2.14 processing fee. You pay in one lump sum or
per race 1 week prior to.
● Spirit wear $$
● Travel to Races 5 Weekends $ 200-500
● Bike Maintenance – We have a team bike mechanic, but please do not abuse him. You must supply and or pay for all parts needed for the repair. He will not accept cash for labor, but gift cards are always nice. Riders are encouraged to learn to do a lot of this on their own!
If these fees present a significant financial burden, please speak with Aimee ASAP to arrange assistance. No rider has ever been turned away from a race or event for financial reasons.
If these fees present a financial burden, please contact Aimee ASAP. No rider has ever been turned away due to cost.
We use WhatsApp for all team communications. This includes:
• Texting and email updates
• RSVPs and volunteer coordination
• Race Day Café signups
• Carpooling and logistics
Action: Please download WhatsApp and join the team group. Both riders and parents should have access to stay informed and connected.
Parent Guide: Supporting Your Rider
Your presence and attitude make a huge impact. Here’s how to show support:
• Attend every race. Your rider thrives with your encouragement and presence.
• Trust the coaches. Support their decisions and philosophy—it helps your child do the same.
• Model respect. Be courteous to coaches, officials, volunteers, and other families.
• Celebrate effort. Let your child know you’re proud regardless of race results.
• Stay positive. Uplift all riders—no negative comments about teammates or competitors.
Team Expectations & Rider Responsibilities
Eligibility
• Must be a student at Thompson Middle School or Murrieta Valley High School
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA with no failing grades
• Not participate in a spring sport that conflicts with practices or races
• Grade checks occur one week prior to each race
Behavior & Safety
• Represent the team with integrity—on and off the bike
• Ride in control at all times; reckless behavior is not tolerated
• No jumping, manualling, or free-ride techniques during team rides
• No illegal trail riding—respect land use rules and team reputation
Trail Courtesy
• Announce passes clearly: “Rider on your left/right”
• Yield to other trail users
• Control your speed
• Never litter
• Always show respect to fellow riders, regardless of skill or gender
Communication
• Always communicate with your coaching staff—we’re here to support you, but we can’t read minds.
• Let us know how you're feeling physically and mentally.
• Report any injury or crash, even minor ones, whether you were involved or witnessed it.
Staying Informed
• Check your email, WhatsApp messages, team website, and Facebook group regularly.
• It is your responsibility to stay updated—last-minute changes may occur.
Attendance Policy
• Riders must attend 90% of practices to be eligible to race.
• All absences must be reported to the Team Director.
• Arriving late or leaving early counts as an absence unless pre-approved.
• Multiple absences may result in dismissal from the team without refunds (team fee, uniform, league, or race fees).
• Saturday pre-rides on race weekends are mandatory.
Make-Up Policy:
• If sick, riders may make up a missed practice on a non-practice day.
• Must be recorded on Strava and sent to the Head Coach.
• Independent training programs are not substitutes for team practices.
• All personal training should be done on non-practice days.
Important Notes:
• Leaving early or arriving late due to another sport or club is not allowed and may result in dismissal from the team.
• Riders missing practice due to bike issues must find an alternative bike—maintenance-related absences are not excused.
Helmet Policy
• Riders must wear an approved MIPS helmet anytime they’re on a bike—whether at practice, around town, or on campus.
• Helmets must be properly sized and strapped.
Equipment Standards
Bike:
• Must be in trail-worthy condition all season, especially before races.
• No music players or headphones allowed during races.
Gear:
• Riders must be self-sufficient: carry water, tube, tools, pump, etc.
Clothing Guidelines:
• Under 60º: Wear a jacket or long sleeves
• Over 80º: Bring extra water and snacks
Coaching Instructions & Safety Guidelines
Coaching Instructions
• Riders must always follow the directions of a coach during practice.
• This ensures the safety of all participants and the integrity of the training session.
Safety Rules & Considerations
• Riders must wear a buckled, approved MIPS helmet at all times while on a bike—no exceptions.
• Road & Trail Etiquette
• Cross streets safely and obey all traffic signals
• Ride no more than two across to avoid obstructing traffic
• Stay off private property
• Follow the prescribed training course for the day
• Hydration & Nutrition
• Hydrate daily, not just before events—hydrating the night before is a myth
• Eat regular, nutritious meals to fuel your body
• Get adequate sleep to support recovery and performance
Rider Commitment & Expectations
Attendance & Participation
• Practices are mandatory. Riders must attend all scheduled practices and race days.
• No early departures or late arrivals due to other sports, clubs, or personal training.
• Conflicts with other activities must be resolved before joining the team.
• Missing practices or race days for any of the above reasons will result in dismissal from the team with no refund.
Punctuality & Preparation
• Riders must be on time and fully prepared for all practices and workouts.
• If transportation is needed, plan ahead—not the day of.
• Parents are encouraged to carpool, but all families must share the responsibility.
• Please contribute—don’t be the parent who only asks for rides but never offers one.
Communication & Accountability
• All absences must be reported to the Team Director prior to practice.
• Multiple absences may result in dismissal from the team with no refund.
Race Weekend Expectations
• Riders must be in the pit on time and ready for race day.
• Report-to-pit times are posted the Monday of race week.
• Attendance is mandatory on both Saturday and Sunday of race weekends.
• Failure to attend both days will result in dismissal with no refund.
Season-to-Season Eligibility
• Your actions, attitude, and commitment throughout the season will determine if you are invited back next year.
• Team membership is a privilege, not a guarantee.
Parent Involvement: A Non-Negotiable Partnership
Parent involvement is the backbone of our program’s success. We ask every family to commit fully—just 10 days over 5 race weekends—to ensure a safe, fun, and high-energy experience for our riders.
Transportation & Practice Attendance
• You are responsible for getting your rider to all practices on time.
• If you need a ride, arrange carpooling in advance, not the morning of.
• Everyone should share the load—please offer rides when you can.
Race-Weekend Commitments
• Mandatory attendance on both Saturday and Sunday of each race weekend, even if your rider isn’t racing.
• Arrive on time to the pit—check the published report-to-pit times each Monday.
• Pit setup begins early; breakdown happens after the final podium. Everyone chips in.
Race-Day Café
• Every family supplies one café item per race (sweet, savory, or fruit).
• If you can’t attend, coordinate a replacement so your item still arrives.
• Drop off your café contribution in the pit by report-to-pit time—our riders get hungry early!
Staging & Podium Support
• Staging duties:
• High-school parents on Saturdays
• Middle-school parents on Sundays
• Help tear down the start/finish area after the last race.
• Stay through podiums (Freshman Girls D1 → Varsity Boys) to cheer teammates and pack up.
Shared Ownership & Team Spirit
• Our success depends on every family volunteering and supporting one another.
• Parents and riders alike are expected at podiums to celebrate victories and perseverance.
• This is a privilege, not just an activity—your generosity builds community and confidence.
Support Our Sponsors & Team Bike Shop
Our sponsors and partner bike shop make this program possible. Please join us in showing gratitude for their generosity—our team’s reputation reflects on every rider and family.
Preferred Bike Shop: TBD
TBD offers exclusive discounts on bikes and services to our team members. When you shop elsewhere, remember to mention our team for SoCal discounts at Jax’s, Alan’s, and other local shops.
Shop Etiquette
• Always bring in a clean bike for service
• Be courteous and polite to all staff
• Avoid rudeness, profanity, or impatience—negative behavior reflects poorly on the entire team and risks our partnership
If any service concern arises, please address it directly with our team mechanic before escalating elsewhere.
Growing Our Sponsor Family
Our sponsor list is expanding, and your connections can help us thrive. If you know a business or individual interested in supporting youth mountain biking, please let us know. We’ll prepare a customized sponsorship letter and benefits overview.
Next Steps & Resources
• Need a thank-you card template or social-media graphic to acknowledge sponsors?
• Want a sponsor prospect list or sample outreach email?
• Interested in a sponsorship packet with tiered benefits and recognition options?
Murrieta Valley High School MTB Team
Parent / Rider Commitment Contract
By signing below, we acknowledge that we have carefully read the MVHS MTB Team Parent / Rider Handbook and agree to abide by its policies and procedures. We understand that membership on the MVHS MTB Team is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked at any time for failure to uphold team standards.
1. Acknowledgment of Handbook
• We have read the MVHS MTB Team Parent / Rider Handbook in its entirety.
• We agree to follow all policies, guidelines, and safety rules outlined therein.
2. Attendance & Participation
• Practices and race days are mandatory.
• Conflicts with other sports, clubs, or personal training must be resolved before joining.
• Unexcused absences, late arrivals, or early departures may result in dismissal with no refund.
3. Safety Commitment
• We understand that safety is the top priority.
• Riders will wear an approved, buckled MIPS helmet at all times on the bike.
• All coaches’ directions during practice and events will be followed without exception.
4. Rider Responsibilities
• Arrive on time and fully prepared for every practice and race.
• Maintain bikes in good working order; report any mechanical issues promptly.
• Demonstrate sportsmanship, respect teammates, coaches, sponsors, and event staff.
5. Parent Responsibilities
• Provide or arrange reliable transportation to all practices and races.
• Attend both Saturday and Sunday of each race weekend, participating in pit setup, staging, café, and breakdown.
• Support team sponsors and bike shop etiquette—courtesy and professionalism in all interactions.
6. Code of Conduct
• Refrain from profanity, rude behavior, or actions that reflect poorly on the team.
• Encourage a positive, inclusive environment for all riders and families.
• Commit to volunteering and team-support activities as outlined in the handbook.
7. Term & Dismissal
• This contract is effective for the current MVHS MTB season.
• Violations of handbook rules or failure to meet the commitments above may result in immediate dismissal from the team without refund.
Signatures
By signing below, we affirm our understanding and acceptance of all terms in this commitment contract.
Thank you for your commitment to making the MVHS MTB Team a safe, supportive, and high-performance community! If you’d like this contract in a fillable PDF format or integrated into your registration platform, let me know—I’m happy to help.
