Practice
Team practices begin on December 1st. Practices are held two days a week during December and January during the winter and three days a week starting in February. We ask that all riders attend practice unless they notify the coach or team director and are riding on their own in place of practice.
Races begin in late February and Norcal has 5 races for the middle school program. Races are in Northern California. The team and race season ends in the middle of May.
For more Norcal race information, please visit the NorCal League's website.
Riders must always wear a helmet and have a bike in good working condition. Please wear your team jersey if you have one. Bring extra tubes and air in case your tire fails.
During the winter months, you must have lights on your bike if you are riding to or from practice. Always bring plenty of water and a power snack, such as a granola or potein bar high in carbs. And of course, bring your enthusiasm!
Preparing for Practice
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You have to be fully registered with Pit-Zone. This is both for students and ride leaders. We cannot let anyone attend practice if they are not registered.
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Please wear gloves. Both for safety and comfort. Falling off onto gravel without gloves is not something you want to experience.
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We’re currently riding in Winter. It is cold. Dress in layers.
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Clear lenses are usually the best option, especially for the evening rides. But even sunglasses are better than nothing. There are stones, mud, and plenty worse flying around. None of which you want in your eyes.
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Please drink water throughout the day before practice. I cannot overemphasize just how much difference being properly hydrated makes. It is not enough to drink a large glass of water just before practice starts, you need to be drinking throughout the day, and preferably the day before.
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You will want to have a good meal, containing a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates, no closer than 90 minutes before the start of practice. Check out the News entry that talks about nutrition for more about what you should eat.
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If you have a small bike tool kit, please carry it with you. You should also carry a spare inner tube, (even if you run tubeless tires ). Coaches tend to carry a lot with them, but you cannot always depend on them to provide you with a pump, so carry one. A flat tire will happen. it’s not if, but when.
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We will always try to be off the trails before it gets dark. But lights are still very important. Make sure they are fully charged. A light on your handlebars and on your helmet works best.
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Please check your tire pressure (Air), Brakes (B) and chain © before each practice. The tires should be inflated, the brakes working, and the chain lubricated. If you are having problems shifting gears, or have questions about your bike set-up, reach out to one of the coaches before the start of practice, and we will try and help you.
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Please RSVP via Team app. We need advance notice of attendance, to make sure we have enough ride leaders.
Race Day
Racing is what we train for all season long! Many families make weekend outings of our race days. There is an opportunity to pre-ride the course for the race usually the day before the rider's age or skill category races. It is important to know the course and plan your strategy for endurance, passing opportunities, and more.
Riders are expected to have slept well, trained hard, and to be motivated and excited to race!