FAQ
Do I have to have a mountain bike to join?
We have a limited number of team bikes available for use. They are reserved on a first come first serve basis. The Minnesota Cycling Association also has some loaner bikes available. Contact mvbiketeam@gmail.com for more information.
Our family just cannot afford to be spending all this money. Is there any option for us?
If you qualify for free and reduced lunches through the school district, we have some options for you. Contact mvbiketeam@gmail.com for more information.
When does the Team start training?
The Team will hold some activities during May and June. Regular Season starts in July and Race Season, which is more rigurous and requires a higher level of commitment, starts in August. Check out our schedule for more information.
How long does the season last?
Regular Season starts in July. We will likely practice on Tuesdays, Thursday and some Sundays. Race Season starts on mid-August and will also have practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Races are held on Saturdays (Middle School) and Sundays (High School) from August - October.
Who is eligible to join the Mounds View Bike Team?
Students of District 621 or Totino Grace Hight School grades 6 - 12 may join.
As the Parent/Guardian, do I have to fix my kids bike all the time?
We will have maintenance days to clean and tune the bikes. We do suggest using a bike shop for major repairs. The riders will be learning to maintain and repair their bikes as they go through the season.
As the Parent/Guardian, I like to ride a mountain bike, but I don’t race. How can I help?
We have several volunteer roles for parents/guardians. There is a place for everyone. We need your skills and passion!
As the Parent/Guardian, I DON'T like to ride a mountain bike and DON'T race. Can I help?
There are many ways you can help support the team, from bringing food and water on race day to helping with set up and take down of our tent - we will be looking for volunteers for non-bike related help too!
I am an experienced adult rider, but I do not have a child on the team. Can I still coach?
We are always in need of experienced assistant coaches. You will need to complete a background check through MCA. Contact mvbiketeam@gmail.com for more information.
Who does the Team race against?
We race against other middle and high school students at MCA races. There are many participating schools across the state and in Western Wisconsin. A full list can be found at minnesotacycling.org. Schools compete against other schools, and the students compete against other students.
Where are these races held?
Race locations and our participation vary each year. See our home page for the current schedule and race locations.
How do students to get to practice and races?
Families arrange their own transportation.
Do you need to be a proficient mountain biker to join your team?
We accept students as they come to us. We consider our program a "grass roots" racing program. We aim to help everyone meet their individual goals.
Do coaches pick who gets to enter the race?
Everyone gets to race.
As a Parent/Guardian, I want to ask is this really safe? Can you guarantee my child’s safety?
We have a well-developed and thought out program for training. Our Level 2 and Level 3 Coaches are current undergo CPR and First Aid Training every two years. We will be riding bikes. We cannot guarantee anyone's safety, including the coaches. We use best practices to ensure student safety, but we are on bikes and also sometimes on the public roads. We feel this is a safe program, otherwise we would not offer it, but we cannot guarantee anyone's safety.