Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the Yosemite Composite MTB Team?
The team is open to any middle school (6th to 8th grade) or high school student living anywhere in Mariposa County, the Oakhurst / Bass Lake area and the communities between Mariposa and Oakhurst along the Highway 49 corridor. This includes public, private and home school students. The team is not affiliated with any school district.
There are no minimum requirements for ability, skills or experience. However, due to strict NICA rules regarding the coach/student-athlete ratio, we may limit the number of student-athletes depending on how many licensed coaches are available.
What are the team activities?
Team activities are divided into different calendar periods:
Pre-Season – October 15 thru November 30
We will hold Sunday afternoon team events at various sites - stay tuned and check the “Events” page on this site. Sessions will include bike maintenance lessons, team culture discussions, and introductory rides / skills practice. Specific dates and times are to be determined.
Regular Season – December thru May
We will have 2 - 3 training rides / workouts / skills clinics each week. Weekday 1 to 2 hour sessions will be in the evening, typically at Stockton Creek preserve in Mariposa. Longer rides and skills clinics will be held on weekends at various locations. Weekend rides will include skill level-specific training (riding in different groups based on ability) as well as “full team” events in which all team members will have the opportunity to ride together at the same site. Specific days, times and locations are to be determined.
Race Season – Late February thru May Last season there were four races for high school students and three races for middle school students. 2024 will be similar. Events are either Saturday or Sunday according to age (middle school or high school). In 2023, races were held at Exchequer Bike Park (near Lake McClure), at Fort Ord (near Monterey), in Modesto, and at Six Sigma Ranch (near Clear Lake).
What type of equipment is required?
Mountain Bike
A multi-geared (at least five cogs in the rear) mountain bike with 26 - 29 inch wheels and knobby tires at least 1.75 inches wide is required. Bikes must be safe to operate and have functioning front and rear brakes. Front suspension is recommended but not required. Full suspension (front and rear shocks) is not necessary. We aim to establish a fleet of loaner bikes to be used by student-athletes that commit to participation throughout the season.
Helmet, Clothing, Shoes
A snug fitting helmet (little to no side-to-side or front-to-back movement) without any cracks or dents is required. Riders are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for conditions. Athletes are required to wear a jersey with the team logo during races, these will be available for purchase at a NICA-member discount. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Who runs the team?
Volunteers make it happen! Read about our coaches and other volunteers here.
How much does it cost?
The cost to join any NorCal league team is $50 per student athlete (cost set by the league) plus $40 for insurance provided by NICA. For those that choose to race, each event requires a $50 registration fee, paid to NICA. The only cost associated with our team is a jersey purchase - for middle school athletes jerseys are ~ $40, for high school athletes jerseys are ~ $68. We aim to use sponsorship funds to help offset these costs for families that need assistance.
What is the process for joining the team as an athlete or volunteer?
Student-athletes: Team staff will determine the maximum number of student-athletes that can be accommodated depending on the number of available coaches, then review all applications and ultimately select the team roster based on the level of commitment indicated by follow up discussions with the student-athlete and their parent / guardian. We hope to allow everyone to join but it depends on the number of licensed coaches available. Selected student-athletes will be invited to join the “Pit Zone” which is an on-line participant registration system managed by NICA. After completing the required forms and waivers and paying the registration fees, student-athletes become official team members authorized to participate in team and League activities.
Adult volunteers: The Team Director will send an invitation to join the Pit Zone. The costs to join the Pit Zone are $25 for registration plus $38 for a background check. After paying these fees, all prospective volunteers that will interact with students are required to obtain a NICA Level 1 Coach License by completing a series of on-line training sessions. These sessions include training for concussion awareness, coaching philosophy, risk management and athlete abuse awareness. Once the Level 1 license is obtained, volunteers may participate in any team or league activity.
Can non-members participate in team rides and other events?
Only student-athletes and volunteers who are registered in the Pit Zone and have met all of its requirements are allowed to participate in team activities. Non-licensed parents and students that would like to “try out” a team ride may participate in only one team event after signing a liability waiver.
What does NICA insurance cover?
As with most insurance policies, coverage can be complicated and dependent on individual situations. In general, the insurance provided as part of student-athlete registration is “Excess” accident/medical coverage for losses and injuries occurring during team and League sponsored events. Please refer to the NICA Insurance Policy Overview for details about specific coverages, amounts, limitations, exclusions, etc.
How is the team financially supported?
Sponsorships and individual donations are the main sources of income for the team. Sponsors are promoted by displaying their company logos on the team kit, website and social media.
Contact us for more information about sponsorship opportunities.