Student athletes must have their own ride to and from each practice and race. Practice locations will generally be close to Ogden, often at Snowbasin or Powder Mountain. Coaches are not obligated to offer rides to or from practice. Occasionally, pre-rides of race courses will be scheduled, which may require some travel. It is strongly encouraged that racers ride the race courses as often as possible to develop a familiarity of the course.
To participate, student athletes must have the following equipment at each practice and race:
A mountain bike, properly maintained (race ready)
A helmet, properly fitted with NO prior impacts
Hydration (no sharing)
Closed toe shoes
Gloves
Eye protection
Repair Kit (Minimum: tube, CO2 and inflator or pump, and 2 tire levers)
Note: Student athletes cannot participate in team practices and races if they don’t come prepared with the required equipment.
Beginning in June, the team will begin regular team practices, generally every Monday and Wednesday evening throughout the summer and through race season. The team’s schedule will be shared in Slack. We may arrange some morning rides in lieu of an evening practice, depending on coach availability.
Team members are encouraged to ride together outside of designated team practices. These can be coordinated in Slack and are optional. These are very helpful for experiencing trails and building skills. These rides are not considered team events, therefore NICA’s insurance and other team event requirements will not apply for these rides.
Participation in the I-cup Race Series (February - August) is strongly encouraged. It is also encouraged that participation in the Bike Utah Mid-Week Race Series. More information can be found on their website.Click HERE to be taken to the XC Midweek Series Web Site.
Student athletes are required to follow the “Practice On Your Own” training schedule posted weekly in Slack (also referred to as POYO)
For the DEVO team:
A minimum of 3 training rides each week is required. (Monday and Wednesday practices can count as 2 of these training rides)
A minimum attendance of 1 team practice each week for 3 out of 4 weeks each month is required. Exceptions must be approved by the head coach.
For the HS team:
A minimum of 4 weekly training rides is required.
If the student athlete wants to compete for podium positions in any race category, they should follow the posted training schedule, including 5 or 6 weekly training rides.
A minimum attendance of 75% of all team practices is required. Exceptions must be approved by the head coach.
To race in the Varsity and Junior Varsity A categories, student athletes must:
Complete at least 5 or 6 training rides each week
Begin training no later than March 1
Follow the posted training schedule OR provide evidence of following a private coaching training schedule.
Student athletes must follow instructions given by coaches and ride leaders. Student athletes will communicate with coaches, parents, and team members respectfully.
Student athletes must register and join the team in Slack. This can be done using the Slack app or website. An invitation to join will be sent after registration is complete and registration fees are paid. Student athletes are responsible for reading the information provided by coaches, ask questions if needed, and respond when asked.
The prescribed workouts, practices, and team events are posted in Slack. If the RSVP option is shown, student athletes must respond if they will attend the team event, or not. Student athletes and parents may ask for and coordinate rides to and from team events with other student athletes and parents using Slack.
Student athletes must understand and adhere to all expectations and requirements that they agreed to when they are registered on the PitZone website.
Student athletes will participate in at least 3 hours of trail advocacy work each year. Trail work completed by family members count towards the student athlete’s 3-hour requirement.
These hours are tracked by the OHS MTB staff. More information will be shared when the date(s) for trail work are known.
Student athletes understand that they are part of a large group of trail users and commit to use the trails in ways that support and show respect for the trails, the people that use them, the organizations that build and maintain them, and the environment around the trails.
This includes:
OHS MTB team members yield to hikers and equestrian users. To yield means to come to a complete stop a safe distance from the other user, and communicate clearly about the plan to safely pass.
OHS MTB team members pass other bikers safely.
For same direction passing, OHS MTB team members will clearly announce their desire to pass, and will only do so once the user being passed has agreed that it is safe to do so.
For oncoming bike passing
OHS MTB team members will always yield when traveling downhill.
When an OHS MTB team member is “climbing” or traveling uphill, they are not required to yield as the oncoming downhill rider is expected to yield to the uphill rider.
OHS MTB team members will not participate in trail “braiding” -- meaning deviating off designated single-track to pass other users. We strive to keep single track single.
There are many perks to being a member of the OHS MTB team. Among these are discounts on certain cycling supplies and equipment. Review the benefits page on utahmtb.org for information.
As an original sponsor of the OHS MTB team, The Bike Shoppe in South Ogden has supported our team for over a decade. Discounts on many products are offered to members of the OHS MTB team; inquire respectfully when asking about discounts. The Bike Shoppe will also prioritize repairs and service for OHS MTB team members. Identify yourself as a team member when scheduling service, and they will do their best to accommodate and prioritize your service or repair. Be prepared to produce a copy of your NICA Registration to receive the discount.