Connect with the Henrico MBT Team Director, Coach Pete to express interest.
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Waiver signed by a parent / guardian.
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A mountain bike, bike helmet, water bottle, spare tube, and a tire lever.
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Meet age (and location) requirements for each race series.
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Henrico MBTTeam jersey.
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Meet age (and location) requirements for each race series,
____________________________________________________________________________All registrations and fees for that season's particular race series as each has their own requirements.
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Timeliness to practices and races.
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Willingness to learn, listen, and have fun.
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The Spring racing season starts in March, with races held April through May. The Fall racing season starts in July, with races held September through October. During racing season, the team will typically hold practices three times a week - twice on weekdays and once on Saturday. The expectation is for team members to attend two practices per week. Over the winter, we may hold community Sunday rides or “Captain’s Rides” to create team cohesion, build skills, and base miles.
Many kids have not found their niche in traditional ball sports, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t athletic - they just haven’t found a sport that appeals to them. The team is inclusive, every kid on the team gets to race - there is no “sitting the bench.” If they can finish, they will score points for the team, but it is more about accomplishing personal goals than being on the winner’s podium. If your child likes biking, they have a lifelong sport that can be enjoyed for years!
Any sport has a degree of risk, but mountain biking is considered far safer than many mainstream sports. Risk management practices to minimize danger are put into place at all practices and races. Henrico MBT is led by certified coaches who are professionally trained in safe mountain biking practices. Coaches carry radios to be able to communicate quickly when out on the trails.
Our slice of Virginia has many awesome mountain bike trails. Team practices take place on bike trails or fire roads in our wonderful area parks; typically Forest Hill Park and Powhite Park just to name a couple. The kids get to see areas that they may not see on foot, developing a real connection to the outdoors. Races are scheduled via the VAHS series (spring) and NICA (fall) in varying beautiful locations of VA.
Races are scheduled via the VAHS series (spring) and NICA (fall) in varying, beautiful locations of VA. Race schedules and locations are posted to the series’ websites a few months prior to the start of each season. However, most races are held near the Charlottesville area in order to be centrally located to competitors from around the state. From Richmond, most races can be done as a day trip. The one exception is for races that are held at Stokesville Campground. Stokesville is located west of Staunton, so many team members opt to reserve a campsite. We will typically have a team dinner and often have group rides on Sunday morning. Be aware that the campsites typically sell out, so keep an eye on team notifications if you would like to reserve a campsite.
Race days are an absolute blast. The race organizers play music to pump up the riders, and crowds cheer on everyone as they fly by. We ask parents who are available to arrive early and help set up the team tents and tables. Everyone brings their favorite snacks to share so there’s always plenty of fuel available for the riders.
No, students will always be riding in groups with an adult leading and sweeping during practices. During races, the coaches will not be out on the course, but there will be course marshals strategically placed throughout the course and sweepers who will follow each group of racers to make sure everyone is ok. Safety at practice and at the races is top priority!
Overall, the sport of youth mountain biking is typically more cost effective than many traditional sports. The race series have their own registration fees which may vary year to year. These fees cover race insurance, event expenses, & training. There is also the cost of a team bike jersey which may also vary, but is required for race events.
Yes, boys and girls are scored separately for individual standings, but the team as a whole is co-ed. Points earned by the individuals in their respective categories are totaled and the team competes against other teams for their overall standing in the league.
We use Heja ; an easy & free application for immediate group alerts. Detailed info will be shared via email through the team’s Google Group.
No, but we encourage you to try it. One of the best aspects of mountain biking is that, unlike many other sports, it is a sport in the whole family can participate. You can learn together!
Yes, we encourage parents to bike. You don’t have to be an expert rider to help out the team, but anyone participating in rides during NICA season must register with NICA, pass a background check prior, and complete NICA’s online concussion course. We encourage parents to volunteer in any capacity they are able as the team is all about volunteers - there are multiple fun volunteer opportunities outside of the actual biking as well.
Email us at henricoMBT@gmail.com