FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PARENTS
How do I get started or learn more about the program?
Please read through our Team Expectations prior to registration. Then fill out a team registration form for each athlete you are registering. Once we have received this form, you will receive a registration link to formally register with NICA and the Montana League (there will be the standard variety of waivers to be signed and the state/national fees to be paid).
We will have an informational meeting prior to the season starting.
All student athletes must be registered and show as "ready to practice" with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) before the first season event. Registering with the league allows student-athletes to participate in team practices and future league events for the duration of the season (7/1 through 10/15). Student-athletes will need a registration link from the team director in order to register. You must have completed our team registration in order to receive the NICA registration link.
If you have questions not fully answered here or on the NICA website, give us a shout! Email flatheadyouthcycling@gmail.org or fill out the Contact Us page. If you'd rather chat on the phone, include your number and a good time to reach you, and our team director or one of our coaches will call you as soon as possible.
What are the costs associated with the season?
There are fees paid to the state and national leagues along with the team fee. The total fees for registration total $410 (HS) or $385 (MS).
2024 NICA Registration: $275 Middle School, $300 High School (Includes National NICA fee, State League Fee, insurance, and all race fees). Registration fees are not refundable.
2024 Flathead Team Fee: $150 (payable to Flathead Youth Cycling prior to first practice, includes team jersey)
Travel costs for races (e.g. gas, lodging/camping, food). We encourage parents and athletes to carpool, and generally camp together at the race venue, so these costs can be very minimal.
We (and the league) never want fees and/or the cost of equipment to be barrier to participating with the team. There is always a way for your child to participate. Just contact our Team Director (Lynn Foster) or Head Coach (Sam Kavanagh) to confidentially discuss your situation.
What equipment is needed for the season?
Mountain bike in working condition and correct size for student athlete. The mountain bike must have gears (no single speeds), knobby tires (not slicks) and cannot have bar ends.
Helmet (must be less than four years old, in good condition, and correct size)
We require each student athlete to carry a multi-tool, spare tube, tire levers, and pump or CO2 cartridges in case of a flat. They will learn to change their own tire!
It is mandatory to have a water bottle and water bottle cage on the bike and/or hydration pack so the student athlete can stay hydrated. A quick-to-eat, ride-appropriate snack is also recommended (bars, gels, etc. No caffeine, please!)
Please do not hesitate to ask for equipment recommendations! We work with all of the local bike shops, and may be able to help you with discounted equipment, tune-ups, etc.
When / where are practices?
Locations vary from practice to practice, and will be posted on our TeamSnap App. If you have not registered for TeamSnap with us, let us know and we'll help get you signed up. This app is mandatory (phone or browser options available), as all practice venues, times and changes will be posted there.
2024 practices begin Monday, July 1.
Weekday practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 PM. These will be held at various locations throughout the Flathead Valley based on skills focus and trail availability. We will primarily use trails at Herron Park (Kalispell), Cedar Flats (Columbia Falls), Pig Farms/Kuhns Wildlife Refuge (Whitefish) and the Whitefish Trails System.
The coaching staff reserves the right to change the schedule and we will notify all student athletes as early as possible. For both weekday practices and trail rides, we ask student athletes to arrive at least 10 minutes early to get ride ready.
What can I do to help?
This is a 100% volunteer-run group, and there are volunteer opportunities for everyone. Our team is committed to creating a sense of community and excitement around mountain biking. One of the ways we accomplish this is by asking you, the parents, to be involved! We need parents willing to ride with groups at practice (and, no, you don’t need to be an expert!) Not a rider? We also need parents to help with carpooling, travel and food logistics for races, and much more. Please reach out to get involved – WE NEED YOU!
STUDENT ATHLETES
What do I need to do to get started?
We need you to fill out a team registration form, and there will be the standard variety of waivers to be signed by your parent or guardian. We can allow you to ride with us without registering at ONE practice during the first week to check things out; a parent or guardian needs to come to the beginning of practice with a signed participation waiver for each rider. This waiver is only good for one practice. After that, you will need to be registered with NICA with all payments and waivers current.
Do I have to attend every practice?
No. BUT, we do require that every student athlete attend 50% of our practices to remain on the team. We recognize student athletes may have conflicts with other sporting/personal activities. However, inconsistent attendance will keep students from progressing their skills and fitness together.
I am new to mountain biking / do not have a lot of trail experience. Is that okay?
No problem! We have athletes ranging from those that are brand new to trail riding to those that race competitively. While we often introduce and work on skills as a team, we will break up into small groups for trail rides so that all athletes are coached to their skill level and endurance.
I want to ride, but don't know if I want to race. Can I still be on the team?
Yes! Everyone is welcome on the team, regardless of whether they race or not. The primary focus of the organization is youth development, not winning. While the majority of our athletes raced at least once last year, we had several who chose not to or were not able to race. Everyone is valued as a team member, whether they race or not.
What is expected of me as a team member?
We center all of our practices, events and races on three things: safety, respect, and fun. We will talk more about this at team meetings and practices, but expect to at the very minimum to abide by our team Code of Conduct.
COACHES
If you can help, let us know! You do not need a ton of experience or be a fast rider to coach. Just as the student athletes have varying abilities and strengths, so too do the coaches. Volunteering as a coach also gives you something to do while your athlete is on the trails and gives you a workout too!
The more coaches we have available, the more individualized attention we can provide our student athletes. This is not an all-or-nothing venture; even riding with us 3-4 times a month is a huge help.
We do not expect every coach to be at every practice and/or race. Summer is short and our lives are busy! However, we are required to have a minimum 2-8 coach-student ratio, so we base our practices around who will be there. If you commit to a practice schedule, whether it is twice a week or once every other week, it is vital that you attend or give enough notice that we can find a replacement.
All coaches must be fully registered with NICA prior to riding with the team. This is completed through the NICA Pit Zone website, and requires the following:
Invitation link issued by the Team Director or Head Coach
Registration on the NICA PitZone
Background check ($38 1st year, $11 2nd year)
Completion of online courses:
CDC Heads Up Concussion Training
NICA Student-Athlete Coaching Philosophy
Risk Management 1
Athlete Abuse Awareness Training
To become a ride leader (level 2 or 3 coach), additional online courses are required, as well as attending a Montana On the Bike Training (OTB101) and receiving CPR/1st Aid certification. We will keep you posted on availability for these classes.
We ask that each coach carry bear spray, basic first aid supplies, multi-tool, and flat repair supplies. If you do not normally carry these, please let us know before the first practice so that we can make sure you are set up.
What do you gain from all the above (besides the chance to do good things for the youth in our community)?
Insurance during practices, pre-rides, and races
Training webinars
Access to the numerous resources through NICA’s industry connections, including huge discounts on products and bikes!
Risk Management best practices studies and implementation
The how-to’s of working with middle and high schoolers
Fitness and Fun!
Access more information and resources on the NICA website.