Wasatch Mountain Bike Team

Rider Requirements

Equipment, Practices & Expectations

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Equipment

Mountain Bike

Outfitted with:

  • 26 to 29-inch wheels
  • Tires not narrower than 1.75 inches
  • Knobby tires (no slick tires permitted) 
  • Multiple gears with at least 5 cogs in the rear
  • Fully operational front and rear brakes
  • Front or full-suspension recommended 

Helmet

A properly fitted helmet with little to no side-to-side or front-to-back movement and free from cracks or dents.


Straps should be adjusted so that when fastened, only two fingers can fit between the strap and chin. Full-face helmets are not allowed.

Tool Bag

Riders will only be allowed to ride if they have a tool bag on their bike or in a backpack containing at least the following items:

  • Spare tube
  • Tire levers
  • Multi-tool
  • Quick link
  • Chain lube (not required on the bike)
  • Mini hand pump (not all are created equal) or CO2 cartridge and valve
  • Patch kit

Clothing & Shoes

Riders are required to wear matching team gear during races. Riders are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for the conditions and closed-toe shoes that will adequately protect the rider.

*We are encouraging (but not requiring) high school riders to have their own heart-rate monitor.

Food & Water

Each rider will need to carry the appropriate amount of snacks and water for the conditions and distance we will be practicing. Food and water is provided on race day, but not for practices.

Riders who show up to practice without water will not be allowed to ride.

Skills

Riders must be able to repair their own flat tires and minor mechanical problems during a race. If a rider receives outside assistance or tools during a race they’ll be assessed a 5-minute penalty to their finish time for each occurrence.

high school Practice Requirements

Attend practice on mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays


  • During our Practice Season (June 10-August 1st) riders must attend at least 50% of practices. 

  • During our Race Season (August 5-September 28th for Devo riders and August 1-October 17th for high school riders) 75% attendance is required at practices.

  • Recorded personal rides of at least 1.5 hours on the Strava app can be used as make-up rides when approved by ride leaders.

    High School Only: Participating in a Saturday PRP will count for 4 make-up rides.


*Failure to meet attendance requirements will result in a race suspension.

League rules

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NICA handbook

2024 rules & guidelines

ARE WE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

We are a 100% volunteer-based team that puts in hundreds of hours because we believe this team strengthens each athlete’s body, mind, and character through the life-long love of cycling. We work best with those who have a “RAD” status: who are respectful, have a positive attitude, and are dedicated.

Respectful

We work with athletes and parents who are respectful to leadership, ride leaders, trail users and respect the trails. These positions are crucial to the program existence. They act as ambassadors of the team riding safely, following NICA rules and not using drugs.

Attitude

We work with athletes and parents that have a positive attitude (no Debbie Downers or abusive behavior), who are kind to teammates and adults, and celebrate others’ success. (Zero tolerance for any form of bullying). They believe in our long-term coaching philosophy.

Dedicated

We work with athletes who show up to practice on time, are prepared to ride (working bike, tools, fuel and attitude) and have 75% attendance. Missed rides can be made up. We work with committed parents who can support the 8/1 ride leader ratio at practice or volunteer to help throughout the season.

Respectful

We treat all coaches, ride leaders, team volunteers, teammates, trail users, the trails, the environment, parents and ourselves with the utmost respect.


Follow League Rules - All riders, coaches, ride leaders and parents are subject to all Utah League and NICA rules which can be found here.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

While using the trails and race courses I will:

  • Be nice
  • Be respectful to all trail users
  • Yield to pedestrians and equestrians
  • Yield to uphill riders
  • Pass with care
  • Respectfully allow faster riders to pass
  • Announce my presence and yield until it’s safe to proceed
  • Ride on legal trails only
  • Not take shortcuts
  • Not cut new trails without property owner permission 

Safe Riding

While on my bike I will:

  • Have my helmet on and fastened
  • Control my speed
  • Brake safely
  • Ride predictably
  • Ride within my ability
  • Stay with the group

Attitude

My attitude is a choice. We are committed to do the following with a positive attitude:

Abide by our guiding principles:

  • Be >
  • Work Hard/Play Hard
  • Learn to do Hard Things
  • RESPECT each other
  • Celebrate each other
  • Be Intentional

Race

Although racing is not required, we encourage all team members to participate in at least one race. Racing gives us the chance to put our guiding principles into action. It is where we learn to be intentional, work hard, and be greater than our previous self. We feel respect for ourselves and for each other. We get to cheer for one another and celebrate our accomplishments. Racing will make you a better rider and a better person! 

Lend a hand

NICA is the largest interscholastic organization in the country; the Utah League is the largest league within NICA; and the Wasatch Mountain Bike Team is one of the largest teams in the Utah League. We need help from riders and parents to pull this off. 

Trail days

We have a responsibility to care for the incredible trails that we are privileged to ride. In addition, NICA requires a minimum of 3 hours of trailwork per rider per season.

Parent Support

 As a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, there is simply no way we can make this team happen without parent support. We require that each parent volunteers for a minimum of 8 hours per child on the team throughout the race season. These hours can come from volunteering on the team level (ride leader, member of a committee, race day volunteer) or on the league level. Those who fulfill this commitment will be refunded the $100 volunteer fee at the end of the season. Volunteer opportunities will be made available at registration, in Slack communications, and prior to every race. Sign up is required for verification.

Dedicated

We are committed to being better riders, better humans, and building a better team. We will:

Be prepared for every practice and race:

  • Ensure my bike is in good order
  • Have water on my bike or on my back
  • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes
  • Have a tool bag attached to my bike or on my back
  • Bring my helmet and fasten it on my head when I’m on my bike
  • Have any necessary food for the effort

Be Drug and Alcohol Free 

We will be drug free by avoiding smoking, vaping, edibles, pills, injectables, alcohol, and any performance enhancing substances as identified in the Utah League rules.

if anyone connected with the team isn't abiding by our RAD Code of Conduct – riders, coaches, ride leaders, volunteers and parents risk being suspended for races or removed from the team and forfeiting all fees paid.

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