What types of Programs does GVYC offer?
GVYC has programs for all skill levels and interests to Middle and High School age riders. We have programs that offer group rides and skill instructions as well as race programs for both Cross Country and Enduro racing. GVYC also offers programs that focus on the downhill and technical skills needed to ride the rocky terrain in the Grand Valley. For more details information on GVYC programs, go to https://www.grandvalleymtb.org/programs
Do I have to be a racer to participate in GVYC programs?
Not at all! Many of our programs are focused on skill development and group trail rides. Our race programs focus on race training and preparation, but racing is not required in any of our programs.
Is GVYC a non-profit?
Yes, GVYC is a 501c3 non profit organization. Half of our funding comes from donations, grants, sponsorships and community support. Fundraising helps GVYC stay sustainable and keep program fees as low as possible for the kids in the Grand Valley. Click here for more information on how you can support GVYC.
What does my child gain from being part of GVYC?
The GVYC Mission is to develop an inclusive and active mountain biking community for youth riders of all abilities and interests in the Grand Valley. We believe that cycling is a healthy activity that kids can pursue well beyond their youth. Being outside, getting exercise, off their phones and surrounded by other like-minded kids with diverse backgrounds is GVYC’s super power. Mountain biking can be hard. Kids learn how to set challenging goals and work hard to achieve them. Through this process, they learn perseverance, determination, focus, resilience and joy in the accomplishment of hard things. This builds self-confidence, self-respect and self- esteem in the youth of our community.
What are the ages for GVYC programs?
GVYC offers programs for Middle and High School age riders in the Grand Valley.
What is the ability level of GVYC programs?
At minimum, participants in GVYC programs should be able to ride a bike and have some experience riding on trails. Please read the descriptions for each program, as some may require more experience or skills than others.
Who are your coaches and what training or experience do they have?
The majority of our coaches are local avid mountain bikers who volunteer their time to give back to the cycling community. Program Lead and Head Coaches are generally paid coaches who have a higher level of experience coaching kids and cycling. All coaches are required to undergo a criminal background check and concussion training. We are required to have a specific percentage of coaches with a minimum of Wilderness First Aid certification. Several of our coaches also have various levels of Mtn Bike Skills Instructor certifications. For more detailed information on key staff and head coaches, see the Staff page.
What kind of bike do I need? What if I don't have an adequate mountain bike?
All participants in GVYC programs need a working mountain bike with gears, trail specific knobby tires, hand brakes and minimum of 26” wheels. Bikes should be the appropriate size for the rider. Front and rear suspension is recommended, but not required. If you need support or assistance in getting a bike, please fill out the scholarship application and indicate you’re interested in finding a bike to use.
What other equipment is required or recommended?
All participants in GVYC programs are required to wear a properly fitted and bicycle specific helmet whenever riding before, during and after practice. We also require that riders carry their own water- either a water bottle or hydration pack. We highly recommend comfortable athletic clothing, spare tube, pump, a small tool kit, gloves and sunglasses or eye protection.
What pedals should I use?
We’ve found that many young riders are told they MUST ride clipped in to be a “racer” or a “good” mountain biker. This is a myth. The marginal gains in pedaling efficiency are far outweighed by the advantages of good skills. Since many mtn bike skills are based on the riders feet on the pedals, learning skills on flat pedals is essential. We recommend that all participants in GVYC programs start with flat pedals. We also recommend investing in bike specific shoes and knee pads. Some more advanced race programs may have more experienced riders using clipped in pedals/shoes, but please check with your coach(es) if you have questions.
What can I expect from GVYC programs and coaches?
How do I register for GVYC Programs?
Registration is available on our website registration page. Registration typically opens about 6 weeks before the start of the program. Lower “early bird” fees are available for the first 3-4 weeks of registration. We will announce the opening dates for registrations through social media, email and on the website news page.
Once I’m registered, how do I receive information about my program?
GVYC uses SportsEngine as our registration, member management, communication and website platform. Once your account with SportsEngine is activated and you are registered, communications will go out through their chat or messaging functions. Schedules and team rosters are available on your account page. Your program head coach will keep you posted on schedule or location changes or other news.
What do my GVYC program fees go towards?
There are many costs associated with running a large youth sports organization including coaching, administration, insurance, equipment and other normal business expenses. We are committed to keeping fees as low as possible to reduce barriers to participation. Program Fees cover about half of GVYC annual expenses. The rest of the expenses are covered through donations, sponsorships, grants, merchandise sales and other fundraising efforts. If you’d like to support GVYC, there are many ways to help!
Is there a scholarship program?
As a community focused organization, we are committed to keeping costs as low as possible and reducing as many barriers to participation as possible. Even with that, we realize that costs can be a significant barrier. If you need support for program fees, equipment or other costs, please fill out the scholarship application form at the top of the registration page.
What is the cancellation policy for practices or events?
We will make every attempt to run practices as scheduled, but sometimes weather or other factors get in the way. We'll do our best to send notifications 2 hours before the start of practice. Please make sure you have the SportsEngine App downloaded and all notifications turned on. We will cancel practice in the following instances:
Excessive heat between 95 and 100 at the start of practice
What trails does GVYC ride?
Most GVYC programs ride either the Lunch Loop or Water Tower trail systems. On occasion, programs may also ride the 18 Road or Kokopelli trails in Fruita. Meeting spots may vary so please keep an eye on your program schedule!
If I have concerns or issues, who do I talk to?
Your first point of contact is your child’s direct coach. If your concern is not addressed to your expectations, then talk with the program head coach. If you still have a concern, then please reach out to the Executive Director (add email link). Finally, if you still have concerns, then our board chairperson would be your next connection. Click here to find contact information for the GVYC board.
Is there a roster of riders? How can I access it?
There is a list of participant names in the Teams section of your SportsEngine account page. However, due to privacy and security issues, we do not publish email addresses or phone numbers. You can, however, use the SportsEngine messaging or chat functions to communicate with team riders.
Is there a carpool list if I can’t get my child to a practice or events/races?
If you need a ride, please use the chat function in SportsEngine. If it’s an ongoing, weekly issue, please contact your program head coach to help find a ride. We also have the ability to transport students to practices and races in our team van. Sign ups for travel on the team van will be sent out as needed prior to any team travel.
How do I get involved?
One of the Core Values of GVYC is Community. We couldn’t provide the programming to the youth of the Grand Valley with the support of our community. There are so many way you can support GVYC including volunteering at GVYC functions, local races or events, donating funds, coaching or just shopping at City Market. See our support page for volunteer sign ups and other ways you can support GVYC.
Is there GVYC merchandise? How do I purchase?
Yes! There are THREE ways to buy GVYC gear, all available on the GVYC Store page. Merchandise sales are an important part of our fundraising program. Represent GVYC, look great and support GVYC!
Jakroo Team Store - this is where you can order GVYC cycling gear. We have team race jerseys for each High School as well as bibs, shorts and new sunshirts. The Jakroo store is “on demand”, so orders take some time to process and deliver- usually about 2 weeks. Keep an eye on the team store as we add new items.
GVYC Merch Store- This is where we sell the merchandise we have on hand locally. Hoodies, t-shirts, water bottles, sun shirts and HATS! The store is operated by Zeffy, the world's leading platform for non-profit fundraising and sales. 100% of all sale proceeds go to GVYC. Zeffy operates based on additional “donations” added to each sale. Please note the default setting is an additional 15% added to your sales item. You can change that to any amount you wish to support Zeffy.
Squadlocker is a on-demand store where you can order GVYC t-shirts and other gear. Like Jakroo, these orders are processed and shipped directly to you, so they take some time to arrive. The catalog in squadlocker is extensive, so keep an eye out as we add more amazing looking GVYC gear!