Do I have to register for the Colorado High School Cycling League? Yes, we get our insurance for the Fall HS Race program through the Colorado league so everyone in the program must be a member. Even if I don't plan to race? Yes. for more info go to the Colorado High School Cycling League website. https://coloradomtb.org/
How much do the Colorado League Membership and Races cost?
Registration/Membership fees: $170 (non-refundable)
Race Registration (two options to pre-register):
$75 for each race
Race entry fees are transferable within the same race season
$260 package for all 4 regular season races
If you plan to do all the races, the package is recommended.
How do I register for the Colorado League?
Got to the Colorado League Rider page and click Register in the yellow box on the right side of the page https://coloradomtb.org/rider/
Follow the prompts and use the below information when asked:
Region: Piedra
| School | Passcode |
| GJHS | Grand_Junction |
| FMHS | Fruita |
| PHS | Palisade |
If your rider doesn’t attend one of the 3 schools listed, register with the school they live closest to.
How do I register for Colorado League Races?
Go to the Colorado League Registration page https://ccnbikes.com/#!/memberships/colorado-high-school-cycling-league.
Log into your account, select Race Registration. Follow the prompts and you’re good to go.
What do my Colorado High School Cycling League membership fees go towards?
As noted above, we get our seasonal insurance through the Colorado League. The league also has normal operating expenses involved with running an organization that serves close to 2000 athletes and families.
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, mountain bike specific 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. https://forms.gle/HGxpyPSGuQYyXqq97
At the beginning of HS Race Team Program, at the Parent Info night or Team Camp, GVYC conducts a bike check with each student to resolve minor mechanical problems and identify any larger safety concerns and communicates those to parents/guardians.
Where does the GVYC HS Race Team practice?
All groups typically meet at Wingate Elementary on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday, groups alternate between Wingate and Little Park Road. Other trailheads used during the week are Lunch Loops and various trailheads off Little Park Road. A schedule will be provided during the first weeks of practice. It will also be posted on the Sports Engine app and GVYC website. Coaches will communicate using Sports Engine if a location change is necessary.
Who are your coaches and what training do they have?
Most GVYC coaches are parents or local riders who want to give back to the cycling community by inspiring the next generation of riders. All Coaches with the Fall HS Race Team must hold, at minimum, a Level 1 Colorado League Coach License. The Colorado League also requires a certain ratio of Level 2 coaches and the Head Coach is required to hold a Level 3 license. Training and requirements to get a coach license include: a Background Check, First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid, Concussion Awareness, SafeSport/Athlete Abuse Prevention, Youth Mental Health, Bullying and Hazing Awareness, and Mountain Bike Skills/Concepts.
Can I ride with my child at practices?
According to Colorado League rules, only licensed coaches may participate in team practices or races. Please contact the team head coach or GVYC Executive Director (director@grandvalleymtb.org) if you’re interested in coaching with GVYC.
Where do I find a practice calendar and race schedule?
The master calendar is a here 2024 GVYC High School Team Fall Schedule that you can bookmark or add to your google drive. You will not get a notification if there are changes, so refer to it daily for updates. Schedule is also posted on the Fall HS page https://www.grandvalleymtb.org/fall-hs-team on the website, in your SportsEngine account and on the SportsEngine App
What if my child can't make practice?
In your SportsEngine account or app, you can RSVP to events and practices, just click “NO” if you are going to miss practice. You can also message your coach within SportsEngine messaging system, or post to the chat– but everyone on the team will see the chat!
Do I have to race?
No, racing is optional but we encourage riders to at least give it a try. If you are not interested in racing yet, we still encourage you to attend at least one during the season. It is super fun to watch, support and cheer on your teammates.
How many days a week and what times does the HS Team practice?
Practice is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Meeting spots may vary so please keep an eye on your program schedule!
Do I have to have a jersey?
If you plan on racing you must have a team based jersey for races. These can be purchased directly through our Team Store and are super cool! See the Team Gear tab under store. This is the direct link: https://jakroo.com/store-front?storeId=rykxKXqRp. Jersey orders are processed on-demand and generally take about 2 weeks from order date to when we receive them. You can also order bike shorts or race bibs. We’ll keep adding more great GVYC gear to the team store, so keep an eye out for new gear.
What does pre-ride day look like?
On race weekends, the team meets at the race venue the afternoon before the race and pre-rides the course together. This is an important time for Team riders to get familiar with the course, start/finish/staging areas, feed zones, where the climbs and descents are, good opportunities to pass and get some of the pre-race jitters out of the way. If the race is on a Sunday, then pre-ride is on Saturday – usually around 3:30PM. If the race is on a Saturday then pre-ride is on a Friday. For Friday pre-rides, you would need to get out of school by around noon or earlier. Plan ahead, let your teachers know.
What does race day look like?
You should plan to be at the team tent two hours before your race time to meet with the coach and warm up with your group. If your race is not until later in the day, it’s expected that you are around to support your team members, but we also want you to stay cool and rested under the team tent when possible!
How long do we have to stay at the race?
We ask that team members stay through the awards which are usually around 4:30 PM. Cheer on all GVYC athletes and help pack up the team trailer.
How early should I book accommodations?
Camping and other accommodation tend to fill up quickly, so try to book as soon as possible once the race schedule is announced from the Colorado League- usually in the spring.
Do we book accommodations as a team?
Not yet – there are several parents working on making this for future seasons.
Can I pre-ride the course with my child at races?
Only registered athletes and coaches can pre-ride the course. Some venues allow non registered riders after 5:30PM and some venues have nearby trails to explore. You can also sign up as a volunteer to “sweep” the course after pre-ride or race day, or be a course marshall which means you get to ride the course over and over!
How can I help?
We have a Parent-Volunteer sign-up link on the GVYC website (https://www.grandvalleymtb.org/support#volunteer). We’re always in need of volunteers to help with food at races and someone to haul the trailer (see below) See a need that is not met? Reach out to our parent volunteer coordinator and let them know what you can do!
What is required to haul the GVYC trailer?
A truck or SUV with a 2 “hitch. Keep track of your mileage and GVYC will reimburse you at the standard mileage rate of $.67/mile.
How else can I help out?
There are also many opportunities to volunteer on race weekends through the CO League. They have a sign up sheet directly on their website, as well.
https://coloradomtb.org/volunteer/
How does my child receive a "letter" for the Mountain Bike Team?
A “Letter” in mountain biking was developed by GVYC to recognize those student-athletes that exemplify the core values of GVYC.
Detailed letter criteria is posted here ( GVYC Letter Criteria). The basic components are:
Active participation in team events (practices and races)
Upholds the GVYC Mission and displays GVYC Core Values of Fun, Teamwork, Passion, Community, and Positivity.
Respecting GVYC and CO league rules
GPA of 3.0 or above
Documented community service and participation in your school based club.
Please keep in mind that these Letters are something GVYC does and is not recognized by the schools, D51 or CHSAA. That is taking nothing away from the accomplishments of those that qualify, it's an honor to receive one!
How do I get in contact with the school representative for my student’s team?
GJHS: Sarah Ma Withers
PHS- N/A
FMHS- N/A