Do we have to stay overnight for races?
Not necessarily. Races are held across New York State and some venues are farther from Syracuse than others. You’re welcome to travel the morning of the race if that works best for your family. When overnight stays make sense, the team will suggest a hotel for Saturday night—but families are always free to choose their own lodging or camp instead.
Where can I find race locations and hotel info?
We’ll post both the race venues and suggested accommodations on our Race Weekend Info page, and share those links via email and TeamSnap ahead of each race.
What happens on Saturday before a race?
Saturdays are optional but recommended. Here’s what usually happens:
- Course Pre-Ride opens mid-day (usually 2–5 p.m.). Riders can preview the course, practice sections, and ask coaches questions.
- GRiT Ride happens at 1 p.m. — a fun, supportive ride for all girls, led by female coaches.
Sometimes, for local races, we host a team cookout on Saturday evening!
Do I need to bring anything special on race day?
Yes — race days are full days! Be sure to bring:
- Your rider’s bike and helmet (checked and tuned)
- Extra water bottles or jugs (we’ll have some Scratch hydration mix available)
- Camp chairs for your family
- Food/snacks for your rider
- Your rider’s team jersey and layers for the weather
We also ask families to contribute food for race day. A sign-up sheet will be sent out the week before the race via TeamSnap and email.
What’s the schedule on race day?
Here’s the typical race morning timeline:
- Arrival: At least 1.5 hours before your rider’s start time
- Sunday Pre-Ride: Course opens at 7:00 a.m. (last chance to preview)
- Warm-Up: Begins 45 minutes before race start, led by coaches
- Staging/Line-Up: 10–15 minutes before race time
- Race!
- Post-Race: Return to the team tent, refuel, and rest
Riders should eat between 90 minutes to 3 hours before their start and stay hydrated throughout the morning.
How do we know race times and laps?
Check the official NICA race flyer for each event. It includes start times, race wave assignments, and number of laps by category. These flyers will be linked on our race info page and shared via TeamSnap when available.
What about awards?
Podium awards (Top 5 in each category) usually happen around 3–4 p.m. after all races are complete and the course has been cleared. If your rider is not in contention for a podium spot, you’re welcome to leave after their race and cooldown.
What happens if my rider gets nervous or wants to skip a race?
Totally normal. Our coaches are experienced in helping riders manage race-day nerves, but no one is ever pressured to race. Riders can attend the event, warm up, and decide whether to start, or just hang out and support teammates.
What are the basic rules?
NICA races and practices follow clear, safety-focused rules designed to keep riders, coaches, and spectators safe. These include things like always wearing a helmet, no earbuds while riding, and treating teammates, volunteers, and trails with respect.
We’ve outlined the key rules in plain language on our blog:
👉 Read the Basic Rules for Riding & Racing
This post is especially helpful for new families or anyone joining their first race weekend.
What kind of support is available during the race?
Coaches will be on course (or stationed nearby) and available to help before and after each race. NICA also provides first aid support and course marshals. Riders are responcible for any bike rapairs that might be needed during the race but if they can’t manage on their own, a coach or official can help but the team gets a 5 minute penalty.
Can siblings or family members come?
Absolutely. Families are encouraged to join! Bring chairs, snacks, and anything your family needs to be comfortable for a few hours outdoors.
What’s the team setup like?
We set up a few large team tents and hangout area near the course with food, tools, and space for riders and their families to hang out. Look for the Sharks trailer and tents when you arrive.
What if my rider’s bike needs work at the race?
Bikes should be checked and tuned before race weekend, but most issues that come up can usually be handled at the team tents. Our team mechanic Doug Trojan is happy to help fix any machanical issues that might arise on race day.
Can I help?
Yes, please! We always appreciate:
- Help setting up or breaking down the team tent and trailer
- Bringing food and supplies
- Volunteering for race-day roles (parking, course marshal, etc.)
Volunteer signups for official race roles are posted in each race flyer by NICA NY.
