Q. Can you join the team and ride in the group practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but not race?|
A. Absolutely. There are five races between April and June for the Spring season, and about half or more of our team will race in some, or all, of the races. Many members of our team join for practice only. You must complete a registration form, and then complete the mandatory NICA Pitzone (spring) and BikeReg (summer) registration and payment for riding with the team. Fall cross season is focused on those looking to race, and have ridden with the team, or raced with the team in at least the previous year.
Q. What is the cost of joining the team?
A. For the spring 2024 Spring season, the cost was 140.00 to join the NICA league and ride with the team (requirement to ride with us). There is also a bike registration fee for races that is around 25.00 per race. You MUST complete the NICA Pitzone registration process and payment prior to attending practices for Spring season. Summer season is a 75.00 registration fee to ride with the team. Race fees vary depending on your choice during the summer months. There is no fee for Cross as long as you were registered for one or both of the other seasons. New 2025 costs will be available in January 2025.
Q. How old do you have to be to join the team?
A. The Sharks NICA league is for 6-12th graders. The age group for our Summer program is 9-18 years old. Cross is 12 years old, or raced as a 6th grader on the team for NICA.
Q. Do you have to be experienced or good at mountain biking to join the team?
A. Not at all! We welcome all skill levels. Practices are grouped by ability level. Cross does require experience on the team.
Q. Is there a deadline for signing up for the team for the spring season? How about for summer?
A. You can join the team at any time, but following February you will be limited in ordering/receiving team kits and jerseys for the Spring season (until 2025). For the spring season, you can access an interest form here. You will receive a link to join NICA Pitzone (spring season). You must complete this and pay prior to practicing with the team. For summer information, please check here and registration process is on the same page. This is open all summer and you can join at any time. Fall cross registration is open from mid-August to the end of the season. Cross found here.
Q. What Equipment do I need to ride with the team?
A. Check out our First Time Riding with Us page to learn more.
Q. What is the race team like?
A. Races take place every other weekend from April to June (spring season). They take place all over NYS. Depending on your racer’s age group the time of day varies. There are pre-rides available to learn the course either the day before and/or the very early morning of the race. Our team has a tent and resources at the race, and everyone contributes food, water, and beverages to make the day fun and comfortable. Your riders get to spend time with their team and friends, while also enjoying the racing for the day. To learn more about racing with the team – reach out here and complete the NICA Race Interest Form. Summer racing is at the individual family’s discretion. The options for races are listed on our Summer page here. Fall cross races have some team support, but are mainly done at the family’s discretion.
Have more questions and just want to talk a human on the team? GREAT! Complete this form and someone will get in touch!