Registering for Summer Mountain Bike Season
Look for more information next June 2025!
Follow the process below to register.
Program Overview
The CNY Sharks Kids Mountain Bike Team offers a summer 6-week riding program from July through mid-August. This program is designed to provide young riders with consistent training, skill development, and opportunities to race in various events throughout the summer.
Welcome to the CNY Sharks – Summer Program, designed specifically for cross-country-style mountain biking. Our mission is to:
- Get more kids on bikes
- Have Fun!!
- Help create a stronger bike community in Central New York
- Challenge by choice
- Respect The Trails
Our Vision
Every youth is empowered to be part of a thriving and engaged cycling community.
Our Values
Fun, Inclusivity, Equity, Respect, & Community
Age Group
The summer program is open to kids aged 9 to 18.
Practice Schedule
Practices will be held three days a week at different locations to offer a variety of terrains and experiences for the riders. All practices will be led by NICA-certified coaches to ensure high-quality instruction and safety. While practices are encouraged for skill development, they are optional and not mandatory.
Practice Days and Locations:
- Tuesdays: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Green Lakes
- Thursdays: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Split Rock
- Saturdays: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, rotating locations between Highland Forest, Great Bear, Tilden Hill, and Morgan Hill
Race Schedule
The team will be able to compete as the Sharks in several exciting events throughout the summer. These races will help riders gain experience, build confidence, and enjoy the thrill of competition. Participation in races is optional, and riders are not required to compete.
Scheduled Races:
- STAY TUNED
Registration and Costs
The cost to register for the summer program is $75. Scholarships are available for families who need financial assistance to participate. This fee covers coaching, practice sessions, and race support throughout the program.
Registration Information:
To register for the CNY Sharks – Summer Program, please use this BikeReg link. Anyone who wants to ride with the team for practice, rides, or race must complete a registration form/payment.
Equipment Requirements
To ensure safety and effective training, all participants must have the following equipment:
- Mountain Bike: A well-maintained mountain bike suitable for trail riding.
- Helmet: Helmets are required for all riders at all times while riding during events. This includes during races, pre-rides, warm-ups, and even casual riding at the race site.
- Hydration: A water bottle in a cage on the bike or a hydration pack to ensure riders stay hydrated during practices and races.
Team Kit and Clothing
Riders will be racing in the same kits used in the 2024 NICA season. If you need to order additional clothing, a team store will be open soon. Wearing the team kit helps build team spirit and makes it easier to spot team members during events.
Trail Stewardship
The CNY Sharks Kids Mountain Bike Team is committed to being stewards of the trails we ride on. The team will provide opportunities for kids and coaches to participate in trail maintenance and building events and projects on the trail networks we use.
Through trail maintenance and practicing Leave No Trace skills, the CNY Sharks showcase their commitment as stewards of the trails and begin building their reputation in their community. These activities not only help preserve the trails for future use but also instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in our riders.
Safety Focus
The CNY Sharks Kids Mountain Bike Team summer program places a strong emphasis on safety. We will follow all NICA safety protocols, which include:
- Wear a helmet at all times while riding.
- Riding trails with features that are appropriate for the riders’ abilities.
- Focusing on cross-country trail riding, not on jumping, drops, or other skills that increase the risk of injury.
- Ensuring that kids only ride with an adult coach, maintaining a ratio of 6 riders to one coach, with the preferred ratio being eight riders to 2 coaches.
Code of Conduct
All athletes and coaches must read and abide by the NICA Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. To maintain a safe and respectful environment for all participants, any rider not adhering to this code will be expelled from the program. The NICA code of conduct, which emphasizes respect for coaches and other team members, aligns perfectly with the core values of the CNY Sharks program, fostering a supportive and respectful environment for all participants.
Coaching and Supervision
All practices and events will be supervised by NICA-certified coaches, ensuring that all riders receive training and are supervised for their safety. Our coaches provide all participants with a fun, supportive, and challenging environment.
Enrollment and Contact Information
To enroll in the summer program complete the BikeReg Process here.
Summer Program Registration
Please complete the BikeReg process here.
Financial assistance is available! Please use this link to complete the form.
Please visit our Sponsors & Donation page to contribute to our program and share it with others who can help the team continue to thrive.
Join Our Team Email List
By joining the list you will be informed of meeting information, informational sessions, beginning of season information, and more!