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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All answers lead to fun.
How do I make the team? Are there team tryouts?
The Tam High Mountain Bike team does not have team tryouts.
Everyone who is interested can sign up and become a team member as long as they are in good academic standing, participate regularly as a team member and are cleared by a physician to engage in sports.
The beauty of mountain biking is that no one ever sits on the bench and every single rider can participate in every practice and every race!
WHAT WILL IT COST TO JOIN THE TEAM?
(these are 2023 Season Costs)
Team Dues: $400
Payable to “Tam High MTB” and send to:
Tam High MTB
46 Bayview Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Be sure to include rider’s name on check.
NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) + NorCal fee: $100
Payable online - one time fee at the Pit Zone on the NICA website. The $100 League fee covers all insurance for team practices through the season, NICA registration fees, NorCal hours in support of our League, medals and prizes for virtual-or in-person- challenges, GRiT activities, Teen Trail Corp organized work days, number plates, and more.
Race Entry Fees: $55 (per race) paid through Pit Zone.
Team Kit:
Jersey: $0, comes with dues - Can be personalized
Bib: $111(optional)
Wind Vest: $ 75 (optional)
Race Suit: $168 (optional)
Arm Warmers: $21(optional)
Use promo code: TAMHIGHNICA to redeem your team credit of $85.
How do I then become a fully engaged team member who is allowed to train and race with the team?
Once you fill out the membership form (see the homepage, Step 1 under “Lets get pedaling”), you will be added to the team roster and distribution list. Then you will be sent an e-mail invitation from the Pit Zone by a coach via NICA. Through the Pit Zone you will pay your race fees and NICA membership, fill out important paper work and pay for individual race fees. Other necessary Tam High School forms are found on this web site under the Register tab.
No student athlete is allowed to ride along with the team without all of the necessary paperwork, including Liability Form and Medical Release. There are no exceptions. Even though you may have sent a medical release form for another sport to the Tam administration, you must submit an additional copy of the form to the Club separately along with the other paper work, and the mountain bike activity must be checked off for approval by doctor.
All those who have filled out the paper work and paid the team dues are eligible to ride with the team.
I am new to the sport and I have little experience. How can I integrate into this team?
The Tam High Mountain Bike Team is here to accommodate all levels of riding ability and experience.
We have a minimum of 6 different ride groups which train at levels appropriate to the rider’s ability and experience. Anyone who knows how to ride a bike can quickly learn the basics of safe mountain biking.
If you are new to the sport, be sure to ask your coaches, as there are no questions not worth asking!
My son or daughter doesn’t know much about mountain biking or cycling. Will they be taught preparedness, safety and the basics of bike mechanics?
Yes, many of our ride leaders and coaches have been riding mountain bikes and other bikes for decades.
Athletes will be taught what to bring to be prepared and how to ride safely on the trails and on the surface roads to reach trail networks.
What if I don’t know if this sport is for me and I want to give it a try? Do I have to commit to the full season?
There is a trial period in early January where you can give the team a try. If you decide it is not for you, you will be refunded your dues by the designated date.
That said, since mountain biking is an endurance sport, it requires some commitment over many weeks (or months) to get into shape, and this can make the difference between a very fulfilling season and a season that is less than satisfying if you do not put in a consistent effort.
Where, when and how often are team rides?
Our team training rides are held 2 times a week, Wednesday and Sundays.
Weekday rides start from the school at 3:45 P.M. Meet at the basketball court between the tennis courts and the pool. Weather and darkness permitting.
Sunday’s rides start in Downtown Mill Valley on the square at the Depot at 9:00 a.m.
How do practices work?
Starting in January, practices are every Wednesday and Sunday. These are mandatory. If a rider has a conflict, they are expected to reach out to Coach Matt or Coach Joe directly on Slack. Any changes to practices on a given day will be posted on the general channel on Slack. Riders, you are responsible for checking Slack or having auto-alerts turned on.
At the start of each practice ride, the team is divided into six groups based on ability – A, B, C.
Each group needs to have a NICA-certified coach or Ride Leader accompany them.
Ride Leaders are distributed throughout each group - one as lead, one as roam, and the other as sweep.
What do I need to bring to team rides?
A well maintained mountain bike designed for trails and fire roads- a hardtail is the preferred type of bike
A certified mountain bike helmet meeting safety requirements- see NorCal website for more details
Proper clothing for potential weather changes, especially an appropriate lightweight rain/ windbreaker jacket. NO COTTON.
Water, either in a water bottle, or a hydration pack worn as a backpack
Snacks and nutrition bars, a repair kit, an extra inner tube and pump to repair flat tire
Gloves are recommended.
A bike bell (mandatory), to alert other trail users of your presence on the trail
How many practices am I required to attend?
We hope and ask that you come to both the Wednesday and Sunday practices throughout the season. We do understand that there will be conflicts now and again.
This is important because if you only train once a week, you will find it increasingly difficult to stay with the group and your experience will become less than satisfying.
Is there financial assistance? This is more than my family can afford.
Financial assistance may be available to those in need. These are available on a case-by-case basis, evaluated by the Team Director and Board Treasurer and based on the available funds accrued through fundraising and sponsorship efforts. This information is kept confidential.
If you are in need of financial assistance you can fill out the Scholarship Application and submit it to the Team Director, Joe Kayser.
If your son or daughter has no bike, or an appropriate mountain bike, there may be a loaner bike that your athlete may be able to borrow. Ask a coach if there is one available to the team.
Trips For Kids in San Rafael has a pretty good selection of used and donated new equipment for sale as well, such as gloves, helmets, clip-in shoes, jerseys and riding shorts. Check out their inventory of reasonably priced merchandise.
How can I as a parent be involved with the team?
Involvement with the Club is one of the most fulfilling parts of this sport for any family. Parent involvement is expected. There are many opportunities to get involved with the team on multiple levels. This allows parents to stay connected to their kid’s athletic pursuits while interacting with many other like-minded parents. The feeling of camaraderie created by this team is unlike any other high school sport. Parents can become involved by:
Becoming a ride leader and riding with the team during team training
Becoming a Board member by assisting in making decisions and running the team
Volunteering in the dozens of positions available during race day
Cheering from the start, finish and on the course during races
Providing assistance with your talents that may include videography, photography, team party planning, meal planning, team graphics and artwork and more!
When do the races start?
There are generally 5 races in the season. The races begin in the Spring, usually the first week of March. Races continue with one every two weeks until mid May. The State Championships is in late May and this is the final race of the season. Once the race schedule is published, it is available on the NorCal site.
What are the Norcal races like?
They are very exciting events, run much like a professional bike race. There are multiple categories for girls and boys, and the courses are fun, challenging, and diverse. They vary in distance from 12 miles for the Freshmen races to up to 24 miles for the Varsity races.
The courses are set on a circuit that allows for multiple laps so you can see the racers coming around multiple times. The courses have varied terrain with uphill and downhill aspects which require bike handling skills and good endurance capacity as well.
Where are the races and how does the team get there?
Race venues are generally between 1 to 3 hours drive from Mill Valley and most are less than 2 hours away.
Each athlete is responsible for their own transportation to and from the events. Athletes may carpool and generally arrive the afternoon before the event to pre-ride the course.
Riders may pre-ride the course the day before and is highly recommended for all riders.
WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMODATIONS AT THE RACE?
Riders and their families are entirely responsible for transportation to and from races. As a matter of policy, Tam MTB staff may not carry riders to or from races. The NorCal League usually publicizes accommodations near the races should you decide to stay the night. Many families look for places to camp.
Is everyone on the team obligated to race?
No. An athlete is not obligated to race, but we highly encourage every team member to try it at least once. The majority of the athletes who sign up for the team do so to improve their conditioning and riding skills and to race in most if not all the races.
Who do you recommend for bicycle maintenance and parts?
One of our sponsors and team partners is Tam Bikes on Miller Ave; they give team members a 10% discount. If you have a bike that needs attention, a new part or are looking for a new bike, they are a great choice, and we hope you will pay them a visit. They have been a long-time sponsor of the team.
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“Every youth is empowered to be part of a thriving and engaged cycling community.”
NICA