Pittsburgh West Composite Mountain Bike Team
2022 Season Information
There are currently 29 state leagues operating across the United States as part of the NICA program (National Interscholastic Cycling Association), each consisting of co-ed riders from 6th to 12th grades.
Race categories include Middle School, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. The team can be recognized by the district as a club sport.
Races will be held across the state on weekends throughout the fall. The Pennsylvania league has grown to over 33 teams from across the state, drawing over 500 riders and 1000 spectators at each race. The League expects even more kids to be involved in 2022!
Although mountain biking carries with it inherent risks, the team and the league take every
possible steps to manage and mitigate those risks. At every practice and every race, we strive to fulfill NICA’s Mission to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling!
When: July 1st- thru end of October.
Practices are held throughout the summer and fall, typically two evenings during the
week, as well as Saturday group rides. Races are held September-October (see schedule below). Adventure and race weekends take place over Saturday and Sunday.
Who: Boys and Girls 6th-12th grade who reside in the West Hills of Pittsburgh including the Moon Area, West Allegheny, Quaker Valley, Cornell, Avonworth, North Hills, North Allegheny or from a neighboring school district that does not have a team (students may attend other private, Cyber, or Charter schools).
Where: Most practices are held at Hollow Oak Land Trust/Moon Park in Moon Township. There will also be a few other locations to give us some variety.
Cost:
$300 PA All-In League Fee (covers practices and all race and adventure fees)
- $200 Practice-Only option for those who don’t wish to participate in statewide events
- $125 Statewide Event add-on for all statewide events
- $45 individual statewide event option
- No-fee PayPal monthly payment option available
$150 Team Dues
- Includes team kit (race jersey, socks, t-shirt)
- Dues waived if student secures $250 or more in sponsorships prior to registration
- Dues will be refunded if student secures $250 or more in sponsorships AFTER dues are paid AND sponsorship checks have been received by the team Treasurer
Contact Information
● Team Director: Christopher Rolinson crolinson@gmail.com
● Head Coaches: Traci Judge, Nicholas Troiani, Jordan Villela
● Email PWC Team pittsburghwestmtb@gmail.com
● Team Website http://www.pittsburghwestmtb.org
● NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association): http://www.nationalmtb.org/
● PICL (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League): http://www.pamtb.org/
Look us up on our team website (www.pittsburghwestmtb.org), Facebook, and Instagram.
Other sites:
● Strava:
● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pittsburghwestmtb
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pittsburghwestmtb/
Coaching/Volunteering:
We encourage parents to help as volunteers, ride leaders, sweepers, and coaches. You don’t
have to be an expert rider to help out on rides. All coaches undergo background checks and receive training, both online and in-person from veteran coaches. We maintain a ratio of no more than 6-8 kids per adult leader and are well supervised throughout rides and practices, yet kids experience the freedom of getting out on the trail system. Most of our coaches (at least one in every ride group, as required by the league) are basic first aid and CPR certified, several with league-specific wilderness first aid certification.If you’re not interested in riding but still wish to be involved, we have a number of responsibilities we need help with throughout the season that don’t involve riding a bike. Contact us anytime if you are interested in helping in any capacity.
Equipment:
There are a number of reputable bike shops in the Pittsburgh and surrounding area that offer high-quality bikes, repairs, and expertise. All of the local shops know us and most will offer team or league discounts.
Required:
● Cross Country (XC) Mountain Bike - No bar ends, reflectors or kickstands. The bike should have 9-12 gears, shift well, and have good brakes. We would caution you against chain store bikes (such as Walmart, Target, Dick’s) as they are heavy and can easily break down quickly. You’ll spend more on parts and repairs with these types of bikes. Prices for a good, new bike will start around $500. Your local bike shop might also have used bikes that are well-maintained. Specialized Bikes and Trek bikes offer special discounts to team members, ask the Store Manager for details.
● Helmet - Make sure it fits well and has no cracks. Replace immediately if any cracks are visible. We will help adjust helmet fit if needed. We typically have a spare or two at practice for emergency situations.
● Good Shoes - No sandals or open toes shoes. Cycling shoes/clipless pedals are not necessary.
● Water Bottle & Cage on Bike or Hydration Pack - required for each practice and race.
● Team Jersey - Required to race (included in team dues)
● Face Covering - Required while we’re stationary (subject to change as state and local guidelines change) Recommended: Please ask first before buying
● Bike Gloves - Highly recommended - prevents injury in the event of a fall.
● Safety Glasses - Clear glasses are best, sunglasses are ok, but the trails can be dark in some areas and harder to see in the woods
● Bike Shorts - Padded shorts can be worn under regular gym shorts. Some kids like to wear the “bib” style bike shorts, others like the padded shorts with baggy riding shorts on top (it comes down to personal preference/comfort)
Team Structure
● Recreational - There is no requirement for riders to race. Our main goal is to get kids on bikes and in the outdoors having fun riding. In addition to practices, we have weekly group rides, and the league will host three adventure weekends throughout the season.
● Race Team - Anyone on the team can race. We will attend all statewide events and high school riders will accrue points per race as individuals as well as for the team throughout the season. Middle school riders will score team points and individual points for that race only, but will not accumulate individual season totals. The top 5 finishers in most categories will receive medals during the post-race podium ceremony. All new riders will be assessed by the coaches in 8 skill areas to determine their race eligibility and appropriate race category despite
previous experience outside the league.
THERE IS NO BENCH IN MOUNTAIN BIKING!
Statewide Event Schedule (subject to change)
Race & Adventure Weekend Sept. Grinnin’ at Granite, Granite Hill Campground, Gettysburg, PA
Race & Adventure Weekend Sept. Boyce Big Ring, Monroeville, PA
Race & Adventure Weekend Oct. Fair Hill PICL Rally, Fair Hill Nature Preserve, Elkton, MD
Race & Adventure Weekend Oct. Johnstown Showdown, Johnstown, PA
Adventure Weekend Oct. Raystown Radness and PICL Jam, Raystown Lake, PA
The Pittsburgh West Composite MTB team also participates in community Trail Love Mondays at Hollow Oak Land Trust as part of the Teen Trail Corps Program. Each team member is expected to volunteer several hours throughout the season. NICA strongly believes that student-athletes should have the opportunity to be good stewards of trail systems and serve and give their time towards bike related advocacy activities. In 2020, our team volunteered over 200 hours of service.
How to Sign Up- Registration opens on April 1st for the 2022 season
● Visit www.pittsburghwestmtb.org and pay team dues.
● Returning student-athletes should visit https://pitzone.nationalmtb.org/ and register for the PA League and pay state and national league fees.
● New student-athletes that have not previously participated in the league will receive an invite to the Pit Zone within a few days of paying the team dues.
● Within a few days of paying team dues, you will be added to our Team Snap account for team communications.
Have Questions? Contact us or Check the team website for dates and times.