Motley Sprockets MTB Team FAQs
Updated September 13, 2023. Please note that all info may be subject to change.
What kind of team is the Motley Sprockets?
Motley Sprockets Composite exists to share the love of mountain biking in a fun, safe, inclusive environment where all student-athletes are respected and valued.
We are a volunteer-run, non-profit, co-ed mountain bike team for riders of all skill levels in grades 6th-12th; with athletes from public, private and homeschooled in Hanover County, VA. We participate in both non-competitive and competitive mountain bike events. This includes but is not limited to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) providing Hanover County youth with exceptional, inclusive mountain biking opportunities.
What is expected of a Motley Sprockets Team Member?
We want our riders (and team families) to have fun while improving skills. Good sportsmanship is a must in addition to adhering to the six pillars of character; respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. All team members must adhere to the Motley Sprockets Code of Conduct as well as NICA’s Code of Conduct.
We understand that members will have a wide range of abilities and experience at the beginning of each season. As the season progresses, if a team member shows a lack of interest in progressing their skills or being on the team, a coach will discuss options with the team member and their parent or guardian.
All participants and families involved should remember that this is a volunteer run team.
Are the Student Athletes required to race?
No. Riders are not required to race.
When are new riders added to the team?
We add a limited number of riders once a year - in June - for the NICA season starting in July. The prospective rider must be a rising 6th - 12th grade student (Public, Private or Homeschooled) residing in Hanover County. If there are slots available we may consider adding riders in January for the Spring Season on a case-by-case basis.
When are team practices held?
Practices will be held twice a week, typically on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. There are two seasons: the Fall season runs from early July to the end of the NICA race series in early November. The Spring season runs from early March to mid May. As always this is as weather allows.
Where are team practices held?
Wednesday evening practices will be held at Poor Farm Park and be approx. 2 hours long. Saturday practices will be held at various locations around the Richmond Area such as Poor Farm, Leakes Mill, Pocahontas, etc. in order to show the Student Athletes the varied terrain of the area and to keep it exciting as well.
How do coaches communicate if there is foul weather or other changes to practice or race plans?
We will be utilizing the team communication App Heja for all team communications.
Does my child have to attend all practices?
Regular practice attendance is expected. We work on a progression of skills and fitness throughout the season and those kids who attend regularly are the ones who make the most significant progress and have the most fun. Those who miss practice frequently find themselves falling further behind as we get deeper into the year. We do ask that all of our members make the same commitment that they would make to any other team or any other sport. In cases of illness, vacation, or otherwise, please contact your coach so they can plan accordingly.
Can I Play Other Sports While I’m On The Team?
Yes. We believe that the best way for kids to develop as well rounded athletes is to participate in a variety of sports and activities throughout the year. Unlike many other youth sports programs, we will never require a team member to make an exclusive commitment. The only thing we ask is that before you join the team, make sure that your schedule will allow you to attend practices, races and other team events on a regular basis. We expect that members will make the same commitment to our team that they would make to any other team or any other sport. If you are already committed to another sport on a year-round basis this may be difficult.
Will my child be riding by themselves?
No, students will always be riding in groups with adults leading and sweeping during practices. During races, the coaches will not be out on the course with your child, but there will be roving course marshals and sweepers to make sure that everyone is ok. Safety at practice and races is always the top priority.
Is mountain biking safe?
The overall injury proportion associated with NICA practices and races has been evaluated for the years 2018-2020. It was relatively low, with 2.5% of student athletes per year sustaining an injury event. NICA relies on risk management practices to minimize danger at races and practices, and continues to collect data to inform and improve NICA team risk management practices. See The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Mountain Biking Injury Surveillance System (ISS): Analysis of 66,588 Student Athlete-Years of Injury Data for additional information.
Can parents / guardians participate and ride with their kid(s) during team practices?
Yes, we encourage parents to bike. You don’t have to be an expert rider to help out the team, but anyone participating in rides must complete a Motley Sprockets Waiver, register in NICA, pass a background check prior, and complete NICA’s online courses for a Level 1 Coach/Volunteer. Courses required for Level 1 Coach/Volunteer Certification are:
NICA Philosophy, Safety and Risk Management (Required Annually)
CDC Heads Up Concussion Training (Required Annually)
Athlete Abuse Awareness Training
NICA Coach License Level 1
We encourage parents to volunteer in any capacity they are able as the team is all about volunteers - there are multiple fun volunteer opportunities outside of the actual biking as well. There are fees involved with getting the NICA certification.
What if my child is not very “athletic”?
If your child enjoys riding their bike and is interested in challenging themselves, they will enjoy the team practices. At the races, especially in their first year, most riders' goal is just to finish the race, and the team will celebrate with them when they do! Races are about accomplishing personal goals, not necessarily getting a spot on the podium.
What are the costs?
Costs per season can vary. This is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change:
Motley Sprockets Team Registration Fee covering both the Fall (July-Oct) & Spring (Mar-May) Season: $100 per Student Athlete.
Equipment Cost & Maintenance (bike, helmet, shoes, eyewear, gloves, multi-tool, etc)
Team Jersey: Cost varies. Typically, $65-$90 depending on the style chosen
NICA League and Race Fees (paid to NICA via NICA Pit Zone): Approx $300
Families may opt to spend the night at various racing venues that involve travel which adds to the overall costs. Some venues offer camping options.
Optional: Annual Parking Pass for State Parks (See link for cost).
What equipment is required?
Properly equipped Mountain Bike with a minimum of 26” tires. Bikes must have multiple gears including at least 5 cogs in the rear.
Helmet
Water Hydration Pack/Water Bottle
Where are races for NICA held?
Drive times from Ashland to the typical race locations (which are subject to change) are listed below.
Stokesville Campground - 2 hr 5 min
Monticello HS - 1 hr 10 min
Woodberry Forest - 1 hr 25 min
Miller School - 1 hr 25 min
Blue Ridge School - 1 hr 45 min
What are the different categories for racers?
There are numerous different categories in which athletes can compete; middle school, freshman, sophomore, JV, and varsity. These categories exist for both girls and boys. In most cases, your child will race according to their grade. Initial racer call-up will be decided by the head coach. After the first race, call-ups are determined by the racer’s standing in the race series.
Are boys and girls scored separately in the races?
Yes, boys and girls are scored separately for individual standings, but the team as a whole is co-ed. Points earned by the individuals in their respective categories are totaled and the team competes against other teams for their overall standing in the league.
What is race day like?
Race day is fun! NICA (Fall) set the dates and venues of their respective race series. Usually, younger middle school categories race in the morning (8:30am to 12:45pm) and the high school riders race in the afternoon (12:45pm- about 5:30pm). There is a pre-ride of the course offered early for Middle Schoolers and a mid-day for High Schoolers on race day. Teams ride together with their coaches on race day pre-rides. NICA and VAHS will send detailed info and race schedule prior to each race. There is rarely food available for purchase, so families are always reminded to bring what they need for their family. It is important to bring all gear, race plates (which will be handed out at the first race), and team jersey. Helmets HAVE to be worn at all times if a leg is over the bike. Team jerseys MUST be worn during the race & race plates MUST be attached to bikes for the entirety of race day, including the pre-ride. Not adhering to these rules will cause the team to lose points. Good sportsmanship is required ALWAYS! Each racer is representing Motley Sprockets and should do so in an honorable manner. The races start by staging the category about to race, followed by a countdown, then the horn, and it is go time! Each venue will be different in regards to spectator opportunities. The atmosphere is exciting and supportive! Varsity racers race more laps so there are opportunities for others to support them. We highly recommend planning to stay for the whole day to cheer on all groups. A podium ceremony takes place at the end of the morning and afternoon sessions with medals handed out to the top five in each category.
Do I have to get a hotel or camp the night before the races?
It is up to individual families and the rider’s schedule on race day. Most races are close enough to make a day trip feasible. The exception is Stokesville. A lot of Motley Sprockets families enjoy camping at Stokesville the night before the race there. (Reservations are required.) Alternative camping near Stokesville is at Todd Lake Recreation Area Campground (first come/first served) and Natural Chimneys Campground (reservations required). Nearest hotels to Stokesville are in Staunton and Harrisonburg.
What will I need to do to participate / join?
Fill out Student Athlete Inquiry Form
Review the email response from Motley Sprockets with FAQs attached and schedule a Zoom Call with Head Coach, Richard and Coach Erika to go over any questions or concerns.
If you want to join the team after the Zoom Call, email Coach Richard or Coach Erika at motleysprockets@gmail.com to start the registration process.
Spots on the team are limited and based on NICA Coach to Rider Ratio Regulations
Once accepted to the team riders will be required to:
Fill out Team Registration Paperwork and pay Team Fees
Be properly equipped with a mountain bike, helmet, water bottle/hydration pack, spare tube & tire lever.
Purchase a Motley Sprockets Team Jersey - ONLY if Racing
Download and connect with a team communication app Heja
Be on time - unpacked & ready to ride - for practices and races.
Bring a smile, good attitude, listening ears, great sportsmanship, and a willingness to learn while having fun!