How much does it cost to join the team?
Fees for 2024 include a $100 league registration fee and a $75 booster club fee (per family) to help cover our team’s costs such as registering the team, paying for the use of our communication app (TeamSnap), purchasing tools, tents, etc.
How much does it cost to race?
Races cost $50 per race, however, if you choose to race 4 or 5 races, the total cost is $150 (SuperPass). The last day to register for races is August 1.
How does the team communicate?
We use a phone app called TeamSnap to communicate practice times, locations, race information, and all other team information. TeamSnap also has a roster of all the riders and coaches. You should receive an invitation to join TeamSnap at the same time that you receive your invitation to register your son or daughter in CCN, but if you don’t, please contact us.
What do I need to be on the team?
You will need to be registered for the team , and have a working and safe mountain bike with 2 inch or wider knobby tires. A helmet is required to be worn whenever riding the bike. A Bloomington Riders jersey is also required for races so that a rider’s team can be easily identified on the course.
What if I don’t have enough money for a mountain bike?
The MN league has a loaner program. Please contact us if you have this need.
What do practices look like?
Our practices start after the July 4th holiday and a typical practice is approximately 2 hours long. We typically practice three days a week and between 6 and 8 pm on weekdays (until the days become shorter in the fall) and between 10 and 12 on the weekends. The exact date and times of each practice will be communicated through TeamSnap. We break our practice groups up into age and ability based pods with up to 8 riders and typically 2 or more coaches. We practice at the various mountain bike trails around the Twin Cities, including the River Bottoms, Lebanon Hills, Theodore Wirth, Murphy Hanrehan, etc.
Do I need to race to be on the team?
While we do encourage every student athlete to try at least one race, racing is not a requirement to participate on our team. We have a wide range of riders, and while some of them are very competitive, others just enjoy the adventure and the chance to ride with friends.
What do races look like?
Races typically start in late August and extend through late October. Races are held in a traditional side-by-side race format where a wave of riders will leave the start gate at one time. Racers will compete against other teams in their same race category. Typically, middle school athletes race on Saturday and high school athletes race on Sunday. This format features side-by-side racing with up to 40 to 50 riders in each starting wave. Each lap is typically around 4 miles. Middle school races are one lap and typically last between 20 to 45 minutes. High school races range between 2 laps for Freshman and JV2, 3 laps for JV3, and 4 laps for Varsity. Riders are given an opportunity to pre-ride the course sometime prior to the race event so that they can become more familiar with the trail before the race.
Selecting a mountain bike
This is a bigger question that can’t be fully answered in a format such as this one and you will benefit by discussing this question with multiple sources, including a local bike shop. That said, most riders are on mountain bikes with 2 inch wide tires and front suspension. Larger riders typically ride a 29 inch wheel size because of the rolling advantages of this tire size. Smaller riders, such as those in middle school, are typically on a smaller wheel size (26 or 27.5 inches). Some riders choose to ride full suspension bikes. While the advantage is a more technically capable bike that offers better traction through rough terrain and turns, the downside is added cost, weight, extra maintenance. If money is no option, then a full suspension is typically the best way to go. If you want a fast, light bike for the least money possible, then a hardtail may be best. There is no perfect bike and remember that bike fit, geometry, and weight are important factors. Happy shopping!
How can I get more information?
Please contact us at bloomingtonriders@gmail.com and we would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
More Info: Useful links
- Race Results (it’s your race app): https://www.itsyourrace.com/
- CCN (registration website): https://ccnbikes.com/#!/login
- Minnesota Cycling Association: https://minnesotacycling.org/
- Rulebook: https://minnesotacycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-Sporting-RegulationsMay23.pdf