Frequently Asked Questions

Monte Vista Mountain Bike Team FAQs

1.    Is Mountain Bike a club sport or a school recognized team sport at Monte Vista?

Mountain Bike is a club-sport. It had been a recognized team sport for a few years, however as of the 2016-17 season, the school administration decided that they did not want to recognize it as a team sport.

2. During what season does high school mountain biking occur?

The Monte Vista Mountain Bike Team trains and races from January to May.

3. Can girls join the Monte Vista Mountain Bike Team?

YES!  The Mountain Bike team is co-ed.  If you need a little inspiration,  this video of the 2015 Luna Chix Pro Mountain Biking Team here: 2015 Luna Chix MTB  Women have been biking a long time!  You can too.  "Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance..."- Susan B. Anthony, 1896.

4. I have not done mountain biking, but am interested.  Do I need previous experience?

No previous mountain biking experience required!  If you can ride a two-wheeler and are willing to try, mountain biking might be for you.  The coaches will teach you what you need to know, if you will put in the effort.  Most of our riders did not have prior experience.  Check out this short article on learning to mountain bike: Fun to be a noob

5. Are there tryouts?

No tryouts or cuts have been necessary.  The majority of students who come and try Mountain Bike stay with the team.  Those few who decide it is not for them withdraw from the team of their own accord.  Riding with the team would be very difficult if you were not enjoying yourself!

6. How long are the races?

Typically, Freshmen race about 10 miles, Sophomores-15 miles, JV-20 miles, and Varsity-25 miles.  Occasionally race distances are modified by the league, sometimes due to weather or terrain issues.

7. I do not have a mountain bike.  Do I need one right away?

You will need a bike and certain safety equipment, but not right away.  The coaches recommend that you do not get it until after additional information is provided to parents at the pre-season meeting.   In addition, the team has  donated bikes that can be borrowed/checked out by talking to the coach in advance.

8. How often does the team practice?

December through May, three days of biking and one day of core(usually Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday).  Practices are right after school and on Saturday mornings.

9. Where can I find more information on high school mountain biking?

See the National Interscholastic Cycling Association ("NICA") website at nationalmtb.org. See also, the NorCal High School Cycling League website at norcalmtb.org.  Note that Monte Vista Mountain Bike races in the “South” Conference of the NorCal League.

10. Where and when are the races?

The NorCal High School Cycling League sets up the race schedule and it is available online at norcalmtb.org usually in December.  Races are on Saturday or Sunday (usually alternating from one race to the next) and take place February through May.  Usually a race “season” includes about 5-6 races.  Locations may change, but past examples are: East Garrison, Granite Bay, Laguna Seca, Boggs Mountain, Petaluma.  

11. How will I know what level to race in?

The NICA Rules and the NorCal High School Cycling League will govern whether you ride in the Freshman, Sophomore, JV or Varsity race.  Your individual race results will determine whether and how you are seeded for the next race, as well as your race category for the following year.

11. Can I compete in cycling in college?

Yes!  A good place to get information on that subject would be to read this short write up by USA Cycling for high school students considering collegiate cycling.

13. I’m ready to join!  What do I need to do?

Go to the "Register" tab and follow the registration instructions!