FAQs

What does my rider need?

• A working mountain bike (kickstand removed)

• A properly fitted helmet

• Water - either a water bottle or Camelbak-style backpack for hydration

• We strongly recommend a snack for practice

• All racers need to wear either a Hopkins race jersey or the complimentary team t-shirt during the race. Most racers wear a jersey. Jersey sales open in the summer and you must order early to receive jerseys in time for the first race. Make sure you are receiveing our emails so you are alerted to jersey sales. Email us here to be put on the list: hopkinsmountainbiketeam@gmail.com

• Please reference the images above for more details, or contact the team with specific questions. We're here to help!

When are practices?

• Coach-led practices are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings riding the mountain bike trails at Theodore Wirth from 5 to 7 p.m. Time will be adjusted to accommodate school schedules and earlier sunsets. We meet at the Beach House at Theodore Wirth Parkway. 

• Optional Captain's Practices will take place on either Monday or Wednesday of each week. Our coaches are not present for these practices, but most Captains have been coaches for Loppet Trail Kids and have experience leading groups of young riders. The intent of these Captain's Practices are fun and team bonding.

• We start practicing in July and continue practicing until the State race October 11-12.

• All riders (Racing and Adventure) practice together as one Hopkins MTB Team.

• All riders are invited to various team building events, like pasta parties and Dirt Camp. Email us to be placed on the mailing list to stay up-to-date on these details. hopkinsmountainbiketeam@gmail.com

When does my rider race?

Your source for all things related to the race is the MN Cycling Association site. Look under "Races" to see a link to information for each race. 

• Hopkins MTB Team participates in four regular season races at various places around the state, plus the State race to conclude the season. The full racing series is here. The MCA will assign the Hopkins MTB Team to its four regular season races in the spring. Keep watching this site for more details, or email us to be put on the mailing list: hopkinsmountainbiketeam@gmail.com.

• Middle school (6-8th grade) riders race on Saturday, high school (9-12th) riders race on Sunday.  

• Remember:

• If you plan to race, you MUST register by August 1. (Visit our "Join" page to register)

• All racers must wear either the Hopkins MTB Team t-shirt (the team provides all riders with one t-shirt), or purchase a team jersey. Jersey sales are open during a short window of time this summer.

Can parents ride along at practices? 

Absolutely, we encourage it! We need parents to ride along at all practices to maintain appropriate rider/coach ratios. If we don't have enough coaches/parents, we can't practice. Don't worry, parent ride alongs do not lead groups on rides. All skill levels are welcome! Parents who choose to ride along with us must have a background check and a signed waiver before participating. Contact a coach to learn more.

What if my child likes mountain biking but isn't sure about racing? 

MCA offers a refund policy for first time racers. Details here. We encourage you to check out Wirth on Wednesday mountain bike races, which take place throughout the summer at the Theo Wirth Trailhead. These are fun and easy ways to give racing a try, and you're sure to see a few Hopkins riders at each race. 

If racing isn't for you, join the Hopkins MTB Team as an adventure rider and enjoy all the fun parts of being on the team (practices, events, t-shirt), minus the racing.

What happens on race weekend?

Check out the MCA FAQs here for all details. Plus, join our Hopkins MTB Slack channel for additional details about race-day specifics, team pre-ride schedules, etc.

What is the Lettering Criteria?

In order to be eligible for a Hopkins Letter, as a member of the Hopkins Mountain Bike Club, a student

athlete must meet each of the following 3 requirements.

1. Performance Criteria: Eligibility is met if any of the following are met:

a) Any racer competing in Varsity

b) Any racer finishing in the top 50% of JV3 at the end of season ranking

c) Any racer finishing in the top 5 end of season ranking for their category or top 3 in any individual

race.

d) Any racer who scores team points in three or more races.

e) Coach's discretion based on an athlete’s participation and performance over several years.

2. Compete in all races (DNF will count as athlete participation). The only exclusion would be for

illness or family emergency. Only one exclusion per season is allowed and it must be approved by the

Coach/Team Director.

3. Complete minimum of 3 hours of community service related to cycling. Athletes must obtain

approval from Coach/Team Director prior to service project start.