Welcome New Riders

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome! We are so excited to have you be a part of the Orono Mountain Bike Team.  Here is a list of a few of the questions that might come up as you get started. 

What is the Orono Mountain Bike Team? This is a co-ed school sponsored sport. The practices and races are on single track/dirt/off road trails. While it is named “cycling”, the focused discipline is mountain biking. There is some riding on the road for training but the majority of skill and racing is geared towards off road biking.  

When is the season? The season starts after the July 4th holiday and runs through Mid-October.  Races typically start in late August.  

When and where do you practice? How often are practices and are they mandatory? Practices are typically held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, time is adjusted with the start of the school year and when the daylight shortens in the fall. They are held at a local park as well as a variety of trail locations. Riders are expected to attend as many practices as possible, while not mandatory, the more you participate the more you get out of it.

What do I need to participate? A mountain bike that fits and is in good working condition, a helmet and some basic tools. Most importantly a positive attitude and willingness to try something new and fun.  Additional recommended equipment would include, gloves, trail glasses, water bottle or camelback and a repair kit (tube, levers, co2/inflator, multi-tool).

How big is the team and is anyone cut or are there tryouts? The team consists of Orono students in grades 7 - 12.  Registration priority will be given to students in grades 9 -12 during seasons when coaching staff is limited.  Our team is around 30-35 students.  There are no tryouts and no cuts, everyone practices, and everyone has the opportunity to race in 1-5 races per season.

What is the cost? In addition to the stated equipment above, there is a team fee that ranges each year, but was $35 for 2025. There is also a league registration fee ($100 for 2025) and a league race registration fee of $150 - $175. If you choose to race, you need a bike jersey that will be available for purchase shortly after the season begins.  

What is the registration process? The league manages all registration for student athletes and coaches through a website called CCN.  All riders must be registered through CCN to be a part of the Minnesota Cycling Association and this is arranged through the team director.  Connect at oronomtb@gmail.com for registration details. There are scholarships available through the league.  The Orono team information and scheduling of practices through a free App called Team App.

What are the races like and do I have to race? Each team in the league will attend 5 races, the schedule with dates will be published once the race locations have been deteremined for the year. Some races are held out of town, there is some travel involved. Each rider/family is responsible to transport themselves to the race.

Races occur over two days and the exact race-day schedule is TBD, but generally Middle School races on Saturdays, and High School races on Sundays. There are categories of races divided generally by age group and gender. Each rider will register for their category and plan to race at that day and time. 

Race weekends are filled with lots of activity, so it is encouraged to hang around and cheer on your fellow racers.  It takes a village of volunteers to run the race events both for the team as well as the league. 

There are lots of opportunities to contribute to the team (bringing gear, food / snacks potluck style) and the league (volunteer as crossing guards, course clean-up, roving and race sweeps for example).

Anyone can race, and each rider receives individual points that contribute to a team total. There are individual and team awards for each race.

​Similar to all sports, there is a spectrum of competitiveness among athletes. There are some on the team that work hard towards competition and others who are just out there to have fun and be a part of a team sport. Everyone is welcome!

​How do I get started?
Reach out to the team director. Use the "Contact"  tab on this website
Get registered through CCN
Get your gear ready - bike, helmet, etc.
Show up to practices on time, ready to have fun and be a part of a growing, fun sport!​

MN Cycling Association Race Weekend faqs