Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions?
Hey there! We're stoked that you're thinking about jumping into the awesome high school mountain bike racing world. We get that you probably have a bunch of questions, and we're here to spill the details that might not be in the official Team info flyer. Check out some team-specific info, and we've thrown in a few key points that you might not have stumbled upon online. Don't hesitate to shoot a message to any of our team members—they're all ears and ready to tackle any questions you've got.
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Sonora Composite is comprised of students from various schools, both public and private.
This program is for male and female Tuolumne County students ages 11 - 18 (6th grade - Seniors). Our team is part of the Northern California chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) which manages high school bike racing nationally.
Participation in race events is restricted to multi-geared mountain bikes featuring 26″, 27.5″, and 29″ wheels, knobby tires, and flat handlebars. Additionally, bicycles must meet safety standards and be equipped with essential features, including front and rear brakes. For financially challenged student-athletes dedicated to season-long participation, loaner bikes are accessible.
Riders are required to have a bike that is in good repair, a helmet, eye protection, riding gloves and suitable clothing. A water bottle and some basic spare parts are also a good idea. There is a registration fee paid to NICA and race registration and travel is additional. We have various forms of assistance available if required.
Parents eager to contribute as volunteers on the team can start the process by letting the Head Coach know, who will extend an invitation to join the Pit Zone. The associated costs for Pit Zone membership are $25 for registration, along with an $11 fee for a background check. Following the payment of these fees, all prospective volunteers must acquire a NICA Level 1 Coach License by completing a series of online training sessions. These sessions cover topics such as concussion awareness, coaching philosophy, risk management, and athlete abuse awareness. Once the Level 1 license is successfully obtained, volunteers are welcome to participate in any team or League activity.
Similar to many insurance policies, coverage can be intricate and contingent on individual circumstances. Broadly, the insurance included in student-athlete registration serves as "Excess" accident/medical coverage for losses and injuries sustained during team and League sponsored events. For specific details on coverages, amounts, limitations, exclusions, and more, please consult the NICA Insurance Policy Overview.
The SonoraMTB Granite Grinders is governed by a board of 7 coaches. Coaches Damon and Holly are the team directors. Coach Dan is the High School head coach and Coach John is the Development / Jr High Head Coach.
Typically 5 - 6 races are held throughout Northern California each season, Races are held on weekends and attending is not a requirement but they are a lot of fun! Athletes compete in age groups and are split male / female. There can be in excess of 1000 competitors over the two days, its big!
The season runs from December - May each year and training is generally held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (refer calendar page). Our approved training locations include Dragoon Gulch in Sonora and Indigeny Reserve in Apple Valley.
Team members actively involved with the group have the option to acquire a team jersey at cost. Furthermore, supplementary clothing items like arm and knee warmers, caps, gloves, etc., are also available for purchase.
The team relies solely on sponsorships for financial support. Sponsors receive visibility through the display of their company logos on the team kit, website, and social media.
For additional details on sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to sonoramtb@gmail.com.
Participation in team activities is exclusively open to student-athletes and volunteers who have completed Pit Zone registration and fulfilled the Level 1 Coach requirements. Parents of student-athlete team members without coaching licenses may engage in a single team event by signing a liability waiver.
