FAQs

  • WHAT TYPE OF TEAM IS THIS?

    The Fairfax Fat Tire Flyer mountain bike team is a middle school cross country mountain bike racing team which is affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). NICA is the licensing and organizing body for the high school racing program and NorCal is the local NICA league.  Riders will need to register with NorCal and NICA to join. 

  • WHO CAN JOIN?

    The team is a composite club, not affiliated with a particular school, inviting 6th, 7th and 8th graders of all genders from the Ross Valley area (San Anselmo, Fairfax and neighbors) to participate.

    The team does not have team tryouts and every rider can participate in every practice and every race!

    We plan to accommodate all levels of riding ability and experience.  That said, mountain biking is an endurance sport that requires effort to improve.  Given the local geography, every mountain bike ride will require significant climbing and physical effort.  Mountain biking is hard but rewarding!!

  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

    HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

    This is a not-for-profit program but there are costs to participate. Costs include:

    NICA and NorCal registration fees about $100

    Race registration fees $55 per race

    Team uniform costs (~$75)

    Team dues are $425. Team dues will cover team insurance and operating costs, as well as coach training, licensing and travel, and a coach stipend for practice and race participation.

    Financial assistance may be available to those in need. Please contact the coaches to discuss.

  • WILL THEY LEARN ABOUT BIKE SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE?

    We will teach every rider how to use all the tools we require them to bring. We also work with every rider on form, technique and etiquette on and off the trail.

  • WHAT DOES A TEAM RIDE LOOK LIKE?

    Each team ride is 2.5-3 hours long and 10-15 miles. We ride with one coach in the front, one coach sweeping, and the rest mixed into the middle. When we go through intersections we have someone direct everyone safely through. We like to stop once for a longer break with a snack but we regularly re-group throughout our rides.

    Our rides range from a Flow Trail Lap, to a ride to the West Point Inn.

  • CAN WE GIVE IT A TRY?

    Students and parents are welcome to join us for a ride before joining the team provided you complete the following NICA release of liability form:

    https://www.nationalmtb.org/agreement-to-participate-and-release-of-liability-form/

  • WHAT DOES MY RIDER NEED ON A TEAM RIDE?

    Every rider MUST have-

    Tube that fits their wheels

    Patch Kit/ Plugs

    CO2 cartridges & inflation adapter

    Multi-Tool

    Pump

    Light packable Rain Jacket

    Snacks

    Water

    Water

    Water

  • IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

    Yes, please email fairfaxflyersmtb@gmail.com

  • WHAT DOES A RACE WEEKEND LOOK LIKE?

    Friday-

    Leave by x to arrive to race venue by 3pm

    Change into bike clothes and pre-ride

    Team dinner

    Hotel/Camping early bed time

    Saturday-

    Be at race venue by 10am

    Team Meeting at 11am

    Junior Devo races from 2:30-4:15

    Podium at 6pm

    Drive home!

  • WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR NEW BIKES AND MAINTENANCE?

    Our amazing sponsor Sunshine Bicycles in Fairfax will always help you find what you need and give all Flyers and family a discount. You might find some Archie Williams HS riders in the working on bikes in the back!