Races & Travel

Races are an all day event! Some of the races require staying overnight, and before every race the team pre-rides the course to get a feel for it. Because some of the races are on Saturday, this often means missing blocks three and four on Fridays. Please make sure your teachers know this so they can excuse your absence. Parent volunteers will usually work together to book hotel rooms for the team to stay in, please update your TeamSnap and look for the email from whoever is booking the rooms so they know how many rooms to reserve.

WHEN THE RACES ARE
The Norcal High School races generally start at the end of February and end with state championships in mid-May.

GETTING TO THE RACES
The most up-to-date race info can be found on NorCal’s site. Many riders choose to travel with family to pre-ride the course, but carpools can be arranged. Check TeamSnap for more info!

WHAT TO BRING
Check out the Rider Race Check List for what we recommend riders should bring with them. This is not a complete list, since all riders have their own needs, but it is a good place to start.

Riders should use non-caffeinated GU, Shotbloks, or any other preferred quick food during the race. Remember to drink fluids after eating these products. NO caffeine products are allowed in accordance to NICA regulations. There are some easy “tear off” techniques for GU packets (screwed into the water bottle lid or taped to your bike). Talk to some of the more experienced riders or your coaches for tips and tricks.

Be sure to keep track of your race/number plate. You will use the same plate all season. Remove it from your bike before you drive home and put it in the same place after every race. If you lose your plate you will have to pay a fee to replace it.

WHERE TO STAY
Here is a list of where the team typically stays during race weekends.  The team will reserve a block of rooms. We will send out an email with a form to sign up for a room and food.

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP SHEET
It takes a village to make a race day happen. There are a lot of tasks that need to be done each race day to support our riders. Many hands make light work so note the race schedule on your calendar now and plan to spend a fun day at the races!

FOOD SIGN UP SHEET 
We’re at the races all day so we racers and support staff need to be fed. The team uses SignUp Genius to keep us organized. Look for emails and sign up early!

THE COURSES
The course maps can be found at norcalmtb.org under the race flyers for each event. Email Coach John for a link to course maps from the past.