Fredericksburg Composite MTB Team

When can I join the team as a new student athlete?

Before each season (January/February and June/July - inquiries are welcome at any time as we may be able to accommodate), we first take registrations from returning student athletes and then accept new student athletes as our coach to student athlete ratio allows (2 coaches for every 8 student athletes). We keep a waitlist of anyone we cannot immediately accommodate. Your student athlete can bypass the waitlist (and allow others to join!) if one parent/guardian completes the coach training and becomes a volunteer coach.

What does it cost to join the team and to race?

Team fees are collected per season (January-June and July-December) as of January 2023: $50 for each student athlete. Additional fees for student athletes who will be racing:

Team jersey (required to race): between $55 and $85 depending on the style you choose. Non-racers are not required to purchase a jersey, but are welcome to purchase a jersey.
Series racing fees: VAHS for the spring season, NICA for the fall season. These fees are paid directly to the league and are not collected by Fredericksburg Composite MTB Team.

When/where does the team practice?

The team typically rotates practice locations between Mott's Run Reservoir, Locust Shade Park, and the Quarry. Specific times and locations are found in the team's app (Heja) and are not published publicly.

When is Mountain Bike season?

We have two training seasons. The spring season runs from approximately March 1 to June 1 and the summer/fall season runs from approximately July 1 to November 1. We do hold team rides outside of the season that are posted in the team app (Heja); we ride all year long weather-permitting.

What do I need to be ready for mountain bike season?

Make sure your bike is in good working order! We have some awesome local shops who have been extremely helpful with bike checks and maintenance classes. All our practices and events start with a bike check (A,B,C,D,E,F): air, brakes, chain, derailleur, everything else, food/fuel for you!). Do your tires hold air and have plenty of tread? Do your brakes work? Is your chain clean and lubed? Is your derailleur straight and functional?

Don't worry if you don't know what these things are or how to check them! Our coaches and your teammates are here to help! Check your other gear as well. Does your helmet fit properly (replaced every 3 years or after a crash)? Do you have a water bottle & water bottle cage or a hydration pack?

Do I need to join the team to ride with the team?

Yes! Being a team member allows riders and parents (who have taken coach training) to ride and practice with us. Team fees pay for insurance, coach training, league fees, and equipment. We make every effort to keep team fees minimal so everyone has the opportunity to ride with us! If you would like to sponsor a student athlete, please head over to our "Donate" page!

What is Heja (pronounced "Hey-ya")?

Heja is a scheduling and communication app for sports teams. All team practices and events will be posted in Heja. Heja has an RSVP function: please RSVP whether you will be attending upcoming practices and events so coaches can plan for practice! Best practice is to RSVP no later than 24 hours before an event as the head coach will be creating the ride assignments for coaches and student athletes.

Heja is also the primary method by which you will be notified of practice or event cancellations - so be sure your settings allow you to receive updates!