Eligibility
The Chargers have an open registration (no tryouts) and a "no bench" rule: everybody rides, everybody races. That means if you want to race mountain bikes with us, the only requirements are:
Must be a CCHS 9th-12th grade student in the 2023-24 school year. We are unable to accept charter school or home schooled students.
Register using our “intent-to-register” pre-registration. Riders will be given registration invitations based on a priority registration format.
Be committed to the team - if you cannot attend practices and races due to other activities, employment, or have a conflicting sport that doesn’t work, please don’t sign up and take a spot from another rider. You can review our 2024 team rules HERE.
In order to manage a team this size, we must cap membership at around 200 riders. Ultimately, if you want to ride and race, we ask that you be dedicated. We’ll give you our dedication and support in return. Let’s be there for each other.
Cost
Due to our amazing local sponsors, a large portion of the costs have been covered. That said, competitive high school mountain bike racing is not cheap, and since this is not a sanctioned high school sport, the team members and their parents are required to pick up the balance.
The cost to be part of Chargers MTB is broken down into team fees, league fees, and personal expenses.
Team Fees
$500 Team Registration Fee
A one-time (per year) registration fee to the Corner Canyon Cycling that covers the following:
Team Kit (jersey, shorts, socks)
Chargers Swag Pack (t-shirt, hoodie, water bottle...oh yeah!)
Team League Registration Fees
Coaches’ Registration Fees
Coaches’ Training
Training / Conditioning / Clinics
Race Day Support
Team Dinners/Parties
Year-End Banquet & Awards
LEAGUE FEES
$340 NICA registration and Race Fees
This fee is inclusive of all races and insurance fees. This is accessed in the Pitzone (NICA’s league registration portal) after team registration is complete. Riders are not considered practice or race ready until this fee is paid.
Personal Equipment Expenses
The following items are required for all riders on the team. Fortunately, most of the times can be used for multiple seasons and/or passed along to other family members. Some first-year team members are able to ride a family member's bike before committing to purchasing their own. All riders must complete a bike and equipment check with one of the coaches or team managers prior to participating on the team.
$1,000 - 4,000+ Mountain Bike
Let's just say that cross-country mountain bikes can be expensive. Fortunately, it is entirely feasible for a rider to nab a spot on the podium without spending much more than $1,500 on a cross country bike. Yes, that's still a lot.
Choosing the right bike is very important. Most all of the coaches are long-time mountain bike racers and/or fanatics, most of whom have spent a considerable amount of time researching and riding a wide range of bikes, brands, sizes, styles, etc. If you don't already have a bike, or if you are uncertain as to whether the bike you plan to ride is suitable, spend time talking with multiple people and collecting opinions and recommendations before you find yourself making a spontaneous decision at the local bike shop. A common mistake for new riders is buying a heavier bike with more suspension (travel) than needed. A light weight bike with about 100mm of travel is best for high school racing.
Speaking of local bike shops, we are fortunate to have an amazing sponsor bike shop Hangar 15 Bicycles, packed with highly experienced and knowledgeable employees and mechanics.
* Students may be eligible for discounts from Trek and possibly other brands. We'll provide more information as early as possible.
$50-200+ Equipment & Supplies
Helmets are mandatory. SPD style clip-in (also called “clipless”) shoes and pedals are highly recommended. You must be self-sufficient. That means a spare tube, multi-tool, hand pump or CO2 cartridge, water bottle / hydro pack, etc. As with any sport, the range of price, quality, style, etc. varies greatly, so if you are unsure, ask a coach or experienced team member to walk you through gear specifics and suggestions.