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ShenRock Mountain Bike Team

Empowering young adults for a lifetime of bicycle adventures.

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About the Team

ShenRock Mountain Bike Team is an interscholastic youth mountain bike team in the Shenandoah Valley consisting of boys and girls from local public, private, and home schools. The team participates in friendly and competitive mountain bike events against other surrounding teams.

Spring ShenRock Season (ages 9-18)

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REGISTER FOR THE SHENROCK SPRING 2024 SEASON

Registration for the spring 2024 season closes April 1st, 2024.

Key Dates (2024 spring season)

Bike Maintenance Class

Thursday, March 14th from 6:30-8pm
The class will be geared more towards younger / newer riders. We’ll talk about basic bike maintenance and some things to keep in your tool kit on rides. Everyone is encouraged to bring their bike. We’ll split into groups and go over how to change a flat tire and other trail-side fixes. ShenRock riders, parents, and coaches welcome! We’ll meet at Shenandoah Bicycle Company in downtown Harrisonburg.

Please RSVP to the Bike Maintenance Class

Coaches Only Practice

Tuesday, March 19th from 5:30-7:30pm
Coaches ONLY practice at the Massanutten Western Slope.

New Rider Orientation

Tuesday, April 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm
New rider orientation at the Massanutten Western Slope is an opportunity for coaches to connect with newcomers and for riders to meet some of their teammates. Participants should come ready for a ride, bringing their bikes, helmets, water, etc. During the orientation, we conduct bike checks, discuss practice expectations, and conclude with a brief group ride. We strongly recommend that all new riders to ShenRock take advantage of the new rider orientation.

First Practice

Thursday, April 4th at 5:30pm
First full team practice at the Massanutten Western Slope!

Last Practice

Thursday, May 30th at 5:30pm
Last team practice at the Massanutten Western Slope.

Practices

Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday. The first practice of the 2024 Spring Season will be Thursday, April 4th and the last practice will be Thursday, May 30th. Practices take place on the Western Slope of Massanutten.

  • Elementary school age groups ride from 5:30 pm – 7 pm
  • Middle and high school age groups ride from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Races

For our spring race series, we participate in the Virginia High School Mountain Bike Series. We also participate in other various events, rides, and volunteer opportunities in our community.

Race opportunities in our area: Spring 2024 MTB Races

Fall ShenRock Season (ages 9-18)

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Key Dates (2023 fall season)

Thursday, August 10th from 6:30-8:30pm
A chance to meet the team and get information. We will be gathering at Smiley’s Ice Cream in Bridgewater!

Tuesday, August 22nd from 5:30-7:30pm

  • NEW rider orientation at the Massanutten Western Slope.
  • Coach’s Practice on the Massanutten Western Slope.

Thursday, August 24th at 5:30pm
First practice at the Massanutten Western Slope.

Thursday, August 31st
Last day to register for the ShenRock Fall Season.

Practices

Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday. The first practice of the 2023 Fall Season will be Thursday, August 24th and the last practice will be Thursday, October 26th. Practices take place on the Western Slope of Massanutten.

  • Elementary school age groups ride from 5:30 pm – 7 pm
  • Middle and high school age groups ride from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Races

For our fall race series, we participate in the Virginia High School Cycling League sanctioned by NICA. We also participate in other various events, rides, and volunteer opportunities in our community.

NICA Race Schedule

Meet the Coaches

Nathan Beyeler
Coach

Nathan Beyeler

Nathan, his wife Karen, and their four children moved to the Valley in the fall of 2011. After an injury, requiring multiple surgeries, forced him to hang up his long distance running shoes, Nathan pulled out his mountain bike and hit the trails at Hillandale, rediscovering a love from when he was in high school. The Beyeler family connected with Shen-Rock in 2016 with their eldest son joining the team, and Nathan joining on as a ride-along volunteer. The team was exactly what the Beyelers were looking for. The twin boys joined when they turned 9, and now their sister will be joining in the 2020 spring season. Mountain biking has become a family passion. Nathan has had increasing responsibility on the team since joining and has been a ride leader for multiple seasons. From 2020-2023 Nathan took on the role of head coach! In 2019, with the help of many, Nathan accomplished his goal of finishing the SM100.

Before heading to his day job at Merck in Elkton, Nathan can be found at 5:00am on the Western Slopes trails.

Paul Johnson
Skills Coach

Paul Johnson

Paul has been involved with ShenRock since 2016 when his son, Andrew, decided to join the team. Now, the entire Johnson squad is part of the ShenRock group. What was originally an excuse to go ride his bike has turned into a lifestyle that the whole family enjoys. Paul has been riding mountain bikes since before there were mountain bikes. In his younger days, he led multiple bike packing trips on the C&O canal and mountain bike camps at Camp Eder in PA. Since moving to the Valley in 2008, he has rekindled his love of mountain biking and enjoys sharing the biking lifestyle with the next generation. If you’re ever on the Western Slopes and hear “WAY TO GO PAUL”, rest assured, something awesome just happened.
Whether building world-class mountain bike trails, making our communities more bike-friendly, or improving access for all the residents of the Valley, I believe that we have the opportunity to continue to build the SVBC into an organization that can achieve great things. I am excited about what the future holds and grateful for all the work that has made the Shenandoah Valley a great place for bicycling.
Kristin Gibson
Coach

Kristin Gibson

Kristin has been an Assistant Coach (NICA Level 1) with ShenRock since 2023. She is a purely recreational rider who enjoys hitching her bike on the back of her family's camper van and learning something new every ride. She got involved in Shen Rock because she enjoys riding with new elementary riders, encouraging them as they learn this amazing life-long sport, and also cheering at bike races. She aims to keep positive group vibes and help kids build confidence in doing hard things and making good decisions. Her son Brady participates with ShenRock...Mom is faster uphill and he's faster downhill so it all balances out! Kristin also volunteers with Shen Rock to ensure coach certifications are up-to-date and maintains the coaching roster for each practice. Being somewhat newer to the sport, she knows MTB can be quite intimidating and welcomes any questions you might have about becoming a coach at !

How to Join

Registration is open until April 1st! Register for the ShenRock Spring 2024 season by tapping on the button below.

Register for the ShenRock Spring 2024 Season

Note that there is a rider registration fee and two waivers that need to be signed.

Registration Fee

ShenRock Rider Fee

The rider fee directly supports ShenRock. These funds are used to purchase new radios, restock the first aid kits, and acquire other needed supplies for the season. Please pay the $50 Rider Fee Today.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

New Riders

Does my rider need previous mountain biking experience?

There are a variety of levels on the team. If you would like more information, contact us and give us the specifics. We want to grow youth cycling and make sure we get more kids on bikes. We are flexible and happy to help make the team work for your rider.

Does my rider need a bike?

Yes. Your rider should have a mountain bike. At this time we do not have loaner bikes specifically for the ShenRock Team. BUT do not let the lack of a bike hold you back. Reach out to us if you need help tracking down an affordable bicycle for your youth rider.

Does my rider need specific clothes or shoes?

Riders need to wear athletic wear. There is no need for special pedals or shoes although some team members use them. ShenRock jerseys are available for purchase but are only required for races. You can view and purchase all ShenRock merchandise via our online store.

Does my rider need a helmet?

Helmets are mandatory for all riders. Please ensure your rider has their own helmet, they will need it to ride.

When selecting a helmet for youth mountain bikers, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and proper fit. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Safety Standards: Look for helmets that meet or exceed recognized safety standards. Virginia Tech provides an independent helmet rating system https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html that you may find useful.
  2. Fit: A well-fitting helmet is essential for maximum protection. Ensure that the helmet sits level on the head, covers the forehead, and is snug but not too tight. It should have adjustable straps for a secure fit.
  3. Ventilation: Mountain biking can be physically demanding, so choose a helmet with adequate ventilation to keep the rider cool during rides.
  4. Visor: A visor can help shield the eyes from the sun, improving visibility on the trail.
  5. Replace after Impact: Helmets are designed for one-time impact. If a helmet has been involved in a crash, it should be replaced, even if no visible damage is apparent.

What equipment do riders need?

We encourage riders to equip themselves with essential gear to foster self-reliance and a sense of responsibility for their own well-being on the trail.

Here’s a list of items to consider carrying:

  1. Helmet: A properly fitting helmet is a must for safety. Choose one that meets safety standards and provides adequate coverage.
  2. Bike: A suitable mountain bike in good working condition is essential. Ensure that tires are properly inflated, brakes are working, and gears are shifting smoothly.
  3. Repair Kit:
    • Multi-tool: For basic adjustments and repairs on the trail.
    • Tire repair kit: Includes tire levers, a spare tube, and a patch kit.
    • Pump or CO2 inflator: To inflate tires if they go flat.
  4. Hydration:
    • Water bottle or hydration pack: Staying hydrated is crucial during rides, especially on hot days and longer trails.
  5. Protection:
    • Gloves: Protect hands from blisters, scrapes, and provide better grip on the handlebars.
    • Knee and elbow pads: Extra protection in case of falls or collisions.
  6. Clothing:
    • Appropriate clothing: Wear moisture-wicking clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Consider a lightweight and breathable jersey and padded shorts for comfort.
  7. Eyewear:
    • Protective eyewear: Protect eyes from branches, debris, and the occasional insect.
  8. Footwear:
    • Sturdy cycling shoes: Provide grip on the pedals and support for the feet.
  9. Nutrition:
    • Energy bars, chews, or snacks: Provide a quick energy boost during longer rides.

What is “new rider orientation”?

The ‘New Rider Orientation’ serves as an opportunity for coaches to connect with newcomers and for riders to meet some of their teammates. Participants should come ready for a ride, bringing their bikes, helmets, water, etc. During the orientation, we conduct bike checks, discuss practice expectations, and conclude with a brief group ride. We strongly recommend that all new riders to ShenRock take advantage of the new rider orientation.

Practices

When and where are the practices?

When:
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the team ready to roll at 5:30pm and (depending on age group) returning at either 7:00 or 7:30pm.

Where:
Practices are at Massanutten Western Slope: 4360 Happy Valley Rd, Keezletown, VA 22832

Are practices required?

Attending practices is highly encouraged and regular attendance is expected. Riders should come to as many practices as they can. We know that there are many competing interests for youth sports and hope your rider can join us for the vast majority of our practices.

Are practices canceled due to inclement weather?

Practices typically happen no matter the weather. Practice cancelations and updates are communicated via the ShenRock TeamSnap app.

 

Is there transportation to get riders to and from practice?

There is no consistent transportation to and from practice. You are responsible for getting your rider to and from practice.

Racing

What are the differences between the Fall and Spring race season?

We welcome riders as young as 9 years of age to participate in practices during both ShenRock seasons. However, the age requirements for racing differ between the two seasons. The Fall season (NICA) is exclusively middle school and high school, while the Spring Season (USA Cycling) includes an Elementary school tier, which is 9 years and older.

When do the seasons start and stop?

The exact start and stop dates for the season are decided on as the season gets closer to starting. However, the Spring season generally runs from the middle of March to the end of May. The fall season generally runs from the middle of August until the end of October.

How do the races work? Are they mandatory?

There are team races in both the fall and spring season, but the races are OPTIONAL. You can learn more about the races themselves by visiting the Virginia High School Cycling League – NICA (Fall) and Virginia High School Mountain Bike Series – USA Cycling (Spring) web sites.

Is there transportation to get riders to and from races?

There is no consistent transportation to and from the races. You are responsible for getting your rider to and from races. You can work with other parents to try to arrange carpools via the ShenRock TeamSnap app.

Other Questions

How much does it cost?

Annually:

  • SVBC membership: $45 for a family membership
  • Massanutten Trail Pass: commit to volunteering 6 hours to trail work or donate $50 to the Coalition. We try to have a trail work day during each season, which counts towards the riders trail work commitment!

Seasonally:

  • ShenRock Rider Fee: $50
  • Additional fees are required if your student-athlete decides to race. These fees are collected by the race leagues.

How do I get updates from the team after we join?

After you register, you will be invited to the ShenRock TeamSnap app, which is where all official communication for the team happens.

How can I help?

ShenRock operates entirely with the support of volunteers, and we welcome additional assistance with various roles, such as:

  • Checking riders in and out of practices.
  • Tending the pavilion during practice to facilitate radio communication and be available if a rider needs to come down early.
  • Coaching (requires NICA certification, which we can help you with!).
  • Please reach out if you would like to help in some other way!

Can parents/adults ride with their kids?

All adults (including parents and guardians) that ride with the team during formal practices are required to have a minimum NICA Level 1 certification which covers a background check and baseline risk management awareness (expect 4-6 hours of online training). Please feel free to reach out to for information on how to become NICA certified.

How can I become a coach?

ShenRock welcomes new coaches who are interested in helping to develop youth riders! You do not need to be a professional mountain bike rider to be a coach, but you should have sufficient experience so that you can focus your energy primarily on the youth rider (the primary goal of practices is not a training ride for the coaches). Coaches must be 18 years or older, able to commit to showing up to practice on time, and willing to communicate in advance if unable to attend.

Coaches must be certified and take all appropriate training prior to riding with ShenRock.The team utilizes the NICA Pit-Zone tracking system and training resources for coach registration and certification across both seasons. There are three levels of coaching (Level 1 – Assistant Coach, Level 2 – Ride Leader, Level 3 – Head Coach). Adults/parents that ride with the team during the formal practices are required to have a minimum Level 1 certification which covers a background check and baseline risk management awareness (expect 4-6 hours of online training). Coaches have access to benefits/discounts through NICA and the opportunity to make a major impact on young riders in our community!

If you are interested in becoming a coach, please fill out the ShenRock Coach Interest Form!