ShenRock Mountain Bike Team

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!