About the team

Eligibility

The team is for kids in 6th to 12th grade. No previous racing experience is required, general on-bike confidence is essential. Residents of Yonkers, Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, and beyond are all welcome. The team is co-ed and we are looking forward to welcoming girls and boys. For those who may not be aware, there's a great national community of young female bikers: GRiT (Girls Riding Together). Check it out!

Race Season

Our NICA recognized team races each spring in a series of weekend competitions roughly April through June. It's a great way to blow off the cobwebs and get in shape for the summer. (NICA registration is required of all riders before the season starts. All details will be shared by email/ at parents’ meeting.) The spring racing schedule is encouraged but not mandatory, you're welcome to come ride/practice and be on the team even if you're tentative about joining the races. Races are also a la cart, meaning each race registration is independent, so if you have plans you can sign up for one but not another.

Training Schedule

Training begins indoors, at your own home, or on your own time with practice suggestions by Stan Avedon and check-ins at Hastings Velo on Main Street. Once the frost breaks, practice is organized 2-3 days a week, one or two after-school and once on the weekend (weather and parent/coach dependent). In order to get a full practice schedule, we will need additional parent volunteers to ride with the kids. That is dependent on interest, so please spread the word.

Volunteering

We're actively seeking parent volunteers to supervise rides (a great way for you to get in shape too) and to volunteer for events in the spring. A simple online coaching program is available through NICA and can be used to bring any parent to get up-to-speed on what you need to know to keep our kids safe on the trails.

Location

Once the weather is good enough, we'll be out on the aqueduct and other trails in the area (generally between Hastings and just north of Tarrytown). Races are regional and range from nearly local (Valhalla, NY) to 2-3 hours upstate (Grafton Lakes or Norwich, NY).

Family Rides

We are working to put together a few different options for biking in the Rivertowns this spring (and going forward). In addition to the 6-12th grade team, we are keen to get some family rides going. Parents will need to be with those not yet in 6th grade.

And more…

And it's not just about riding, your kids will have an opportunity to also learn about bike safety and repair as well as trail maintenance. As you know, biking is a great full-family and lifelong activity. The team will also build camaraderie between old and new friends.