Final 2021 Pre-season logistics
Hello NICA families and athletes!
We are less than two weeks out from our first official practice of 2021! As we prep for our biggest season ever, we wanted to send a quick note about logistics for the start of the season.
Please read carefully, as there are several action items to complete before our first practice on July 6th.
Rider Availability
All families should verify that they have completed the 4-step registration process for their rider(s) prior to July 6.
Because we have so many student athletes participating this year, it is of utmost importance that riders/families keep their rider availability sheet up-to-date. This helps us to plan our practices and manage risk with appropriate coach-to-rider ratios. We ask that families have their rider availability updated at least 24 hours before each practice/event. If you have questions about the rider availability sheet, please contact director and coach Scott Lindsey.
Practice Logistics & Locations
Most of our practices take place at Blue Mound State Park and Blackhawk Ski club, HOWEVER, several practices will take place at different locations throughout the season. Always reference our season schedule to ensure you are headed to the correct location.
For practices at Blue Mound State Park, riders will meet at the TOP of the hill at Blue Mound State Park, near the shelter. Please note that we do NOT meet at the mountain biking trailhead. When you proceed through the park guardhouse, continue straight up the hill toward the observation towers and picnic areas.
For practices at Blackhawk Ski Club, riders will meet near the West Chalet. Please see these Google Maps directions to ensure you are in the right location.
Riders should be ready to begin practice (helmets on, bikes set) at 6 p.m.; all riders will need to check in using our paper sign-in sheet so we can keep track of our attendance for each practice.
Team Communications
If you have not done so already, please sign up for our team group text messages via GroupMe. Group texts will be primarily for last minute updates regarding weather and practice status. Click here and sign up with your phone number, and save the number you receive as "Driftless MTB" in your contacts. Please keep in mind that messages sent to the group are received by everyone, so keep communications to essential messages only.
Rider Self-Assessment
We are looking forward to getting to know each rider this season! To help coaches understand where everyone is at in terms of experience and comfort level, we are asking each student athlete to complete this RIDER SELF-ASSESSMENT form before July 14th. This will assist our preparation of rider groups and help us plan practices that are fun and appropriate for all!
Team Practice Shirts
If you haven’t yet completed an order form for the team practice shirt, please do so before July 1.
Race jersey/kit orders will be available soon.
Save the dates!
We are excited to add a few more events/dates to our 2021 schedule. Please see the list below and reference our team calendar for details as they develop.
Adventure Ride: Sauk Trails with Sauk Prairie Composite Team - Thursday, Aug. 5
Trail Corps: Driftless MTB trail stewardship day - various locations; Thursday, Aug. 12
Team Relay Races: In lieu of practice - Wednesday, Aug. 18
Adventure Ride: Kettle Moraine (John Muir Trails) weekend ride & picnic - Sunday, Aug. 22
Adventure Ride: CamRock Trails with regional NICA teams - Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6
[TENTATIVE] Adventure Ride with Wisconsin High School Cycling: League-wide adventure weekend at Nine Mile in Wausau at the end of August; more details to come.
Thanks for your attention to the details in this update! For your convenience, we’ve created a succinct list of action items for you below. We appreciate your help in doing your part to help us run a smooth, successful MTB season. Ride on!
Ensure that you have completed the 4-step athlete registration process
Familiarize yourself with practice locations & logistics
Sign up for GroupMe team text messages
Bookmark and update the rider availability sheet
Complete the rider self-assessment
Complete your practice shirt order form
Save the dates for new upcoming team events
As always, if you have any questions, reach out to a team director!
