The 2023 season brings a new program, adding to our already robust lineup of youth cycling programs. The youth mountain bike racing program focuses on a 4-race spring series of cross country mountain bike races through the well-regarded CT Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP). The season includes once-weekly Trail Blasters racing team practices and 4 weekend races where we compete against a full field of other fun-loving junior mountain bike racers. Practices and races take place in April and May. Program dates, locations, and registration details below.
This is a natural extension of our already successful Trail Blasters program and is a great way for kids to get out and try their hand at racing, or launch their season if they already have experience! Practices will focus on strategy, skills, faster-paced riding, and will be tailored to our team’s needs. Races will offer age and ability groups and will be attended by the head coach, assistant coaches, and parent volunteers.
The program is open to Northampton Cycling Club members with a racing age 9-18 (age as of 12/31/2023). While the focus is on racing, the only gear requirements are that kids have a trail-ready bike with gears, at least 24″ wheels, and a helmet.
Team Practices
Note: Practices listed here are open only to those registered for the team and race series, but other NCC Trail Blasters rides are still open to all!
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First Practice: Monday, April 3rd, 5:30 – 7:00 – Location TBD
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Regular Practices: Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7:00, April 12 – May 17
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One optional practice at race venue #2 in Farmington, CT – Sat, April 22
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Practice Locations: Locations will vary based on trail conditions & weekly focus but will likely include Nonotuck Park (Easthampton), Pine Grove (Northampton), Bear Hole Watershed (Holyoke) or other locations within 20 minutes of Northampton
Race Schedule
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Race #1 Sunday 4/16/2023 Hop Brook MTB in Middlebury, CT
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Race #2 Sunday 4/23/2023 Fat Tire Classic at Winding Trails in Farmington, CT
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Race #3 Saturday 5/6/2023 Belltown Throwdown at YMCA Camp Ingersoll in East Hampton, CT
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Race #4 Sunday 5/21/2023 Team Red Dragon at Hatchery Brook in Berlin, CT
The races are part of the CCAP spring mountain bike series. As a registered CCAP affiliate team, we will vie for both individual and team points throughout the entire series. We plan to make the races a fun time with food, cheering, and friends! While getting out to every race is not required, it is a focus and is super fun. Check out this video of Racing at Winding Trails in Farmington CT (race #2).
In addition to the program fee ($200 with scholarships available) and individual race entry fees (typically $15 – $20 each), we also require that all participants have a valid USA Cycling junior race license (free with a code we provide!), and be a current NCC member with either an individual junior ($10 per child under 18) or family membership ($55/year). This ensures all riders and coaches are adequately insured and covers the required race series costs. NCC is generously covering much of the program expenses not outlined here.
If you’re at all unsure whether your child is ready or if you cannot afford the program fees listed above, please feel free to reach out to head racing coach Ross Krause.
To sign up, please follow these steps:
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Parents/Guardians – Start here to register your child to be part of the team and pay the program fee to NCC.
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Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a coupon code to buy or renew a USA Cycling junior race license and a password for the CCAP series signup page.
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Use the code provided in the confirmation email to get the required free USA Cycling junior race license here.
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Sign up on the CCAP teams page to officially join the race series. Scroll down and select NCC Trail Blasters. Use the password provided in your confirmation email.
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If you have not already, please be sure to join NCC (or renew with either an individual junior ($10 per child under 18) or family membership ($55/year).
Coaches
Ross Krause, our head racing coach, is a licensed USA Cycling coach and will be assisted by Craig Neal and Tom Hoogendyk, our long-time Trail Blasters coaches. All our coaches are Safesport certified and have years of experience running youth programs. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
Volunteers
We’ll need volunteers to help out at practices and races! To indicate your interest, our team registration page mentioned above has a category for volunteers – please go there and answer a few questions and we will be in touch!
