Owen J. Roberts students in grades 6-12. Beginners are welcome. This is a great sport for everyone and your skills WILL improve!
Get better at skilled mountain biking on local trails, and ride with other teams from across the state in competitive and noncompetitive events. Opportunities also exist to give back to our trails through PICL's Teen Trail Corps.
Our “home base” is at Coventry Woods, but we also practice at and take field trips to area parks such as French Creek, Birdsboro, Warwick, Harmony Hill, Marsh Creek, Green Lane and Nockamixon.
Practices are held 2-3 times a week beginning in July, and League events, such as races and adventure rides, are held in the Fall. There are typically 6-7 league events that take place from late August to early November.
It's a blast! As you get better it gets more fun and we're here to help you get better!
Q. Who can join the OJR Mountain Bike Team?
A. Any OJR student in grades 6-12. You do not need to race in order to join our team, nor do you have to participate in every race (although we would love it if you did because they are so much fun)! Our goal is to develop safe riders with a lifelong love of riding! If your child attends school in a nearby school district that does not have a team or is within our district but is homeschooled or goes to a private school, they may be able to ride with the French Creek Composite (FCC) team. The FCC team practices and attends races and other events with the OJR team.
Q. What are the coach's qualifications?
A. Coaches have been accredited by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and are recognized coaches by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL). NICA offers coaches 3 levels of certification, levels 1, 2 and 3 with level 3 being the highest. All coaches have at least level 1 certification, which requires basic risk management and concussion training. Level 2 and 3 coaches have more extensive risk management training, and are certified in CPR and at least basic first aid. Coaches are sufficiently knowledgeable to be positive influences on all student athletes.
Q. Is the OJR Mountain Bike Team fully insured?
A. Yes, NICA provides General Liability insurance for the OJR Mountain Bike Team including coverage for
trail maintenance and repair by the club, club rides, training rides, races and other club functions such as
meetings and clinics. Coaches are covered while acting within the scope of their duties for the
OJR Mountain Bike Team.
Q. Can I participate in another sport and race for the OJR Mountain Bike Team?
A. Yes, riders may participate in other sports however academics is priority #1. OJRMTB upholds the districts policy for participating in interscholastic athletics and activities. To review the district's policy please click here.
Q. I've been on several teams and never got to compete. Will the OJR Mountain Bike Team be different?
A. We want to introduce kids to mountain biking and make it fun for all. Riders are encouraged to participate in the adventure rides to improve their skills, become more comfortable with riding, and celebrate the awesomeness of the sport with other teams across the state. Racing is not a requirement to join the team, but if competition is your thing no rider sits the bench! All riders can race if they want, and their race will count as long as they finish!
Q. What are the core values of the team?
A: The five core values of NICA, PICL and OJR Mountain Bike Team are:
Inclusivity: no bench-warmers, every finish counts.
Equality: no try-outs; everyone rides.
Strong Body: lifelong fitness and good health start here.
Strong Mind: student-athletes are students first.
Strong Character: work hard, play fair, respect others and the community.
Q. When is the OJR Mountain Bike Team's season?
A. We can hold six team events before July 1 and start practicing after that. We will practice 2-3 times a week with a lot of optional rides available on great local trails. 6 races are held during the season in late August, September, and October. During a race weekend, middle school (6th-8th grade) will typically race on one day and high school on the other, though sometimes races are just one day. We want to get kids on their bikes as much as possible and make practices fun and effective.
Q. What will practices be like?
A. With a focus on safety and fun, practices will be split up by ability so that everyone can learn at their own pace.
Q. How is this going to help me in the future?
A. First of all, you can mountain bike most of your life and exploring great trails with friends on weekends is a lot more realistic than continuing to play other scholastic sports after high school. Many colleges have Mountain Bike Teams (Varsity and Club) so you can ride and compete at a collegiate level. The Team Trail Corps initiative also can look good on your college applications.
Q. What is Teen Trail Corps Initiative?
A. NICA has partnered with IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) and REI to create Teen Trail Corps. The program is designed to educate student-athletes in advocacy as well as to encourage them to take action now and as leaders in the future. This optional leadership program for students allows cycling athletes to create a sense of community on the trails and to ensure continued access to our public land uses.
Q. How much is this going to cost?
A. League fees are generally $300, which covers registration, insurance, practice, and other team events. It is an additional $85 to have the option to attend all or some league races. OJR/FCC Team dues are $50, which cover coach licensing, team equipment, and coach practice jerseys. Team dues are waived for 2025. Team jersey cost TBD (somewhere between $50-$65 per rider, and are required for all races/adventure rides). Fundraising and sponsorships help to defray race costs, and financial aid is available. Oh, and you'll also need a bike! Many local bike shops offer a generous NICA discount on new bikes, but we do have team loaners available as well.
Q. What is a race day like?
A. It's a blast! You'll hang with your friends and make new ones from all around the state. You'll be prepared to compete and race against athletes of similar experience and skill. When you're not racing, you'll cheer on teammates and enjoy the race day atmosphere with music, friends, and fun!
Josh Wright (Head Coach)
Heather Dotsey (Team Director)
Heather Dotsey - Team Director
Andi Beth Sutcliffe - President
Josh Wright - Head Coach & Vice President
Trish Leh - Secretary
Mike Tillou - Treasurer
The Owen J Roberts Mountain Bike team is a member of the National Interscholastic
Cycling Association and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League
