Who

Owen J. Roberts students in grades 6-12. Beginners are welcome. This is a great sport for everyone and your skills WILL improve!

What

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.

Where

We practice at Coventry Woods, but also take field trips to area parks such as French Creek, Marsh Creek, Green Lane and Nockamixon.

When

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 5 league events that take place in September and October.

Why

It's a blast! As you get better it gets more fun and we're here to help you get better!

FAQ

Q: OJR already has a Bike Club do we need a mountain biking team?
A: Unlike the OJR Bike Club the OJR Mountain Biking Team will feature a safe, fun environment to learn mountain biking skills with the goal of racing in a competitive interscholastic league against student athletes from all around Pennsylvania.

Q: I'm already in the OJR Bike Club and we get to ride, why would I want to race?
A: As a part of the OJR Mountain Biking Team, we won't just go on rides… … You will build skills, no matter what level you're at, from experienced coaches who are currently racing themselves.

… You will be a part of something bigger than yourself with a goal of achieving something greater than a bike ride.

… You will be a part of a uniformed team and you can win points for the OJR team and for yourself.

… You'll be in on the ground floor - a growing team that is entering its fourth year as a part of the Pennsylvania league.

… You will mountain bike a lot, and you'll get really good at it!

Q. Who can join the OJR Mountain Biking 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 life long love of riding! If your child is based outside the OJR school district, they can ride with the French Creek Composite team, but will still practice with OJR.

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 Biking Team fully insured?
A. Yes, NICA provides General Liability insurance for the OJR Mountain Biking 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 Biking Team.

Q. Can I participate in another sport and race for the OJR Mountain Biking 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 Biking 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 Biking 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 Biking Team's season?
A. We can hold six team events before July 1 and start practicing after that. We will practice three times a week with a lot of optional rides available on great local trails. 4-6 races are held during the season in September and October. During a race weekend, race course set up and pre-rides take place on Saturdays, and races are on Sundays. 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 biking teams and you can compete at a collegiate level and, even better, Teen Trail Corps Initiative is an excellent addition to your college application.

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 cover all league events. Team dues are $50, which cover coach licensing, team equipment, and coach practice jerseys. 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.

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.

Coaches

Dusty Stone (Head Coach)

Julie Bell (Team Director)

Board of Directors

Julie Bell- Team Director & President
Jessica Stone - Interim Vice President & School Liaison
Denise Kunzelman- Secretary
Mike Tillou - Treasurer
Dusty Stone - Head Coach