Training Basics
The NICA season starts in December and goes through May. We typically begin training earnest on January 1st. Our weekly training schedule looks something like this
- Wednesday and Thursday team ride - Saturday (or Sunday) longer ride All team rides are optional. Some kids join every ride; some kids we don't see often. Do what works for you. Team members are encouraged to self organize rides or runs on Monday or Friday. Our head coach has a general training plan that guides the type of efforts we are doing on our rides, and can provide personal plans for interested individuals. Team members engage flexibly with the ride schedule and training plan depending on their personal goals and available time. Where We RideOur weekday rides usually start at or near the Monte Vista Rec center and Bicycle Outfitters. From there we ride in Fremont Older, on Black Mountain, or on the road. We strive to set meeting times and places that work with everyone’s school schedule, and aim to be done before dark, so we ride longer as the days get longer. On weekends, we like to shuttle to locations like Russian Ridge, Sanborn, Demo, Wilder Ranch, Arastradero, Saratoga Gap, and more.
Here's a quick video about what to watch for by Isabel Schmidtke. Timed Hill ClimbAt the beginning of the season, we'll do a timed hill climb to help us sort riders into various groups. This is not a qualifier, and no one gets cut from the team. Also, we take your skill level into consideration when sorting into groups. More details can be found here
Required EquipmentThe first thing you’ll need, even if you only want to join us for one ride, is a signed NICA waiver. Just print it and sign it and bring to your first ride. You’ll also need a mountain bike unless it's a road ride. If you don’t have one, talk to us about your options. Add a helmet and water and you’re on your way. For weekday rides you’ll also need lights, we’ll send you home if you forget them. For longer rides, a snack. That covers your bare minimums and is enough to get you started. To see how an experienced team member would be equipped, check out the Woodside Beasts’ Equipment page.
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