Saturday practice cancelled

No practice tomorrow - Saturday. Three of our coaches are in NICA training and not enough parents are available. Next practice Tuesday evening. Same place and times as last night. Drivers and parents willing to ride needed.

First Practices of 2014

The Salt Lake City MTB Bike Teams had their first two "practices" of the 2014 season this week. 

Tuesday we got some new riders fitted on loaner bikes and made sure everyone was registered.

Thursday we had a full practice for 13 student-athletes.  8 adult coaches and parents helped out.  Many of our returning riders were unable to attend because they are practicing with Summit Bike Club for the summer, but this only gave us a better opportunity to get to know our new athletes.  We focused on teaching the attack position and braking in the parking lot at Jeremy Ranch elementary school before testing our tires on the single track in Bob's Basin.

The last exercise of the day was a team favorite round of Last Foot Down.

 We are underway in 2014!!

HS MTB Practice for Composite, East, Judge

Dear Student Athletes and Parents,

  July has arrived and with the warmer temperatures comes the official opening of the HS MTB practice season.  The coaching staff looks forward to seeing all of you out on the trails soon.

8 July practice:  Meet at the North Hogle Zoo Parking lot (5:30pm-7:30pm.  This parking lot is just north of the zoo and located next to the Bonneville Shoreline zoo trail head)   This practice is geared towards our students who are new to the sport of cross country mountain biking.  We will spend the majority of the practice fitting student athletes to their bikes, issuing out loaner bikes and equipment and reviewing basic skills in the parking lot.  If you have been around mountain biking and have all of the necessary equipment please feel free to stay home for this practice.  Just make sure you bring your "A game" to practice on Thursday ;)

10 July practice:  Meet at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School (we meet on the side of the school on Homestead Rd. in the parking lot across from the playground area) 5:30pm-7:30pm

Note:  It is not practical or environmentally responsible to have everyone drive up individually to Park City.  We have had success in the past with our carpool system.  We will depart the SHOPKO parking lot 2290 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT (Closer to the Red Lobster restaurant) at 5:10pm on the 10th of July.  If you would like to drive up to Jeremy Ranch please email me with the number of athletes and bikes you can transport (drewcycle@gmail.com).  Once the dust settles with student athlete registration I will make a social roster that will be distributed for everyone to make their own carpooling efforts.

What do I need to attend practice:

-You need to be registered in the NICA Pit Zone and have a signed waiver by an adult on file (Log in to your Pit Zone account.  If you see a red exclamation point next to your name just hover your mouse over this and it will highlight what you are missing.)

- At this point if you have not mailed or scanned your waiver in to NICA but you have paid your registration please bring your signed form to practice.

What do I bring to practice:

-Helmet

-Spare tube

-Snack

-Water (water bottle or hydration pack)

I do not have a bike or riding apparel…. What do I do?

-Practice on 8 July will be geared towards issuing bikes and ride gear to those who need them.  An additional form will be filled out and signed by a parent assuming financial responsibility for the bike in case it is damaged or lost.

How long does practice last:

-We usually meet 

Tuesday (5:30pm-7:30pm)

Thursday (5:30pm-7:30pm)

Saturday (9:00am-12:00pm)

Note:  Many of our adult volunteers are not able to get off work earlier than 5pm.  

I don't remember when and where the next practice is or the weather looks threatening and I don't know if practice is cancelled:

-Check the team webpage!  Last minute cancellations or practice updates will be posted to the team webpage.  When in doubt type it out!

http://www.slccomp.blogspot.com

What if I can not make practice this summer:

-The coaching staff understands that summer is a very busy time for our student athletes.  Summer jobs, family vacations, and dare I mention "summer school".  Many of our returning students are training and racing with summer cross country and downhill MTB teams.  If you are on a summer team please keep attending practices with them.  Do me a favor though and take a moment to send me an email (drewcycle@gmail.com) outlining which team you are practicing with and when your summer commitment is complete and we can expect to see you at our team practices. Bottom line… Please make sure you communicate with me so that our volunteer staff can plan accordingly.

Summer practice RSVP request:

-Due to the flexible nature of our summer practices I will request an RSVP from each student athlete for the first few practices ( July 10,12,15,17).  Once we have a feel for those attending the summer practices this will no longer be necessary.

Once again if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me via email or text.  Over the past 3 years our teams have grown from 7 students to almost 40.  Communication will be a key component to our success.  Looking forward to seeing everyone out on the trails soon.

Kind Regards

  Drew Jordan

(801) 556-2850

drewcycle@gmail.com

Register Now for Awesome Skills Clinics

The Utah High School Cycling League is offering a 1-day skills clinics on Friday June 2.  The June 30th clinic is sold out. 
These clinics are taught by an excellent instructor, Lee McCormack.   Lee is the national NICA Skills Director and creator of the NICA Skills Manual.  He taught our team coaches how to teach mtb skills, so you know he can teach the our riders!

Where: Trailside Park, Park City
Schedule:

• 8:30 Check in
• 9:00AM – 12:00PM On-the-Bike Skills Training
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM Lunch provided
• 1:00PM – 3:00PM On-the-Bike Skills Training

Fees: $95
Registration limited to 12 students to provide individualized focus.
Instructor: Lee McCormack.   Lee is the NICA Skills Director and creator of the NICA Skills Manual. No matter your skill level, he can help you take your mountain biking to the next level through perfecting the skills. As Lee says, “Mountain biking is the best sport ever — and the better you get, the better it gets. Ride safer. Ride more confidently. Ride faster. Have more fun.”
See www.LeeLikesBikes.com to learn more about Lee and his experience and approach.
Lunch & Snacks included
These clinics are for high school student athletes only.

Go here to register.
http://www.utahmtb.org/events/camps/

Also, the Utah League will be hosting a one-day Girls Only Skills Clinic on August 16.  Registration will be open soon.

Team event: Scott Mercier - "Win Clean" Friday night

JOIN US IN PARK CITY JUNE 27TH 7:00PM FOR A PRESENTATION FROM SCOTT MERCIER

Ecker Hill Middle School

2465 Kilby Rd

Park City, UT 84098
(Go up I-80 toward Park City. Get off at the Jeremy Ranch exit and stay on the southwest side of the freeway. Follow the frontage road (Kilby Rd) southeast about one mile to the school, which will be on your right.)

All students, parents, siblings, and friends are invited.  If any student athlete or parent would like to meet up with the team coaches to ask questions or have issues with registering we will be in front of the school at 6PM.  Please let me know if you would like to come by and talk with us and I will coordinate meeting with you.

Scott Mercier - "Win Clean"

"How You Win Matters - On and Off the Bike"

Friday, June 27th, 7:00PM

Ecker Hill Middle School
2465 Kilby Rd
Park City, UT 84098

The Utah League is excited to announce Scott Mercier presenting to both the Utah League & NICA on June 27th at 7:00PM. Scott was a member of the US Postal Team during a critical time and chose to walk away instead of dope. His story is now being released as a book and PBS Documentary; and we get to hear his amazing story in person! Open (and free) to all student athletes, their families, and our coaches. Bring the team and family to hear Scott's impressive and inspiring story!

NICA Executive Director Austin McInerny, NICA Board President Rick Spittler, League Directors and representatives from across the country, and NICA Staff and administrators will all be at this amazing event.

Scott Mercier

Overview of "Win Clean"

Faced with a Faustian bargain, one U.S. Postal Team cyclist and Olympian left professional cycling rather than dope — a decision both rare and inspiring. “He went right and I went left,” acknowledged Lance Armstrong. But the lessons Scott Mercier learned on the bike — perseverance, teamwork, and pushing through the pain — can propel a person not only to the finish line but also successfully through life.

“Doing things the right way matters,” Mercier believes. “How you win matters.” In an avalanche of sound-alike mea culpa by doping cyclists, Mercier’s story stands out. Whether in sport, business, school, or relationships, his life proves there always is a choice. Mercier uses his race experiences to show athletes, coaches, business leaders, and educators how to make better decisions. Funny, forthright, and self-effacing, he is a hero we can root for.

With interviews in his book from Lance Armstrong, Tyler Hamilton, George Hincapie, Dr. Pedro Celaya, Travis Tygart, and others, Mercier’s untold story bridges the gap between the dopers and those out to expose them. We often hear of the consequences of making bad decisions, but Mercier’s story highlights the consequences of doing the right thing. “Little
did I know that the day I turned away from the needle and left racing would in many ways define the rest of my life,” Mercier said. “But integrity cannot be bought or bartered, and it is something to be valued above fame and fortune.”

Order jerseys today

Wave 1 of the jersey orders closes tonight at midnight.  Student athletes, family members, friends, and teachers please place your order today.  Here is the direct link for the jersey orders:

http://team.blackbottoms.com/category.sc;jsessionid=AA3DCE6FCF358B83949C2BBCCCDD1A3F.m1plqscsfapp06?categoryId=7

Time to order your jersey!!

In order to meet the minimum order quantities, we are extending the deadline for the first jersey order to Sunday, June 15 at 11:55 PM.

*Ordering now is the only guarantee you will have your jersey for the first race.*

    ** Student racers are required to race wearing a team jersey**

Jersey orders are open to racers, family members, friends, coaches, and sponsors. (Show your pride and get the word out!).  We need 12 jerseys for each team to get the $35 price. 

Here is how to order a team race jersey

1. Team jerseys are ordered on-line with locally owned Blackbottoms Cycleware.  Cost per jersey is $35.  Navigate your web browser to   www.team.blackbottoms.com
2. Click the NICA tab (below the main photo).
3. Select your team jersey
4. Chose your size options. You may order more than one jersey.  Note:  NICA shorts are NOT a required item to purchase. 
5. Pay with credit card through the Blackbottoms site or through PayPal.
6. A receipt with an invoice number will be emailed to you. The email comes from info@blackbottoms.com or just "info".  If you do not receive this email, your order is NOT complete.

 

Two jersey orders will be placed as long as minimum quantities (12) for each team per order are met. A third order may be place if there is enough demand.

§  Order I:  Close June 15. Receive by ~Aug 8. 

§  Order II (if enough demand): Close July 10. Receive by Sept 5 (First race is Sept 6.)

§  Order III (if enough demand): Close Sept 5. Receive by Sept 19. (Second race is Sept 20.)