St. Paul Central Mountain Bike Team: Youth Cycling for Grades 6-12

ABOUT US

Join a supportive community where riders of all abilities explore the Twin Cities best trails - Battle Creek, Lebanon Hills, Theo Wirth, and more. Our July-October season includes coaching, practice rides, and optional MCA racing.

New to mountain biking? Perfect! We'll teach you everything, help you earn a varsity letter, and make sure you have a blast doing it.

FAQs

What experience or skill level is required to join?

No prior experience is needed! Our team welcomes riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists.

What kind of bike or equipment is needed?

Riders will need a mountain bike (hardtail or full suspension), helmet, and basic gear like gloves and water bottles. See our equipment guide for details, and contact us if you need help finding affordable options.

What is the time commitment for practices and events?

Practices are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings at Twin Cities trails like Battle Creek, Carver Lake, and Sunfish Park. The season runs the first week of July through mid-October. Participation is flexible based on your schedule.

Do students need to compete in races, or is it ok just to practice?

Racing is completely optional! Many riders focus on skill-building and trail rides while others compete in Minnesota Cycling Association (MCA) races. You can decide what's right for you.

Which schools can join the team?

We welcome students in grades 6-12 from St. Paul Central, Harding, Johnson, Como Park, and most other St. Paul schools. Highland Park students should contact the SPY MTB team. Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us and we'll help!

How much does it cost to join?

Team registration is $90 plus a $100 Minnesota Cycling Association fee. Racing is optional - if you choose to compete, race fees are separate. See the full cost breakdown for details.

COMMUNICATION

All team communication happens through Heja, a free team management app. You'll get real-time updates on practice locations and times, weather cancellations, and race information, all without cluttering your email inbox. After you register, we'll send you an invitation link to join our team group. Parents love how easy it makes staying connected!

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