St. Paul Central Mountain Bike Team
Join the Team
St. Paul Central youth mountain bikers racing at an MCA event in Minnesota
Grades 6–12 All Skill Levels · No Experience Needed

The rides of your life.

We're a youth mountain bike team in St. Paul. Twin Cities trails, three practices a week, and the most fun you can have on two wheels. First ride or 50th - you're in!

Join the Team Parent Guide
Jul→Oct
Season Length
3×
Practices / Week
6–12
Grades Welcome
5
Races / Season
St. Paul Central Mountain Bike Team group photo - students and coaches in team jerseys
01 Our Crew

A supportive crew on two wheels.

We ride the Twin Cities' best trails - Lebanon Hills, Battle Creek, Theo Wirth, Carver, Sunfish - and a bunch in between. Our coaches teach skills, build confidence, and keep the energy loose. We're a team, not a tryout.

New to mountain biking? Perfect. We'll teach you everything from balance to berms. Earn a varsity letter, race if you want to (totally optional), and finish the season with a crew that gets you.

02 How It Works

Everything you need to know.

The fast version for busy parents and curious riders. The full breakdown lives in the Parent Guide.

01 / When We Ride

Practice Schedule

  • Tuesday & Thursday · 5:30–7:30 pm
  • Saturday · 9:30–11:30 am
  • Carver, Battle Creek, Sunfish & more
  • July through mid-October
02 / Your Level

All Levels Welcome

From your first time on singletrack to weekend racers - we ride together. Coaches break into skill groups. Racing is 100% optional.

03 / Who's In

Who Can Join

Students in grades 6–12 from St. Paul Central, Harding, Johnson, Como Park, and most other St. Paul schools.

04 / What You Get

Coaching, Crew, Letters

  • Skill-building from certified coaches
  • Optional MCA race series (5 races)
  • Varsity letter eligibility
03 Real Talk

What it actually costs.

No surprise fees, no hidden charges. Here's the full breakdown - the required stuff, the recommended stuff, and the optional stuff.

Mountain Bike Hardtail or full suspension
Required
$500+
Helmet MIPS recommended for added protection
Required
~$60
League Registration Minnesota Cycling Association membership
Required
$125
St. Paul Central Team Dues Covers coaching, logistics, and team operations
Required
$90
Cycling Gloves Protect your hands
Recommended
~$25
Protective Eyewear Sunglasses or clear lenses for keeping dirt out
Recommended
~$50
Team Jersey Only required if you decide to race
Racing Only
~$60
Season Race Entry Five MCA races across the season
Optional
$175+

Need help finding affordable gear? We've helped a lot of families source used bikes and equipment. Get in touch - we'll figure it out together.

04 Asked & Answered

Common questions.

What skill level do I need to join?
None. Seriously. We welcome riders of every skill level, from people who haven't been on a bike since elementary school to riders who already race. Coaches split practices into ability groups so you ride with people at your pace.
What kind of bike and gear do I need?
A mountain bike (hardtail or full suspension), a helmet (MIPS recommended), and basic gear like gloves and a water bottle. Check the equipment guide for specifics, and contact us if you need help finding affordable options - we know the local shops and the used market.
How big is the time commitment?
Three practices a week - Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5:30–7:30 pm) and Saturday mornings (9:30–11:30 am) - at Twin Cities trails. The season runs from the first week of July through mid-October. Participation is flexible; we know summer plans happen.
Do I have to race?
Nope. Racing is completely optional. A lot of our riders focus on trail rides and skill-building and never pin on a number. Others go after every race they can. You decide what fits.
Which schools can join the team?
Grades 6–12 from St. Paul Central, Harding, Johnson, Como Park, and most other St. Paul schools. Not sure where you land? Drop us a line.
What does it cost to join?
Team dues are $90 per rider, plus a $125 MCA athlete registration. Racing fees are separate and optional. The cost breakdown above covers everything end-to-end, including gear estimates.
Heja app showing St. Paul Central MTB practice notifications and event calendar
05 Stay in the Loop

No email clutter. Just Heja.

All team communication happens through Heja, a free team management app. When weather changes, when a practice location moves, when results come in - you'll know.

  • Practice locations and times, updated live
  • Weather cancellations, called live
  • Race schedules and results, all season
  • Join the team and we'll send you an invite
06 The Real Thing

Life on the trails.

St. Paul Central MTB riders on a wooded trail during practice Central MTB team members at a fall trail ride Youth mountain biker navigating singletrack at Battle Creek Central MTB team riding at sunset on a Twin Cities trail St. Paul Central mountain bikers at an MCA cross-country race Central MTB riders celebrating after a race finish St. Paul Central Mountain Bike team at Battle Creek trail Full team photo of St. Paul Central MTB at Sunfish Lake
07 Drop In

Ready to ride?

Join the team and experience the trails with us - first-timers and seasoned shredders both. We'll teach you the rest.

Join the Team Parent Guide