Frequently Asked Questions

A composite team is a team comprised of student-athletes from multiple different schools, as opposed to school sponsored teams where all participants are from the same school. Riders on GNV MTB attend different schools throughout the Alachua County area.

Any 6–12 grade student who lives or goes to school in Alachua County, or the surrounding counties, and is in good academic standing is invited to join.

Yes! Anyone interested in joining as a student-athlete or coach can do a one-time “test drive” following completion of a liability waiver. Any subsequent participation will require registration with the team as a student-athlete or as a coach.

Details on practice days, times, and location can be found here.

Pre-season events begin in October, with the regular season running from December to May.

Absolutely! No experience is no problem! Our coaches will teach you from the ground up.

Any parent interested in riding is welcomed to “try it out” after signing a one-time liability waiver. Joining any subsequent team rides will require registration as a Level 1 Coach (general volunteer and ride supporter).

There are three “levels” of licensed coaches. All coaches have annual training in risk management, the NICA coaching philosophy, concussion protocols, and submit to an annual background check. All coaches also receive biennial training on athlete abuse awareness.

In addition to the above, Level 2 Coaches also have first aid and CPR certifications, NICA On-The-Bike Skills training, required field work, and continuing education requirements.

Level 3 Coaches have higher levels of first aid training, higher levels of risk management training, additional field work requirements, continuing education requirements, and have attended a NICA Leaders’ Summit.

You can learn more about Coach Licensing Requirements here.

All student athletes and coaches are required to have:

• A safe, well-functioning mountain bike with 26- to 29-inch wheels and knobby tires no less than 1.75″ in width
• An undamaged and properly fitted bike helmet
• Clothing appropriate for the ride
• Water or electrolyte sports drink
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Spare tire tube that fits their tires
• Eyewear (safety glass, sunglasses, etc.)

In addition, the following items are recommended:

• Cycling gloves
• Mini-pump or CO2 pump
• Tire levers
• Multi tool with chain breaker, or individual tools if the same type
• Tire tube patch kit
• Sunscreen and insect repellant

While mountain biking is an inherently risky sport, and certain dangers or conditions are an integral part of off-road biking, safety is our number one priority and we do everything in our power to keep our student-athletes and coaches safe. Scratches and scrapes are common and riders can expect to have the occasional cut or bruise, but more serious injuries such as sprains, concussions, and broken bones are rare.