Helmets: Approved helmets must be worn whenever a rider is straddling the top tube of his/her bike. The chinstrap must be fastened. Failure to wear a helmet will result in consequences including warnings or inability to practice or race, as outlined in the Colorado HS Cycling League rulebook.

Ride attire: Appropriate riding attire must be worn during practices and races. Team jerseys are required for racing. Riding gloves, eye protection, and a rain jacket are highly recommended at every practice and race. Appropriate shoes, with no free hanging laces are required and necessary for safety. Riders must be prepared for changes in weather at all events. 

Equipment: Riders must carry a hydration pack or equal to 2 water bottles at all practices. Extra tubes, tire levers, pump or C02 cartridge, and bike multi tool are also required. Snacks, protein bars and/or energy gummies are required for all practices.

Behavior: Improper behavior such as vulgar language, disrespecting another rider, coach or other person on the trail will not be tolerated and consequences will occur as per the Colorado HS Cycling League rulebook.

Grades: Grades will be checked weekly by counselors and athletes with more than 1 “F” will not be eligible to race the following week. Athletes with 1 “F” may be asked to skip practices until the grade is improved. This could result in missing a race.

Bikes: Bikes must be “Mountain Bikes” with at least 1.75 inch width knobbie tires, no “slick” tires are allowed. 26”,27.5” and 29” wheel sizes are acceptable. No drop handlebars or bar ends are allowed and all kickstands and reflectors must be removed from the bike.  Bar end caps must be intact and not loose.

Stack Team APP:  All riders and at least one parent or guardian must have this app.  This will be our primary form of communication for all practices, races, team events and other team related communications. Stack Team App is how we communicate practice times and/or location changes, weather updates, race delays and many other important practice/race information. This App is also how we track our mandatory attendance for practices with the Colorado HS Cycling League. Coaches will assist with getting this set up at our first team meeting. 

Practices: Practice schedules will be posted on the Stack Team App.  Athletes must log on to Stack Team App and post if they will or will not be attending practice by 4:00pm the day prior to the practice start time. Documented attendance is required by the league. Parents are responsible for getting their rider to and from all practices in a timely fashion.  Please be sure to arrive in time to be “ready to ride”. That means you have your helmet on and latched, all gear is in working order and prepared for the weather of the day. Practices are mandatory and riders must communicate with coaches about planned absences from practice through email or text. Each rider must participate in a minimum of 5 practices prior to entering their first race, some exceptions for experienced riders may be made. Additionally, all riders MUST participate in a minimum of 5 practices prior to each additional race entered to be eligible for that race and the approval by the head coach of readiness to race. Communication is key when it comes to missing practices. If a rider misses more than 6 unexcused practices, he/she may be dismissed from the team.

Late Policy for Practices: We as a team will expect every rider to be READY to ride at the start of practice time. If you are more than 5 minutes late, your group and coach for that group will leave without you. You may reference the group riding list which will be posted on our head coaches’ car at each practice. At that time, late riders have the option to ride on their own and attempt to catch up with their assigned group, understanding that the rider is NOT covered under the league insurance policy until they rejoin their rider group. The second option is to not attend practice and return home.

Approved Trails: Riders must stay on approved trails only and follow all trail signs. Coaches will inform riders at the start of each practice which trails are approved/assigned for that day’s practice. Failure to follow the assigned/approved trails at any practice or race will result in consequences outlined by the Colorado HS Cycling League rulebook.

Cell Phones: Riders are expected to have their cell phone on their person at practices for team communication purposes and/or emergencies. Riders may not talk/text while straddling their top tube or riding their bike. The use of headphones/ear buds is strictly prohibited and will result in consequences as out lined by the Colorado HS Cycling League rulebook.

Caffeine/Banned Substances: Caffeine is a Colorado HS Cycling League banned substance and athletes are not allowed to consume any caffeine products at any team events/practices/races. The use of alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, nicotine or any illicit drug is strictly prohibited and will result in consequences outlined in the Colorado HS Cycling League rulebook.   

 Registration: All athletes must be registered and have all waivers signed with the Colorado HS Cycling League, be paid in full with the league and the team, have a completed Sports Physical and have all paperwork turned in prior to being allowed to participate in any team function/practice. Riders and parents are responsible for reading and understanding the Colorado HS Cycling League rulebook, as this contract is only a partial list of rules. Please contact your Head Coach with questions.

Races: Participation in races is not required but is encouraged. Athletes racing will need to arrive at the race venue by 8:30am, unless they are the first race group of that day. In this situation, they will be to be at the Pit Zone prior to 7:30am to prepare for their race. All athletes will be expected to stay until our last racer is off the course. Riders will need approval by a coach to leave races early. All riders are encouraged to Pre-ride the course prior to races, during approved pre-ride times. Team pre-ride plans will be announced the week prior to each race. Riders must come to races with an assigned adult guardian, even if they are old enough to drive themselves. Athletes must communicate with a coach when they are leaving the race grounds. Riders not racing are welcome and encouraged to attend races to support the team and volunteer.

Rider Responsibility: All riders must ride within their own ability level and remain  in control at all times. Speed control through corners, berms and over obstacles is the riders’ responsibility. Athletes must ride predictably on trails without any sudden or unexpected swerving or stops. Riders should never take risks while riding and never attempt new obstacles without the approval and/or supervision of a coach.

Trail Etiquette: Riders must have appropriate trail etiquette at all times, including yielding to all hikers/walkers and uphill riders. Athletes must STOP for all equestrians and only proceed once the trail is clear or the rider is waived on by the equestrian. A “Leave no trace” motto is to be applied, pack out all trash and do not take “souvenirs” from the trails.

Parent Participation for Races: Parents/guardians are required to volunteer a minimum of two race days per season for the Stargate MTB TEAM. Additionally, parents are also expected to volunteer at one race per season for the Colorado HS Cycling League.

Fundraising: Every rider’s family will be expected to contribute to fundraising for our team each season. The details for this will be communicated clearly at the beginning of the season at the parent meeting based on team needs for the current season.