Team Director:
Bill Bezak
Head Coach:
Scott Robinson
Facebook: @LMtrailblazersMTB
Instagram: #LMtrailblazersMTB
League Fees:
NICA/PICL fees are $250 for the season, which includes all practices, adventure weekends, and Local Dirt events.
PICL race events can be purchased for an "all-in" fee of $85, or a-la-carte for $45 per event.
The Trailblazers Team fee will be $100 per student - which helps cover team equipment, coach training and travel expenses.
Riders will need a team jersey for races, which will run around $55. Other clothing is up to the riders, as outlined below.
Financial Aid:
We recognize that mountain biking can be expensive. If you'd like to participate but are concerned about the costs, please reach out to us. PICL/NICA has programs available to help.
Equipment:
BIKE: All riders will need a multi-geared mountain bike (single speed bikes aren't allowed), with 26", 27.5" or 29" wheels, knobby tires (at least 2" in width), and flat handlebars (no road bike style "drop bars"). Bikes must have front and rear hand-actuated brakes, and all parts should be in good working order. We recommend that all riders' bicycles be checked and adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic prior to the season. While not absolutely necessary, a "dropper" seat post is highly recommended for all our riders, but especially for our beginner riders, as "droppers" can really boost stability and confidence when learning how to negotiate more challenging terrain.
If you don't already have a mountain bike, now's a great time to look, as pandemic supply issues are gone, prices are down, and availability is back to normal. If you need advice on what bike to get, sizing, parts, etc, feel free to reach out, we're glad to help!
HELMET: All riders must wear a cycling specific helmet that is free of damage and fits properly (not too loose or tight). Cycling suitable close-toed shoes are also required. Eye-wear and gloves (preferably full-finger) are highly recommended. Other equipment is up to the rider, but we recommend having a pair of cycling shorts with padded chamois (either baggy style or lycra XC style), and non-cotton tops and socks. Riders will also need pockets or a pack to safely and securely carry any items they bring on themselves or their bike.
WATER and FOOD: Riders should come to practices with enough water and snacks as needed for the duration of the practice - and make sure they're properly hydrated and nourished prior to the practice! Riders should consider whether they use water bottles with cages, or a hydration pack.
TUBE: There are several sizes of tires and tubes, so we require all riders (students and coaches) to carry a tube with them that fits their specific tires. Please note that riders with "tubeless" equipped bicycles still need to carry a tube in case of a flat!
Our coaches will generally have tools and know-how to fix most issues that arise on rides so there's no need for most students to carry tools. In general, the less a rider carries, the better, as tools and accessories often add unnecessary weight and can get in the way during more technical trail riding. For instance, saddle bags that might work for casual riding can often flop around and get lost or caught in the back wheel when riding bumpy trails. Accessories on the handlebars, like phone mounts, can pose an injury risk when riding rougher terrain.
Feel free to contact us if you need advice on any equipment or clothing - we're glad to help!