+ When will we start?

We plan to start practices July 1. You’ll see events start to be added to our schedule in Team Snap.

+ What will our practice schedule look like at a high level?

This year we will hold three practices per week with two on weekday evenings and one on the weekend. Practice locations will be a variety of trail rides at nearby locations (ex. Harmony Hill, Marsh Creek, Brandywine, White Clay, Fair Hill) and some skills work at the grove. When we are doing skills work at the grove, it will be in small groups where both coaches and riders will be wearing masks during this portion of practice.

+ What is our plan for reducing the risk of spreading COVID?

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) has established the following objectives for all teams to uphold with respect to team participation and the risk of COVID-19.

Primary Objective: Reduce our participants, volunteer and staff potential of exposure by following, to the best of our ability, guidance from the CDC, State and local health departments as appropriate for NICA at the national, league and team level.

Secondary Objective: Within our abilities to follow the limitations defined by these health and governmental organizations, continue to offer the NICA activities and events supporting the emotional and physical wellness of our participants as well as support participant connection to the NICA Community.

The Great Valley Mountain Bike Team has continued to follow the guidance provided by the Chester County Health Department to respond to the ongoing risks of COVID in the community and to the team during summer practices. Most recently the Chester County Health Department issued guidance for summer camps which we will be utilizing as a guideline for the summer.

While meeting and practicing outside significantly reduces the risk of transmission of COVID or any virus, we recognize that all participants may not be vaccinated so we are asking that parents and participants abide by the following guidelines:

• Do not have your child attend practice if they are feeling sick.
• If your child is diagnosed with COVID please let Coach Snyder or Coach Hinckley know immediately.
• If a family member or a close friend is diagnosed with COVID, do not have your child attend practice until they have been cleared to do so.
• Please use Team Snap to register your attendance. We will also be taking attendance at practice.
• Participants and coaches are welcomed to wear a mask. Mask use is welcomed but not required by any participant or coach.

Coaches will continue to monitor conditions within Chester County and as we enter race season the areas where the team will be racing to ensure the objectives listed above are met. If you have questions or concerns regarding our COVID policy please feel free to speak with either Coach Hinckley or Coach Snyder.

+ What are the practice start and stop times for each group?

• During the week: Depending on the amount of daylight available, start times may range from 5 to 6 pm. As we get later in the season, riders are encouraged to have lights to allow for riding at dusk. Details for each specific practice are called out in Team Snap

• Weekends: Blues 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Whites 8:45 - 11:45 a.m., Reds 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

+ What are the expectations of parents this season?

First, please reinforce the importance of the above rules with your child. Second, please use TeamSnap to report your intentions for attending ANY and ALL practices, so we know if we will have enough staffing to run practice safely and effectively. Third, please be as prompt as possible with pickup and drop off times so that our staggered starts and finishes are effective. Lastly, please be diligent with reporting instances of your child exhibiting symptoms, coming into close contact with someone who has COVID, or testing positive.

+ What are the expectations of riders this season?

Know the rules above and be diligent about adhering to them. We’ll remind riders as needed but would prefer not to have to be the bad guys. Riders that need lots of reminders may not be allowed to practice.

+ What will it cost?

Total Dues for the season can range from $350-$450.

• GVMTB has a team fee of $150 per rider.

• PICL charges an additional fee which GVMTB riders are required to pay to be a part of the league. This year there are a few options:

  Early Bird All-In Special: $300 per participant fee will cover all season events and season registration. This special pricing will be for a limited time only, expiring on July 31st.

  Package price only available if purchased through this special rate. Save at least $125 on the cost of season registration and a la carte event pricing. For the All in special, click the NICA fee, League fee, and any of the adventure or race events you want your child to participate in. Scroll to the bottom, and click Update order and continue. The discounts will apply at checkout. Parents who want to add the ALL IN special, and have already paid the season fee of $200, can go into Pitzone BEFORE July 31st, and Click on ALL of the events. The discount will apply at checkout.

  Season Registration: $200 per participant, season from April 1st through November 1st. Click the NICA fee, and League fee, scroll to the bottom, and click Update order and continue.

  Events Package add-on: Get them all at once We are offering an add-on to our season registration. The $125 fee will cover pricing for all of the league events. This fee can be added on to the Season Registration fee at any time during the season.

  For events package add on, Parents who have already paid the season fee of $200, will need to go into Pitzone AFTER July 31st (So from August 1st) and Click on ALL of the events. The discount will apply at checkout. Save at least $100 on the cost of events purchased a la carte!

  A la Carte events: Participants can register for individual events for $45. Once registered for the season, parents have the choice of signing up for individual events throughout the season at the regular fee of $45 per event, or Choose BOTH adventure and race events for the same weekend, and only pay $45!

+ Will there be races?

Yes! There will be races. Steps will be taken to minimize potential exposure to COVID. Each race will be planned and organized with the safety of our riders and coaches as the highest priority. In addition to races, there are plans for “Local Dirt” events that would enable neighboring teams to get together in smaller venues and enjoy the fun that comes with participating in the smaller race or adventure-themed events.

+ Do you have more information on the races?

Absolutely. Here is a PDF with more information about the 2021 races as well as a recording of the GVMTB 2021 Race Season Information session.