What Parents Need to Know for the 2024 Mountain Bike Season

A post from Independence Youth Cycling's blog...

As the 2024 mountain biking season approaches, Independence Youth Cycling (IYC) and its PICL/NICA mountain bike teams are gearing up for another exciting year. Here's what parents should know to ensure their young riders are ready for the trails.

Eligibility and Registration

Our teams welcome all youth in grades 6-12 residing in specified townships and neighborhoods in and around Philadelphia. The 2024 Season Interest Form is now available, allowing parents to sign up for notifications about registration​​​​. Visit the Independence Youth Cycling website and look for the the 2024 Season Interest Form.

Program Goals and Philosophy

IYC teams aim to instill a love for cycling and the outdoors in their participants. They focus on building character, confidence, and a sense of adventure through cycling. This approach not only encourages physical fitness but also teaches valuable life skills​​​​.

No Experience Necessary

Don't worry if your child is new to mountain biking. IYC teams welcome beginners and provide training on biking basics, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all skill levels​​.

Practice and Event Schedule

The practice season starts in July, with the event season kicking off at the end of August. Practices are typically held two to three times a week, with races and adventure weekends scheduled through early November​​​​.

Practice Locations and Attendance

IYC teams practice mainly at Lorimer Park, Pennypack Park, Wissahickon Park, Twining Valley Park and Cresheim Trail, with other locations used occasionally. While regular attendance is encouraged for skill development, the team is flexible, understanding the busy schedules of young athletes​​.

Parental Involvement

Parents should expect to commit time for travel to practices and events. Participation in races, although optional, is highly encouraged as they offer a unique and energizing experience​​.

Costs and Equipment

Joining an IYC PICL/NICA team involves a fee, in addition to the national/state league registration fee. Students need a good-quality bike, helmet, cycling gloves, eye protection, and other essential gear for a safe and comfortable riding experience​​​​. IYC can provide financial aid.

Looking Ahead

With cyclocross coming to IYC in 2024, there will be even more opportunities for young cyclists to explore and enjoy different forms of biking​​.

As we approach the 2024 season, Independence Youth Cycling, SoMont Cycling and Philly Wiss continue their mission to enrich lives through cycling. Whether your child is a seasoned rider or just starting, this season promises adventure, growth, and lots of fun on two wheels!

If you want to explore riding on our non-scholastic based teams like Circle Cycle Racing or via our new cyclocross team, please contact us directly.

 

SoMont MTB Newsletter for Sunday July 16, 2023

SoMont Newsletter for Sunday July 16

Breaking news! Official team jersey and SoMont Fan Gear online stores are going live this week. Be on the lookout for an email within the next few days.

We had a GREAT first week of practices.  We loved seeing our returning riders and coaches, meeting the new student-athletes and families and seeing lots of smiling faces!  

Our goal is to make sure all families know what is going on within SoMont so you will be getting weekly updates and reminders via email.  They will typically come out on Sundays. Please reach out with any questions. 

A few things we noticed:

• Many student-athletes did not bring enough water.  It’s HOT!  Hydration is super important.  Please make sure to have plenty of water.  One water bottle often isn’t enough during these hot summer practices.
• We need parents/guardians to meet their student athletes in the parking lot at the end of practice.  Student athletes should not be leaving the parking lot on their own to ride home.  
• Check your bike before coming to practice (air in tires, brakes working, chain lubed and not stretched out).  At a minimum, every rider should carry a tube that fits their tire in case of a flat.
• Thank you for responding for events in Team Snap.  It makes things run smoothly when we know who to expect.  PLEASE KEEP THIS UP!  This week’s schedule includes THREE practices - Tuesday from 6-8, Thursday from 6-8 and Saturday from 9-11.  All practices this week (7/18 - 7/22)  will be at Lorimer Park.  Next week we will be practicing at Twining Valley Park to prepare for our first Local Dirt that we are hosting. Always check Team Snap for locations as we will make sure the events are updated there. 

The MTB Rider Cup at Twining Valley Park is scheduled for Sunday, August 13th.  Mark your calendars now and update your availability in Team Snap.  We would LOVE to see every SoMont rider attend this event if possible.  Specific information regarding times, etc will come later. 

On Thursday, 7/20 we will also be hosting a New Family Meeting and Gear Swap during practice time.  We will be discussing the events for the season, what to expect and volunteer opportunities.  Please plan to attend.  Returning families are welcome to attend as well.  Many of us have extra gear around that we don’t use.  Let’s give that gear a good home.  

Appropriate items to bring:

• lightly used cycling jerseys
• used equipment like saddle bags
• cycling shoes
• extra water bottles
• Camelbaks/hydration packs
• SoMont supporter gears (t-shirts, hoodies, hats) that you have outgrown

Inappropriate items to bring

• Used chamois
• Broken bike parts
• Cycling shoes that are worn out and unsafe
• Anything unsafe

 

Upcoming events - 2023 spring

 Join us at an upcoming event to learn more about our teams!

Team Information Night for New Riders and Families
Monday April 17, 6pm at Keswick Cycle

• Co-ed grades 6-12 fall/winter 2023/24
• We practice 2/3 times a week starting early July
• We ride at Lorimer Park, Pennypack, Wissahickon/Forbidden Drive and other local trail networks
• Event season late August thru end of October
• Team Registration opens around April 15
• "TryIt Rides" and Get-to-know-ya events April and May
• Financial aid, bikes and equipment available

We're always looking for adult volunteers - reach out!

April Youth MTB "Try It" Ride
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023 AT 2 PM
Lorimer Park

Join us April 29, 2pm at Lorimer Park in Abington for a Try It Ride! That's right -- a TRY IT Ride, not a Try OUT ride. Everyone makes the team in mountain biking! Boys and Girls in grades 6-12 (as of fall 2023) are welcome to attend. No mountain biking experience required, although they must be comfortable riding a bike. This will be a fun event with games, education, and a short trail ride at the end if time permits.

A mountain bike with gears, helmet, and water bottle and cage or camelback-type backpack is required. We may have a few bikes available to borrow for the event if you let us know ahead of time.

Parents are asked to stay and attend a short info meeting with coaches, but they will not be biking with us.

Please fill out this form if you plan to attend.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScf42R8qO-AngGFu_jKLctOGgCVqv3qKyitSJDQVpWj4pftvA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0xcpkfbzWX7utd4cPwWkf5URR-VHUDWUSH1P2gN4J-oox2En_vvoccF-E

May Youth MTB "Try It" Ride
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023 AT 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Lorimer Park

Join us May 23 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lorimer Park in Abington for a Try It Ride! That's right -- a TRY IT Ride, not a Try OUT ride. Everyone makes the team in mountain biking! Boys and Girls in grades 6-12 (as of fall 2023) are welcome to attend. No mountain biking experience required, although they must be comfortable riding a bike. This will be a fun event with games, education, and a short trail ride at the end if time permits.

A mountain bike with gears, helmet, and water bottle and cage or camelback-type backpack is required. We may have a few bikes available to borrow for the event if you let us know ahead of time.

Parents are asked to stay and attend a short info meeting with coaches, but they will not be biking with us.

Please fill out this form if you plan to attend.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScf42R8qO-AngGFu_jKLctOGgCVqv3qKyitSJDQVpWj4pftvA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0xcpkfbzWX7utd4cPwWkf5URR-VHUDWUSH1P2gN4J-oox2En_vvoccF-E

This is how we roll!

 This is how we roll!

Panthers and Ghosts riding together -- competing with other youth mountain bike athletes from across the state. 

We also have teams across all of lower MontCo and parts of Philadelphia.

To learn more about our upcoming season, fill out the 2023 Season Interest form! More info below too...

Click here for the 2023 Season Interest form

- Practice season starts July 1, 2023

- Event season late August thru end of October

- Team Registration opens around April 15

- "TryIt Rides" and Get-to-know-ya events April and May

- Financial aid, bikes and equipment available

- We're always looks for adult volunteers - reach out!

#moregirlsonbikes #morekidsonbikes #abingtonghosts #cheltenhampanthers #pamtb #SoMontStrong