SMMHS Mountain Bike Team

Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League (TICL)

National Interscholastic Cycling Assoc. (NICA)

TEAM CULTURE & EXPECTATIONS

We’re proud to represent Signal Mountain on and off the trails. Our values reflect sportsmanship, growth, and respect—for others, for ourselves, and for the land we ride on.

Effort over ease: Mountain biking is challenging—and that’s the point! Riders will be pushed to grow physically and mentally. Expect to be outside your comfort zone often.

Respect the trail and others: Upon encountering any people and or animals on trails, every rider is expected to slow down in order to safely pass people and or animals. We will greet hikers, bikers, and other trail users with a friendly “hello,” “thank you,” or “have a great day.” Trail stewardship starts with kindness.

Coach-rider partnership: Coaches are here to challenge and support riders. Riders are expected to give their best effort and maintain a positive attitude.

How to Join:

Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to mountain biking, we’re excited to have you on this journey. Below are the steps to officially join the team and get your rider “Practice Ready.”

Register your student-athlete in Pit Zone at and complete the following:

NICA National Membership – $50

Tennessee League Registration – $100

NICA Technology Fee – $5

These fees provide insurance for your rider and ensure compliance with national and state league participation standards. Note: You are not required to pay race entry fees at this time. Race fees can be paid later — even up to the week of each race.

Your rider is considered “Practice Ready” once registration is complete in PitZone.com and all waivers are signed. Only Practice Ready riders may participate in more than 3 practices.

Just Exploring?

If you’re unsure about joining, we welcome your rider to attend up to 3 practices before committing.

After that, full NICA registration is required to continue. Please print and sign this waiver prior to exploring practice with us:

CLICK HERE FOR FORM

Before the first race, each rider must submit a $50 team fee (check only, made payable to: SMMHS MTB Team).
This fee covers:
- One official team jersey & bibs (race-day kit)
- Race-day nutrition support
- Coach training and registration fees
Please give checks to Catherine Trotter (no electronic payments available at this time).
Each rider is responsible for coming to practice prepared and self-sufficient.
Bike Requirements
- Minimum wheel size: 26” (per NICA rules)
- Recommended: 27.5” or 29” wheels, disc brakes, front suspension, tubeless tires if possible
- All bikes should be safe, trail-ready, and properly maintained
On-the-Trail Tools (Each Rider Must Carry)
- Spare inner tube
- Tire levers
- Mini multi-tool
- Pump or CO2 inflator
- Optional: chain link, derailleur hanger
- Safety Gear
- Helmet (always required)
- Gloves and protective eyewear recommended
- Starting in October, all riders must have a bike-mounted or helmet light for early sunset practices.
The great majority of communication will go through TeamSnap (email and text). Coaches Mike and Sean will initiate the majority of team communications.
Group Coaches will communicate directly with their group. A coach will NOT communicate one-on-one with riders. If your rider needs to communicate with their Group Coach, please ensure that one parent is copied.
The Group Coach may communicate with a group of riders without a parent being copied (most relevant for the upper-class groups).
Please refrain from communication during practice time, unless absolutely necessary.
Emergency communication: Please enter Coach Mike’s contact information in your phone, in case he needs to communicate outside of TeamSnap. (Mike Rossi: 909-636-2482).
Fueling well before, during, and after practice is essential for performance and recovery.
Before Practice
- Hydrate throughout the day with water and electrolytes.
- Eat a balanced lunch and light pre-ride snack with carbs and protein.
During Practice
- Bring at least two full water bottles or a hydration pack (CamelBak-style recommended for newer riders).
- Carry on-the-trail nutrition such as energy gels, bars, or fruit snacks.
After Practice
- Refuel within 30 minutes: protein + carbs (e.g., chocolate milk, smoothie, bar).
- Rehydrate and stretch!