Aug 22-28, 2022
Just some of the hard working team members who earned over $950 of generous donations while packing groceries at Cub Foods. Thanks to all who participated!
Practices this Week, OUR FIRST RACE Info, Fan Wear, Fundraising and Volunteering
Monday, August 22, 6-7:30 PM
Maintenance Monday Coach Andy’s House. Arrive in the time window open-house style.
Tuesday, August 23, 6:30-8 PM
Practice: Battle Creek. Meet Near Recreation Center. Arrive by 6:15 PM.
Thursday, August 25, 6:30-8 PM
Practice: Carver Lake Park. Meet in Lower Lot. Arrive by 6:15 PM.
Saturday & Sunday, August 27-28: Race Weekend One
Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park. See more info below!
What You Need to Know for Race One: Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park, 8/27-8/28
Our first races are this weekend! For the most complete, up to date info on races, ALWAYS see the MCA website race pages. They already have race information for each and every race this season that just gets more and more complete as race day arrives. Bookmark these pages and refer back to them often.
LOCATION
Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park at Quarry Lake Park
6201 Innovation Blvd., Shakopee, MN 55379
This is a brand-new, 3.25-mile all-weather course that navigates around Quarry Lake in Shakopee. The trail is flat (130 ft of climbing per lap), fast and a good combination of woods and prairie riding—perfect to kick off the season or for new racers! This venue also provides some of the best spectator viewing of any venue: from the infield you will be able to see the riders multiple times race around the course!
DATES/TIMES
Saturday, August 27
Middle School Races (for us, Grades 7-8)
10:30 AM-4:30 PM
Sunday, August 28
High School Races (Freshman, JV2, JV3, Varsity—Grades 9-12)
7 AM-3:30 PM
Races are arranged by age group and division. When you view the schedule, you will see a designation of D1 or D2. We are a Division One (D1) Team, so look for those D1 times. SEE THE RACE SCHEDULE HERE. This schedule is the same all season long, except for the season finale race at Redhead.
For older riders, how do I know if they are JV2, JV3 or Varsity? This designation is going to be posted soon on the MN Cycling Association website. It’s also listed in your membership, licenses and certifications on the CCN website (where you registered for races). A general rule of thumb: JV2=10th Grade, JV3=10th Grade/Juniors, Varsity=Seniors.
What is a Call-Up, and how do I know what mine is? Beyond the race times for each age/skill group, there are “call-ups.” This is a number that indicates where you will be placed in the race line up. Call-ups will be posted on the MCA race website closer to race weekend. Link to race page below. This info will also be at our race tent.
Is the race weekend pre-ride back? YES! This year, you can pre-ride the course:
Friday after 4:30 PM
Saturday until 11:30 AM (last rider on course by 11:00 AM) *Note change from last week
Sunday until 7:30 AM (last rider on course by 7 AM)
Pre-ride for Xcel is highly encouraged because the race course runs BACKWARDS from the normal course. Race plates are required on course for pre-rides. Please don’t pre-ride at race pace. This is a more leisurely ride to get to know the course.
When do I arrive? If you can’t pre-ride, arrive at least one hour before your race begins. Of course, it’s always encouraged to come early and stay all day to cheer on your teammates!
Where to I go once I arrive? We’ll share the location of our tent during practice as our race day gets closer. Otherwise, look for our our orange tents, or hit the information trailer near the entrance of the venue and ask them for our location.
What do I bring as a spectator or racer? Handy guide from MCA here. Coaches will have your race plates, at least this first time.
Race Plates are essential to race and preride, and will likely be handed out by coaches this week at practice. Don’t lose them. But if you do, registered racers can get them for a price at the race information trailer on race day.
Will there be food? There will be snacks for racers, and there will also be concessions for racers and families.
If the weather is bad the day of the race, how will I know it’s still on or timing is adjusted?
Text 2022XCEL to 84483 for text alerts to your phone if weather is impacting the race.
How can I see race times?
Unofficial results are posted here on race day: http://www.precisionrace.com/mncycling
Official results are posted on the MCA website in the days after the race.
If you haven’t done this before, once you get there, relax, ask a COACH or veteran all your questions. It’s a bit overwhelming, but we’ve all been there before. Race weekends are the BEST weekends and soon you’ll get into the swing of it!
HOW CAN I HELP ON RACE DAYS?
Trailer Transport/Tent Set Up/Tent Take Down: See a coach to offer your help. Several people are needed for these jobs each and every race, and many people chip in, but it’s good to know we have the bases covered in advance so the load can be spread among the many families on our team.
Race Day Nutrition: Contact Lorray Rolfer.
MCA Volunteer Positions: There are a variety of positions available and parents are encouraged to volunteer at least one race during the season.
Team Fan Wear Store
Team fan wear store is here!
It has something for everyone with sweatshirts, tees, hats, vests, and sweatpants.
Hurry and complete your orders: it’s open through 8/25. If prompted, use the code 22mtbwbl22.
Fundraising/Volunteer Opportunities
SALES END AUGUST 31 As our major fundraiser event of the year, our team will be selling fun shaped pastas, soups, chili kits and more with themes like sports, holidays, and activities. They’re great stocking stuffers, teacher or hostess gifts! Each item is around $7-9.
Seeking all sponsors!
Have a connection a local business who loves all things outdoors, heath and fitness or just likes to be involved with their community’s youth? WBL MTB is looking for local businesses to sponsor our team! In return, they’ll receive several opportunities for exposure at mountain biking events, on our website and social media channels. We’re already proudly partnering with Roam, the local bike shop in White Bear Lake—but we’re seeking more opportunities for connection.
See the attached flyer for more information, and please share with any business you think may be interested. Thanks for your support!
LOT PARENTS Help sign in/out riders at each practice, stick around in case they are needed during practice. It’s a “volunteer when you can, no long-term commitment” type of opportunity and a great way to get to know everyone on the team.
COMMITTEES Sign up for committees such as fundraising/scholarships, volunteer coordination, race day nutrition, and more. No experience necessary.