who we are
The Woodcrest Christian Mountain Bike Team
Pursuing Excellence in Christ-centered Academics and Sports
What We Will Be Doing
Cross-Country Mountain Biking (XC Biking) is a specific form of cycling that is different from road riding, downhill racing, BMX, cyclo-cross, or track racing. Team members will develop both technical skills, and improve fitness with cross-country riding. Our team’s activities are focused on preparing for and racing at SoCal Youth Cycling League produced cross-country mountain biking events. We do not participate in gravity or downhill/enduro style events. Going to races is optional. We hope everyone goes but it is not required to be a part of the team. Information on this year’s races can be found at www.socalyouthcycling.org
Coaching And Parent Involvement
The coaches, Eric and Stephen, are volunteers. Both have had sons ride for multiple years as part of the WCS Mountain Bike Team. They are coaching the team because they believe in the power of this program. The bonds formed between the riders, and the bike team families, is truly special. As a parent volunteer, it is not a requirement that you attend all practices. We know you have busy schedules. By having additional parent/coach involvement it allows us to have multiple riding groups which is beneficial for all the students. Before you can ride as a parent/coach you’ll need to complete the requirements for either Assistant Coach or Coach status which can be found at www.socalyouthcycling.org under the “Coach” tab.
If you’re not able to ride with the team please let us know if you can volunteer to help in other ways. Some riders may need transportation from school to riding practices during the week. Some parents may not have vehicles capable of transporting bicycles to and from practices. If you have these types of capabilities we may be able to put you in contact with other parents on the team to discuss ride-sharing or bicycle transportation needs for practices.
Race Events
If the student-athlete does not wish to compete in race events they can still ride with the team. However, race events are lots of fun! They are family friendly events, with lots of action packed into two days of racing. There are pre-ride opportunities for coaches and students to see the course in advance. We have team potluck dinners, and a campfire devotional. Coaches and parents help set up and take down part of the racing course. During race events, most coaches and families choose to camp at the race venues for the weekend. If you have an RV, trailer, or like to tent camp, please reserve a spot at the race venues as soon as possible as reservations fill up fast. The bike season will have 5 weekend races for the year, with a 6th Championship race at the end of the season.
Appropriate Bicycle Type
We know this may be your child’s first experience with cross-country mountain biking. We also understand why you probably don't want to go buy an expensive bicycle just for your child to see if they may like this sport. They will need to have a mountain bike type of bicycle to be at practice. This is necessary for their safety and for their ability to keep up with the riders in their riding group. If they do not have this type of bike please email mtnbike@wcss.org and we’ll see if a team loaner bike may be available.
If you are considering purchasing a mountain bike for your child, please talk to the coach first. Some types of bikes will not hold up under the demands of the type of riding we do, and they are quite heavy as well. Feel free to contact the coaches through the BAND app to discuss the type of bike your child has and what you may be considering purchasing. We’ll be happy to give you information on entry level bikes that may work well for your child.
Bike Team Themes
During our season we emphasize four primary themes: faith, family, friends, and fitness. First, and foremost, is faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him everything else falters. As our season develops, we become like family. We practice, race, camp, eat, and get in God’s word together. During this process, there are times of joy and times of tears. Strong bonds are made. We will celebrate each of our successes and support each other in times of difficulty as we train and compete. Friendships will be made on this team that may last a lifetime. This has been the case since the inception of the program and we expect that to continue. Fitness is a natural by-product of cross-country mountain biking. We ingrain the importance of lifetime fitness in our student-athletes as we train during the season> many take this training and build on it long after graduating high school.
Team Videos
Enjoy the season highlights and other team videos.