Ann Arbor Youth Mountain Bike Team
Our Approach
The Ann Arbor Youth Mountain Bike Team exists to provide youth athletes a safe, fun and inclusive environment to explore mountain biking. Our emphasis is on learning the fundamentals and having fun together out on the trails. We train and compete as a means to grow in our knowledge, skill, confidence and enjoyment of the sport. In the end, we want our athletes to have fun together and to enjoy mountain biking as an incredible activity that can be part of their lives in any capacity they’d like - occasional, recreational, competitive or otherwise.
Eligibility
The team is open to any K-12 student interested in mountain biking.
Schedule
The program runs from late August to mid-October with casual, group training rides in the summer. There are 6 races during the season and typically 1-3 practices a week depending on age and skill level. Practice rides typically take place on the dirt/gravel roads outside of Ann Arbor or on nearby trails at Olson Park (Ann Arbor), Island Lake and Brighton Rec Area (Brighton), Potowatami Trail (near Silver Lake) and the DTE Trails (Chelsea).
Please note that you are not required to race or compete in the MiSCA series. It’s entirely fine to join the team and just attend practices and group rides.
Race Series
We compete in the Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) race series. There are 6 races during the season with male and female divisions at every age and skill level. Coaches will work with the athletes to place them in the division that is most appropriate. You can learn more about the race series on the MiSCA website.
Equipment
All participants must provide their own equipment including mountain bike, helmet and desired accessories such as cycling shoes, gloves, eye protection, cycling kit, tool kit, bell, bike lights, etc.
If you need help finding equipment, please let us know and we can assist you.
Fees
Each rider must register and pay annual fees through the MiSCA website. The information below is from the 2023 season. We do not expect any major changes for 2024 but will update the site with any new pricing information when it become available.
MiSCA Fee: $75 per rider
Ann Arbor Youth MTB Team Fee: $40 per rider
Race Registration Fees: Races are optional and riders will pay registration fees for any of the races they enter. There were 6 races scheduled for the 2023 season and registration fees varied based on the level at which you were racing and whether or not you took advantage of the early-bird discount. Race registration fees were between $30-$60 per race (early-bird registration) or $40-$80 per race after August 1st. There is a 50% discount if you register for all six races in the series by August 1st.
High School Races: $240 for all six races with early-bird registration.
Middle School Races: $180 for all six races with early-bird registration.
Elementary School Races: $120 for all six races with early-bird registration
Please note that costs associated with your bike, equipment, gear, travel and lodging are your responsibility. Purchase of a team uniform is optional.
How to join
If you’d like to join the team or have questions about the program, please contact us via email at wimmiscamtb@gmail.com.
Stay in touch
For regular updates, please sign up for the Ann Arbor Youth Mountain Bike Team email newsletter in the footer of this website.
Our Purpose
The Ann Arbor Youth Mountain Bike Team is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to promote youth (K-12) wellness and healthy living through mountain biking in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Washtenaw County) and the surrounding areas. We do this by providing training and mentorship to elementary, middle and high-school youth.
Code of Conduct
Everyone involved with our program, including the family members and supporters of our athletes, is a representative of and ambassador for the Ann Arbor Youth Mountain Bike Team. We’re all committed to representing our team well (especially when wearing AAYMBT clothing or supporting a team member in an AAYMBT race). This applies to in-person interactions AND social media.
Please review the Code of Conduct for both parents and athletes below.