FAQ
You're not the first to ask
The questions every new family asks, answered straight. Don't see yours? Ask us — that's what we're here for.
Does my rider need mountain biking experience?
No. Most of our riders had never ridden singletrack before joining. Coaches teach skills progressively, and new riders are grouped so nobody is in over their head. If your kid can ride a bike, we can take it from there.
What kind of bike do they need?
A mechanically sound mountain bike is all it takes to start — it does not need to be new or fancy. Before you buy anything, talk to us: coaches are happy to look at what you have, tell you honestly whether it will work, and point you toward good options if you need one.
What grades can join?
Middle and high school students zoned to Independence High School. If you're not sure whether that's you, ask — and if you're zoned elsewhere in Williamson County, we'll point you to the right team.
Do they have to race?
No. Racing is available to every rider and we'd love to see them try one, but plenty of riders just come for practices and the team. There is no bench and no pressure.
What does it cost?
NICA membership is $55 (+ $5 tech fee), Tennessee League membership is $150, races are $20 each, and the Indy team fee is $125. The full breakdown — and what the team fee covers — is on the Become a rider page. If cost is a barrier, please reach out; we never want money to keep a kid off a bike.
When and where are practices?
Practices run weekly close to home, ramping up in late spring and running through the fall race season. Exact days, times, and locations go out to registered families — contact us and we'll share the current schedule.
What gear do they need besides a bike?
A helmet is required at every practice and race. Beyond that: water, closed-toe shoes, and clothes they can move in. The Indy race kit comes from our Jakroo team store once they're on the team.
Is mountain biking safe for kids?
Every sport carries risk, and we take ours seriously. Coaches are NICA-licensed, background-checked, and trained in risk management and first aid. Skills are taught progressively — riders earn their way onto harder trails — and helmets are non-negotiable.
My daughter is interested but unsure — is this a boys' thing?
Not even close. Girls ride and race on this team, and NICA's GRiT (Girls Riding Together) program exists specifically to grow female ridership. Come to a practice and see.
Can parents ride too?
Yes — and we hope you will. Parents become licensed coaches ($25 NICA registration, training provided), ride sweep, run skills stations, or just help at the team tent on race weekends. This team runs on families.