Frequently Asked Questions
Who can ride?
Any student in 6th grade to 12th grade.
Southern Wake is excited to participate in the 5th grade pilot program for 2024-2025! For a 5th grader to join, we ask that a parent participates as a coach.
How often does the team ride?
From December through May, we have practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and one weekend practice.
Practice participation is highly encouraged. The more you practice, the better that you can get!
Where does the team ride?
Our most common locations:
Lake Crabtree County Park (including 286) - Morrisville, NC (official site)
Harris Lake County Park - New Hill, NC (official site)
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Sometimes on weekends:
Brumley Nature Preserve - Chapel Hill, NC (official site)
Williamson Preserve - Raleigh, NC (official site)
RTP - Morrisville, NC (official site)
If the singletrack trails are closed, we ride the gravel roads in Umstead State Park.
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What is the cost?
2024-2025 pricing
Student athlete season registration league = $250
Race weekend events = $35 each OR $175 for all 6
Adventure events = $20
Team dues = no dues for 2024-2025 season
Team jersey = ~ $60 (only required if you plan to race)
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Is there financial assistance available?
Yes! On the NC league level, there are scholarships and loaner bikes available. Our team also has a few loaner bikes to share and may be able to assist with other financial needs.
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Another opportunity is the Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship.
"Trek has partnered with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to grow diversity in the sport of cycling and provide better access for people of color (POC). The Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship will again provide selected student-athletes with a Trek Marlin mountain bike, helmet, shoes, accessories, and a kit, as well as a stipend for NICA league and entry fees for the season." This season's Pathfinders Scholarship deadline is September 13, 2024.
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What gear is required?
- mountain bike in working order, min 2” wide tires (we have a few loaners if needed)
- helmet that is less than 5 years old
- sturdy shoes (no Crocs or similar are allowed)
- water bottle or hydration pack
- spare tube
- team jersey (only required if you plan to race)
What other gear is recommended?
Riding gloves, riding glasses, a snack bar, small pump, multi-tool, small lights for front and rear
How do I sign up for the team?
Please fill out the contact form and our Team Director will send an invitation via email to register through NICA Pit Zone.
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Can we check out a practice before paying the registration fees?
Yep! Contact us and we will email a one-time ride form that can be used for potential student athletes and coaches.
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How does the team communicate?
We use an app/website called TeamSnap for text and email communications. We post practices and events there. The team director will send an invitation to join.
Which team should we join?
The North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League (NCICL) refers to the location of the school you attend.
Southern Wake Composite is comprised of student athletes that attend schools south of I-40 and some schools within I-440. There is also a North Wake Composite team.
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Check out this Google map for a list of the current schools that participate.
What if we homeschool?
The team will be selected based on the school that you are zoned for.
Are there try-outs for the team?
Nope! Everybody rides! We are here to encourage your student athlete to ride and learn new skills.
Does everyone race?
Only if they want to. We will prepare everyone with racing skills and encourage them to give racing a try. It is okay though to join the team and just ride with us. This is a challenge by choice sport.
Can parents ride?
Yes, please! Almost every coach on our team is a parent of a student athlete. We are all volunteers. In order to ride with the students you must go through the coaching program (Coach registration fee is $35) and background check (additional fee) through NICA. Training for a Level 1 coach is all online. You do not need to have amazing biking skills, just an amazing and encouraging attitude!
Are there other ways to help off the bike?
Yes! There is a lot of work in the background and we would love your help, especially at race event weekends.
When is the season?
Preseason starts in mid October, regular seasons starts in December and goes through May. Races are held in March, April, and May. See the schedule for more details.
Where are the races?
They are spread across the state. Most races are 2 to 2.5 hours from the Triangle.
Previous venues:
Brown’s Creek – Elizabethtown, NC
Salisbury Community Park – Salisbury, NC
Dark Mountain – Wilkesboro, NC
Farris Memorial Park – Mayodan, NC
Angler's Ridge – Danville, VA