Can beginners join?

Absolutely! We welcome athletes of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rider, there's a place for you on the team.

Is this sport co-ed?

Yes, it is! Our races feature both co-ed and girls' divisions. Girls are welcome to compete in either division.

What ages can participate?

We welcome students from 6th grade through 12th grade.

Are there opportunities for kids not yet in 6th grade who want to be involved?

Yes! We encourage younger siblings to join us at races to cheer on the team. They can bring their bikes to ride around the venue and get excited about biking.

What is GRIT?

GRiT (Girls Riding Together) is a NICA initiative aimed at increasing female participation in mountain biking. Currently, girls make up 24% of NICA’s national student-athlete population. The GRiT Program is dedicated to recruiting and retaining more girls and female coaches in NICA programs. #moregirlsonbikes

• For more information about GRiT, visit: NICA GRiT

• Watch this inspiring video: GRiT Video

When does registration open?

Registration is currently closed for the 2026/2027 season.

How much does it cost to join?

2025 fees were as follows:

1. Team fee of $225 covers your participation on the team, race uniform (shorts, jersey, and t-shirt).

2. League (NICA) fee of $60

3. NICA membership $50

4. (RACES ARE OPTIONAL) Race entry fees are approximately $55 per race, with a discount available for registering for all races at once.

Additional expenses may include optional team merchandise (parent merch) and accommodation or campsite fees if you choose to stay overnight at a race.

Races take place at four different venues across Northern California. Many team members and families agree that the campouts and overnight trips to the races are the highlights of the season!

Races are held monthly from February through May.

You have several options for accommodation: tent or trailer camping, Airbnb, or hotels, either at the race venues or nearby. Coach Jared or Coach Dustin will provide details on reservations.

For families who prefer not to stay overnight, attending the races for the day is also an option.

The race venues are typically within a 2-hour drive from the Bay Area.

What equipment do I need to get started?

1.    A mountain bike in safe, working order is critical. We can help you with bike shop and mechanical support and resources to make sure bike is safe and ready to ride.

If you don’t have a bike, we can help you get one through the NICA rider discount program. Visit:  https://nationalmtb.org/athlete-coach-benefits/ for details. 

2.    Helmet in good condition,

3.    Safe, comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes. We recommend padded mountain biking shorts.

4.    Water bottle or hydration pack (aka Camelbak) and a snack (e.g., energy bar)

5.    Basic tools to fix a flat (spare tube, pump, patch kit). A multi-tool is also advised.

What kind of bike do I need?

For our rides, a "cross-country" mountain bike is your best bet. You can choose between two types: full-suspension (with a rear shock for a smoother ride, better for downhill but heavier) or hard-tail (no rear suspension, lighter, and great for climbing and all-around performance). We recommend 29" wheels for medium-to-tall riders and 27.5" for smaller riders. A hard-tail 29er is perfect for our Bay Area terrain, offering the best balance for both racing and training.

Where should I get a bike?

For bikes, our team gets awesome discounts off Trek and others through NICA’s program.  Visit:  https://nationalmtb.org/athlete-coach-benefits/ for details. 

Our team has had great luck with Trek stores all over the Bay Area. 

We also recommend one of our local sponsors, The Bike Shop, when shopping for bikes and if you need bike service. 

How much bike maintenance is required?

All new and used bikes need tune-ups after some use. Used bikes often require brake pad, chain, cassette, and cable replacements. Kids' bikes especially endure a lot, so establish a good relationship with your bike shop and schedule service early.

Regular maintenance includes replacing chains, brake pads, and tires, as well as tuning suspension, drivetrain, and brakes. If possible, opt for tubeless tires for better performance.

Do I need a full-face helmet? Should I get one with a detachable chin-guard?

For team rides and general use, a regular mountain bike helmet is ideal. They’re lightweight, offer good ventilation, and allow clear hearing. If you plan to ride or race downhill, a full-face helmet might be necessary, but it’s not needed for our local trails.

Detachable chin-guard helmets are another option but can be quite costly. If you're on a tougher trail, focus on improving your skills rather than upgrading to a tougher helmet. Helmets protect against impacts, but avoiding head injuries is key. Coaches use basic mountain bike helmets

East County Shred is powered by our families

Our team thrives thanks to the support and involvement of our parents and families.

There are many ways to contribute: bring a dish to share at a team potluck, provide a pop-up shade tent at races, volunteer as a crossing guard or for race setup, or even become a coach to ride alongside your child and others! Your participation is essential and greatly appreciated. 

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER:

Coaches/Ride Leaders — We need you!

The only way for parents/guardians to ride with us all season is to be a coach/ride leader. Join US! To become a coach/ride leader, you’ll need to attain at least a “level 1” certification from NICA. This involves a 2-3 hour commitment involving risk management and concussion training webinars as well as on the bike skills training.  You don’t have to be an expert! We need people with a good attitude and that are willing to show up.  Please contact us if you are interested in learning more.   

Team Helpers— We need you!

Most of our rides don’t need a lot of assistance, but when we have events (like races, team parties or fundraisers), we can always use more hands to help out with stuff like camp setup/teardown, food preparation, or anything that may require humans to perform.  If you are not sure just ask!  We will gladly give you something to do. 

Race Feedzone Volunteers — We need you!

During a race riders need to be passed water bottles. This part of the racecourse is called the “Feedzone”. PRO TIP: When your child isn’t racing, volunteer to be in the Feedzone for another child’s race. This way we can all watch our own kid's race.  Its not hard, and we will show you how its done!

Race Volunteers — We need you!

NICA league races are volunteer dependent so there’s lots of opportunity to be part of the experience. You can choose from a variety of ~2 hour volunteer time slots for things like crossing guard (help keep walkways free from people while kids are riding), set up or take down the course (remove the tape, etc), or things like helping in the merch tent.  Volunteering at league events is not only fun it helps us get a better pitzone location. 

Meet the Board:

Head Coach and President – Jared Willbergh

Our head coach plays a vital role in youth mountain biking by fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.  Jared is a founding member of the team and an avid mountain biker, trail runner and endurance enthusiast.  His coaching philosophy is that all riders should show up, try hard and smile!  You will find Coach Jared screaming loudly on the course, at the starting line and his all-time favorite, photo bombing Team pictures!  

Head Coach – Dustin Williams

Dustin is an experienced mountain biker and dedicated dad of two East County Shred athletes with a love for the outdoors, fitness, and adventure.

Treasurer – Danielle Williams

Danielle loves mountain biking for the fresh air, the challenge, and the chance to explore more of the outdoors. Plus, It’s a great excuse to step away from the office and onto the trails. As a mom to two riders on the team, she’s seen firsthand how quickly kids progress—one minute they’re just starting out, and the next, they’re climbing hills with ease. Coaching Devo is especially rewarding because she gets to watch middle school riders gain confidence, push themselves, and be part of a team that’s always cheering each other on.