CC June 19
Yo team! Awesome start to summer season. We welcomed a few first-time riders (Hazen, Warren, and Bowman), raced Cochran's in the mud, and had a big crew head down to Jiminy Peak. This week: morning practices, Killington ESC, and better weather.
Cochran's Enduro was sloppy, but fun. Props to our riders for being unphased by the conditions. Results here.
The crew crushed at Jiminy, too. First ESC race for Noah Blucher - nice job! Podiums for Kai, Avery, Zoe, Eli, Duke, Ben, Callum, Killian, and Noah. Results here.
A bunch of new photos have been posted in the Race Team 2023 Google Photos album. Anyone can view the photos by simply clicking the link. To add photos (please do!), you’ll need to sign into your Google account (or gmail account) and click the “Add Photos” icon. This works great on mobile if you download the Google Photos app (free).
This Week's Practice Schedule:
Full Race Team Calendar available here.
Tuesday:
ALL riders at Cady Hill Lodge, 9 - 12.
Elites with Coach Kim
Devo with Sammy and Jake
Wednesday:
Elites at Pleasant Valley. Parking at Valley Dream Farm.
Thursday:
Devo at Perry Hill, 9-12
OR
Devo at Cady Hill Lodge (XC focused), 1-4pm
(This XC-focused Stowe practice will normally be 9-12)
Friday:
No Elites practice - save some gas for the weekend (or get a pre-preride at Killington)
Saturday:
Killington Preride, 10AM
Elites with Sammy
Devo with Ross and Jake
Sunday:
Race day!
CC June 12
Hey team! Welcome to the first week of summer season. Grassroots Enduro at Cochran's on Thursday - let's hope the rain holds off. As a reminder, practice updates/cancellations go out before 1PM via our WhatsApp group (QR codes below).
School's almost out! Next week is our first week of morning practices.
A bit of unfortunate news: Isaac took a pretty hard fall at Bolton this weekend. He's out with a dislocated shoulder and humerus fracture. Please send thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes in his direction!
Regardless, we're looking to be in good shape for practices this summer. We'll miss Isaac a ton while he's out, but we've tapped into our reserves and are welcoming Jake Whitlock and Cody Phillips back onto the coaching squad. Patience is appreciated as we work through summer scheduling - staffing multiple practice locations will be a challenge for the first couple weeks.
This Week's Practice Schedule:
Full Race Team Calendar available here.
Tuesday:
ALL riders at Cochran's, 4:30 start time. No Stowe practice.
Ross will take a 3:40 shuttle from Cady Hill Lodge. 5 spots available, first come first served (please RSVP via response to this email).
Wednesday:
Catamount XC Race. No coaching support at this one, but we encourage our XC-focused riders to attend!
Thursday:
Cochran's Grassroots Enduro:
- Please sign up here
- Registration opens at 4:30, and a signature from a parent is required.
- Please bring your Grassroots raceplate if you have one!
OR - XC practice at Cady Hill Lodge with Jonathan
Friday:
Elites at Bolton
Weekend:
Jiminy Peak ESC (not SMBA supported). Many of our Elites are racing. Good luck, crew!
Upcoming:
Killlington ESC Enduro - June 24/25
Our first supported ESC Enduro! Coming up soon.
- 10AM Devo practice on Saturday
- Elites practice will either be Friday afternoon or Saturday at 10am.
CC June 5
Hey team! Awesome racing last week.
The Grassroots Enduro at Sleepy was a blast. First Enduro (and first race!) for many of our crew. 19 SMBA riders! That's one fifth of the field! Results available here.
We also had a few riders attend the Glen Park ESC this weekend in Pennsylvania. Five stages, no lifts, flowy singletrack through rhododendron jungle. Results here.
12U
Ben - 1st! First win
Duke - 3rd
14U
Killian - 1st
Maddox - pulled out after a crash :,(
20U
Eli - 7th
Pro Men
Isaac - 2nd
Sammy - 3rd
This Week's Practice Schedule:
Full Race Team Calendar available here.
Announcements:
Summer season starts next week!
Please fill out 2023 Race Team Summer Signup if you intend to ride with the team this Summer, and then pay via Mindbody. Signup and payments are due before Friday, June 9th.
Killlington ESC Registration
Killington is our first supported ESC race this season. We'll host a group preride on Saturday before the race on Sunday. This race is rough, steep, and dangerous, and not appropriate for all riders. Devo families: please reach out to chat about if this is a good opportunity for your rider before registering. Registration is available here.
CC May 29
Yo team! Catamount and Sleepy Hollow Grassroots Enduro this week. Friendly reminder to sign up using the links below if you haven't already done so. Riders should choose one of these two events, not both.
Practice Schedule:
Full Race Team Calendar available here.
Tuesday:
ALL riders at Sleepy Hollow, 4:30 start time. No Stowe practice.
Ross will take a 3:40 shuttle from Cady Hill Lodge. 3 spots still available, first come first served (please RSVP via response to this email).
Wednesday:
Catamount XC Race - sign up here
Thursday:
Sleepy Hollow Grassroots Enduro - sign up here
OR - XC practice at Cady Hill Lodge with Jonathan
Friday:
Elites at Bolton with Kim - Hoping to make this happen on opening day. Info about discounted bike park passes and how to pick up coming this week!
Saturday:
VTYC Group Ride in Rochester. A few folks going, should be a blast. More info available in the attached flyer. Please RSVP via response to this email if you haven't already.
Updates:
Spring Season: Last two weeks!
Whoa, next week is the final week of our Spring Season. Summer season picks right up the following week (June 12 through the week of August 14). Thanks to those who have already registered via Mindbody. More info on registration and reminders coming soon.
Events:
Grassroots Enduro Sleepy Hollow - Thursday, June 1
VTYC Group Ride and BBQ at Rochester Trails Saturday, June 3rd
Open to all VTYC participants and SMBA riders. Groups will be led by the Ridgeline Riders team. Should be a super fun opportunity, and Coach Ross will be attending.
CC May 22 - Powder Ridge Recap, Upcoming Grassroots Race
Hey team! The Powder Ridge ESC Enduro was this past weekend in Connecticut. This wasn't an officially supported race, but there was a solid crew of SMBA riders. Sounds like conditions were wild - dry and dusty on Friday, pouring all day for practice on Saturday, and sunny skies on Sunday for the race.
Awesome rides from our team members. Lots of firsts:
U12
Duke 1st (First win)
Callum 6th (First ESC race)
U14
Killian 1st (First U14 win, youngest in category)
Maddox 7th (First U14 race)
U18 Girls
Kai 2nd (Oh yeah Kai!!!)
Avery 3rd (First U18 race and podium)
U16
Afton ~20/60 (First totally clean and chill race)
U20
Rueben 5th (First podium!)
Practice Schedule:
Full Race Team Calendar available here.
Updates:
2023 Race Team Google Photos Album
Here is a link to the shared Race Team 2023 Google Photos album.
Anyone can view the photos by simply clicking the link.
To add photos (please do!), you’ll need to sign into your Google account (or gmail account) and click the “Add Photos” icon. This works great on mobile if you download the Google Photos app (free).
Grassroots Enduro Next Thursday (6/1)
I've heard word that the first VT Grassroots Enduro will be next Thursday at Sleepy Hollow. This isn't public information, so that's all I can say for now. We'll likely skip our scheduled Perry Hill practice to attend - stay tuned!
We're also planning to attend the Catamount XC on Wednesday - riders should choose one, probably not both.
Mid-Season Check-in Feedback Form
Thanks for your responses. Just another reminder to fill this out - responses are greatly appreciated! Available here
Upcoming Events
Grassroots Enduro Sleepy Hollow - Thursday, June 1
Glen Park ESC Enduro, Stroudsburg, PA - June 3/4
Anyone planning to attend? Again, not an official SMBA supported race, but a sweet venue. Five stages, no lifts.
VTYC Group Ride and BBQ at Rochester Trails Saturday, June 3rd
Open to all VTYC participants and SMBA riders. Groups will be led by the Ridgeline Riders team. Should be a super fun opportunity, and Coach Ross will be attending.
Black River Grand Prix XC Saturday, June 10
This is a pretty unique "XC race". No laps, just one big 16-mile loop. It's basically a mass-start adventure ride on awesome Vermont terrain. Not a formally supported SMBA race, but a great opportunity. More info here.
Velo Stowe Gravel Ride Saturday, July 29
A partnership between Stowe Trails, Hitchhiker, and Talta Lodge. 35 miles of good Stowe gravel! Again, not formally by SMBA, but a great opportunity. More info here.
Race Team 2023 Google Photos Album
Below is a link to join the shared Race Team 2023 Google Photos album.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gNGawsmggxwVKnAt6
Anyone can view the photos by simply clicking the link.
To add photos (please do!), you’ll need to sign into your Google account (or gmail account) and click the “Add Photos” icon. This works great on mobile if you download the Google Photos app (free).
CC May 15 - Catamount Practice, Season Updates, and Upcoming Events
Updates:
Catamount on Wednesday
- Please fill out the Catamount Signup form and sign the waiver (included in form) if you plan to attend.
- Practice starts at 4:30PM. Meet at the Hub (the small building next to the parking lot).
- All riders are registered to enter the 2 lap race, which starts at 6:15 (about 30-40 minutes). Everyone is encouraged to join the race, but it's OK to opt out. For future weeks, riders are allowed to opt for three or four laps.
- More info on the race series here. The course is Red on Black this week (on the parking lot side).
- Parents/families, feel free to come watch!
Catamount Shuttle
Ross will drive a shuttle from Stowe to our Catamount practice. Meet at Cady Hill Lodge at 3:40PM. Soren, Sage, Sierra, and Bowman are signed up. Two more spots available, please reply to this thread to claim a spot.
Week of June 12 - After School Practices
June 12 is our first week of Summer practices. Originally, this week had a few morning practices for Devo. However, some riders are still in school, so we've moved all practices to evenings (the same schedule as our current Spring weekly practices).
Tick Checks
Ticks are out in force. Please make sure to do a thorough tick check and shower soon after practices.
Mid-Season Check-in Feedback Form
How are we doing, and how can we improve? Feedback Form available here - this is anonymous. Responses are greatly appreciated!
Upcoming Events
VTYC Group Ride and BBQ at Rochester Trails Saturday, June 3rd
Open to all VTYC participants and SMBA riders. Groups will be led by the Ridgeline Riders team. More info in the flyer (attached). Should be a super fun opportunity, and Coach Ross will be attending.
Black River Grand Prix XC Saturday, June 10
This is a pretty unique "XC race". No laps, just one big 16-mile loop. It's basically a mass-start adventure ride on awesome Vermont terrain. Not a formally supported SMBA race, but a great opportunity. More info here.
Velo Stowe Gravel Ride Saturday, July 29
A partnership between Stowe Trails, Hitchhiker, and Talta Lodge. 35 miles of good Stowe gravel! Again, not formally by SMBA, but a great opportunity. More info here.
CC May 8 - WATA Gravel Recap, Catamount details
Yo team!
Beautiful weather this week. Looking forward to a week of riding singletrack. Cady, Perry, and Saxon are open!
On Thursday, Devo riders will be able to choose between two practices: an XC focused practice at Cady Hill, or a trail focused practice at Perry Hill. Please make sure to check out the Race Team Calendar and reach out with any questions.
Catamount Next Week - Wednesday 5/17
Our first Wednesday night Catamount practice is next week! All Devo and Elite riders are welcome to join. Since this location is far for some riders, practice will start at 4:30 instead of 4:00. Practice will consist of a dual slalom session and an XC course recon lap, then finish with the weekly XC race - two, three, or four lap options. Please make sure you have added Catamount as a chapter on your VTYC membership before attending. Race entries are covered by SMBA.
We may offer a shuttle from Cady Hill Lodge to Catamount - five spots available. Please respond to this email if interested.
CC May 1 - Spring Schedule, VMBA Events
Yo team!
Ross and I had a great time riding in North Carolina with our Spring Break crew. Check out the SMBA 'gram for highlights. We're officially in Spring season now - practices running every day. Pray for some good weather!
Trails are currently closed, so we've made some practice schedule changes. The Race Team Calendar is up to date. Please make sure you've joined the Whatsapp group for weather-related practice updates (QR codes below).
- Only one location for Tuesday Devo practice this week: Cady Hill Lodge. Trails are closed, but we'll be able to get some miles in and hopefully ride the SMBA training loops.
- Monday Elites Stowe practice at CHL has been moved to Tuesday. Stay tuned - we may make this change permanent for Spring.
Upcoming events:
Fellowship of the Wheel Season Kickoff - Friday, May 5th. A lot of new trails in the FOTW system this year.
Spring Trail Work day with Stowe Trails - Saturday, May 6th. Trail work and pizza. If you attend, rep SMBA and wear your jersey!
WATA Gravel Grinder - Sunday, May 7th. Anyone riding? Entries are sold out, but WATA is still looking for volunteers.
CC April 24 - VMBA Memberships, Strength, and more
Hi from North Carolina! Ross and I are here with a crew of nine for Spring Break.
Great first week of preseason last week. Awesome to see some new faces on our Devo team. This week, Tuesday Devo practice at Cady Hill Lodge is our only practice - most of our Elites are down South. Spring season starts up next week, with two Devo practices and three Elites practices.
VTYC/VMBA combo memberships are now available. Instructions for purchasing are posted on the Team Portal. Please get this done before Spring season practices start next week, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thanks!
VMBA/VTYC Membership Guide
This year, we are requiring a VMBA membership with chapter add-ons:
All SMBA Race Team riders should have Stowe, Catamount, and WATA chapters. These are $30 each.
Chittenden County riders (anyone attending Chittenden County practices) should also have Fellowship of the Wheel.
Most Race Team riders will need a VTYC membership for Fall. Getting a VMBA membership through VTYC is a good way to save money. The VTYC membership includes entries into all four fall races, a VMBA membership, and more benefits. Steps to opt-into a VMBA membership and add chapters are below:
Head to vtyouthcycling.org and click “REGISTER FOR THE 2023 SEASON”
Register via Bikereg. Make sure to choose “YES” for the question “Would you like to be sent a VMBA member packet?”
VMBA will automatically send you a login once the membership reaches their system. Once you receive this email, log into the VMBA platform and add the chapters listed above.
If you’re NOT planning on racing any of the four VTYC races, you can go ahead and purchase a VMBA membership here. Please add the chapters listed above.
CC April 17 - Preseason
Yo Team! Preseason practices this week.
Hope you made it outside this weekend for the summer weather. Back to our regularly scheduled April weather this week, but we'll make the most of it. This week and next are Preseason - no Thursday or Friday practices. In these two weeks, we'll aim to get rolling and start to get comfortable on our bikes again. We'll focus on bike setup, bike fit, basic pedalling dynamics, and some chill endurance riding. If we see dry conditions next week, we should be able to get out on some mellow singletrack, and if not, we'll grind some gravel and run some cone drills. Looking forward to getting the crew back together.
Hopefully you've been able to log into the new Team Portal, where, amongst other important information, we'll post the content of these weekly Coaches Communication emails for your review.
If you haven't yet, be sure to complete the Registration Checklist (found in the Team Portal) before coming to your first practice.
See you soon!
Sammy
Required Equipment
Bike Requirements
• Full suspension (or hardtail) mountain bike
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Tubeless tires
• Please have a shop or qualified technician make sure the bike is in good shape and functioning properly. While it is not necessary to have the nicest parts, riding and racing rough trails requires modern, durable componentry. If you are unsure of your bike or component quality, get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Gear requirements
• Helmet (“half shell” or “trail”). Elites: Full face and kneepads (ideally enduro style kneepads that can be comfortably worn while climbing
• Gloves, full finger length
• Mountain bike specific shoes
• Hydration backpack, should fit at least 1L bladder and 2 PBJs
(A hip pack is OK, but a backpack with chest/hip straps is preferred)
• Water bottle
• Multitool (Crank Brothers m17 or similar)
• Spare inner tube (and CO2 or mini-pump)
• Spare master chainlink
• Chest protectors and elbow pads are highly recommended for lift service Please reach out with any gear questions/recommendations.
Summer Practice Schedule
Hey team!
Thanks for taking the summer practice schedule survey. Practice times are confirmed - AM Devo practices, and evening Elites practices. On certain Fridays, Elites will field trip to ride at upcoming ESC race venues (these practices will be all day). Take a look at the Race Team Calendar for dates.
Registration Checklist
Welcome to the team!
Here’s a registration checklist to complete before showing up to your first practice.
To do:
Pay through our our Mindbody registration portal (see instructions below)
Complete the waivers via the “sign our waiver” button at the bottom right of the SMBA webpage
Download WhatsApp and add yourself to the group chat using the QR codes below
Read the Race Code of Conduct, Trail Conduct and the IMBA Rules of the Trail policies linked on the General Program Information Tab. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to these policies. Acceptance of all SMBA policies is implied when registration is complete.
Purchase your VTYC and VMBA memberships with chapter add-ons (see instructions below)
Questions about scholarships and payment plans? Please contact Shannon Walton (shannon@stowemtb.com)
Soon (still working on partnerships/deals):
Elites: Purchase a Bolton pass (these will be available to Race Team at a discounted rate - coming soon)
____________________________________________________________________________
Mindbody Registration Information:
All registrations require a Mindbody account. Mindbody is a secure booking tool and database.
You can access Mindbody at the bottom of our webpage. Under the “Client Portal” section, click on “Register / Login”.
If this is your first session with SMBA, you’ll need to create a profile. Enter your information, then add your rider's information under Family Relationships in your profile so you can select them for the program. It is helpful if you complete all profile information (you may add your cell phone or email as the rider’s contact information).
Go to ENROLLMENTS tab for race team registration. Go to the calendar and select 4/10/23 as the date in the upper right corner - then you should be able to find the Spring and Season-long registration options. When enrolling, add the participant’s name to the enrollment, then complete purchase.
Mindbody questions? Please contact Shannon (shannon@stowemtb.com)
____________________________________________________________________________
Waivers:
Complete the waivers via the “sign our waiver” button at the bottom right of our webpage.
New waivers per participant are required each calendar year. If you have already completed waivers in the current calendar year you do not need to complete again when registering for additional programs for the same participant.
For 2023, your media consent is implied as a participant of any SMBA program or activity. If you do not wish to have your or your rider’s image used by SMBA, please send an email to info@stowemtb.com with the subject “No Media Consent.” For more information on our Media Consent Policy, click on the General Information tab.
____________________________________________________________________________
VMBA/VTYC Memberships:
This year, we are requiring a VMBA membership with chapter add-ons:
All SMBA Race Team riders should have Stowe, Catamount, and WATA chapters. These are $30 each.
Chittenden County riders (anyone attending Chittenden County practices) should also have Fellowship of the Wheel.
Most Race Team riders will need a VTYC membership for Fall. Getting a VMBA membership through VTYC is a good way to save money. The VTYC membership includes entries into all four fall races, a VMBA membership, and more benefits. Steps to opt-into a VMBA membership and add chapters are below:
Head to vtyouthcycling.org and click “REGISTER FOR THE 2023 SEASON”
Register via Bikereg. Make sure to choose “YES” for the question “Would you like to be sent a VMBA member packet?”
VMBA will automatically send you a login once the membership reaches their system. Once you receive this email, log into the VMBA platform and add the chapters listed above.
If you’re NOT planning on racing any of the four VTYC races, you can go ahead and purchase a VMBA membership here. Please add the chapters listed above.
____________________________________________________________________________
WhatsApp Groups
