Gators Bike Team FAQ
Many of your questions can be answered here in this FAQ. If you still have questions, please email GatorsBikeTeam@thetrailgators.org
REGISTRATION
Public registration occurs annually on March 1. Riders from the previous year are able to pre-register, so the remaining spots on the team are very limited. In fact, the team has reached capacity within minutes of opening the past several years. Sadly, that means not everyone gets a spot on the team.
Many variables contribute to team capacity but the most limiting factor is maintaining a safe and effective coach-to-kid ratio. With that in mind, please consider doing some prep work so you can quickly cruise through registration when the time comes.
We strongly encourage you to complete the registration process and hop onto the waitlist. More spots may open up.
Also, you can still sign up for clinics, races, and other events that are not exclusive to team members.
RIDING GROUPS
Gators is for EVERYONE! We have ability groups for riders of all ages and abilities. Think of them like “divisions” in other team sports, but with a mtb twist. Balance Bikers, Rollers, and Grinders on Mondays; advanced riders aka Rippers & Shredders, on Tuesdays. Learn more
Yes, riders are able to move up, or down, to ensure their safety. Please discuss options with your coaches outside of practice time.
EQUIPMENT CHECK!
Yes!! A properly fitted helmet is mandatory to participate in Gators riding activities.
- Eyes should be able to see the brim of helmet
- Ears should be just above the “Y” of the strap
- Chin strap should be snug
A bicycle that is in good working order. No training wheels permitted.
Please do not wait until the first practice to inspect your child’s bike! Consider a preseason tune-up at your local bike shop. Alternatively, use the Bike Inspection Checklist below.
Bike Frame
- Check that the parts of the frame are securely attached to each other and to the wheels, seat, front fork, and handlebars.
- Check for looseness in the seat, handlebars, and front fork.
- Check the seat height. For young cyclists, the rider should be able to sit on the seat and touch their feet to the ground.
- Is the handlebar perpendicular to the front wheel?
- Do the handlebar grips still prevent exposed metal at the end of the bars?
Tires & Wheels
- Are the tires properly inflated?
- Do the tires still have good treads and no visible bulging or other damage?
- Do the wheels spin freely without wiggling? Does the wheel stay aligned when spun?
- Are there any missing spokes or are any spokes damaged?
- Have all wheel pegs been removed? (Wheel pegs are crash magnets!)
Brakes
- Test the brakes to see that they stop a spinning wheel quickly without slipping.
- Coaster brakes are okay for beginners, but hand brakes are easier to control on bumpy trails.
- While applying hand brakes one at a time, try to move the bike forward. It should tip up on the front wheel or drag the rear wheel.
- For hand breaks, look at the brake pads. They should have at least 3/16 of an inch of rubber remaining and they should meet the rim squarely, not at an angle.
- For hand breaks, you should not be able to squeeze them all the way to the bottom. They should have some reserve left when the brake is completely engaged.
Crank & Chain
- Does the crank turn freely and without wiggling?
- Are the pedals firmly attached?
- Is the chain lubricated? Also, check it for rust.
- If the bike has gears, does it shift freely?
Sorry, no training wheels are allowed. This is true for all bike team events and races.
At Gators, we take pride in teaching kids to ride. We love the speed and ease at which kids advance to pedal bikes when they start on a balance bike.
For riders who first learn the key principles of balance and steering, pedaling is an easy next step. 90% of our balance bikers graduate to pedal bikes after just one season, many even before then.
No balance bike? Sorry, training wheels are still off limits.
We have found that training wheels can be both counter-productive and hazardous for our young dirt riders. Training wheels are not safe when riding over obstacles, they tend to get tangled up with other bikes, and they encourage bad habits. They simply don’t jive with our two-wheelin’ vibe!
Check out this video on how to convert a pedal bike into a balance bike!
RIDER SAFETY
Our primary consideration is the safety of riders, coaches and support staff. We also consider potential damage to the trails we ride.
Any decisions regarding cancelling, postponing, or altering practice locations will be made by the Gators head coaches and communicated via PlayMetrics. Rescheduling is nearly impossible for a team of our size so plan to ride unless you hear from us.
We don’t think that will happen and here’s why. We keep our riding groups small and color coordinated.
Before practice, riders should look for their coach, who will have a brightly colored flag that matches their team’s color. Teams stay together throughout practices. When hitting the trails, we send each team with a “rabbit” (the coach who leads the way) and a “sweep” (the coach that rides behind the last rider) to make sure everyone stays together. We also have “base coaches” at each station.
Every rider will be identifiable to our coaching staff with a helmet sticker and any coach can direct your rider to the correct location. Coaches have walkie talkies and remain in touch with each other throughout practice.
The best thing you can do to ensure your child is in the right place at the right time is to 1) arrive early, 2) handle potty needs in advance, 3) make sure your child knows their team color, and 4) pay attention to PlayMetrics for any updates from coaches.
Spills and thrills are part of mountain biking, though we do our best to minimize the risk!
Our coaches carry first aid supplies for minor injuries on the trails, can radio in for additional support, and will call 911 in case of emergency.
PRACTICES
Our primary consideration is the safety of riders, coaches and support staff. We also consider potential damage to the trails we ride.
Any decisions regarding cancelling, postponing, or altering practice locations will be made by the Gators head coaches and communicated via PlayMetrics. Rescheduling is nearly impossible for a team of our size so plan to ride unless you hear from us.
Teams are initially assigned based on your registration data. Riders are broken out into ability groups, then into color-coordinated “teams” within those groups. This assignment process takes place between the Parent’s Meeting and the start of the season, so please be patient as we sort out the specifics.
Once your rider has been assigned to a team, your coaches will reach out to make introductions via PlayMetrics.
Closed-toe shoes (not crocs), helmet, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Gloves are optional, though hands do tend to hit the ground first.
Bike, helmet, and lots of water.
Tuesday riders might want to consider a camel-bak (or similar) for longer rides; perhaps a “power snack” too.
First, know your rider’s team color.
On Mondays at GBP, balance bikers meet on the basketball courts. Rollers & Grinders meet in the Granby parking lot near the trail head. Look for your coach, who will have a brightly colored flag that matches your rider’s team color.
On Tuesdays, riders will be at Alum Creek. There are several starting locations so please be sure to check your schedule for the precise meeting location. Parking is at a premium so please drop off and clear out, unless you plan to help as a crossing guard or stay to watch.
Teams stay together throughout practices but do move around to different locations.
If your rider is sick or you family already has big plans, don’t stress about missing a practice.
If your rider is just not feeling excited about it that day? Well, that’s another story. Spots on this team are precious and we’d hate to see kids miss out while those who did get a spot not show up.
Please mark your attendance in PlayMetrics for every practice. You can edit it if your status changes.
Late arrivals should be coordinated with your coach in advance. Parents may need to escort your child to a trail location to meet up with their team.
Early departures must be communicated with your coach!!! We cannot emphasize this enough. If a rider is “missing” at the end of practice, coaches will launch into their emergency plan to track down the missing rider, including sweeping trails. So please, please, please don’t just pull your child off the trail early without notifying your coaches.
Please, please, please have your rider use the restroom BEFORE practice.
Port-a-johns are available at Gators Bike Park and at most trail heads.
Potty breaks are nearly impossible to coordinate. Parents should remain close by to assist if you think your child will need a potty break mid-practice.
TEAM EVENTS
The Gators Bike Team is known for their Strong Spokes mentality and maintaining the trails they ride.
Every year Gators families roll up their sleeves and get to work on the trails at Alum Creek before the season starts. Bring the whole family, some bug spray, and some yard tools if you have ’em—there’s always plenty to do!
Every year the team decends on the campgrounds at John Bryan State Park for some family fun before the Trail Magic race.
Campground reservations always fill up before team registration even opens but we’ve got you covered—Gators reserved the primitive camping group site.
Campers enjoy lots of comraderie in the great outdoors, group rides, s’mores, and more. It’s a great time!
Gators is proud to join the Pelotonia Kids series with the only “off-road” event for kids on the circuit—the Gators Adventure Ride! This is NOT a race, but an ADVENTURE! We will have events and/or rides for all kids under 14 years of age.
Our marquee event will be a course built for multi-speed bikes, winding through pavement, grass, up and down hills, and yes – even some trail riding through Gators Bike Park! We will have a pavement course mapped out for those on single speed bikes. And not to leave out our littlest of riders, even balance bikes will have their own area for fun and adventure!
It is sure to be like no other bike ride your kid has ever done! With surprises around every corner, and something for every age group under 14, be sure to mark your calendar and join the FUN!
Pelotonia Kids is a series of youth cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with the OSUCCC—James, 100% of participant-raised funds are directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Gators is excited about partnering with Pelotonia in 2026 and building our Gators Community while serving as a Strong Spoke!
Gators will have it’s own Peloton! We envision coaches, parents, and our older riders (age 14+) enjoying training rides this summer as we raise money to help fight cancer.
The minimum fundraising goal for each rider is $1,500, which admittedly can be intimidating. However, when Gators put their minds to a goal, especially one of such importance, watch out!
Want join? Go to Pelotonia.org to register and make sure you sign up for “Gators MTB” Peloton. Training ride schedules for Beginners and Intermediate riders soon to come!
RACE SERIES
No, races are not included. Races require an additional registration and are open to the public as well. Register via PlayMetrics for any of our kid-friendly races:
Nope, but we sure hope they will give it a try! Gators Races are designed for all ages and abilities. Learn more about the Gators Race Series and why its worth the hype!