What schools are part of EaglesMTB?

We currently have two teams that practice under the same umbrella; our Sauk Prairie High School team consists of students in 9th through 12th grade who attend Sauk Prairie High School, and our Composite team of high school athletes from Baraboo, Wisconsin Heights, Lodi, and Reedsburg and all middle school students. The Sauk Prairie High School team is recognized as a school club sport.

Homeschool students living within these district boundaries are also eligible to ride with EaglesMTB.

If your student is outside our area, you can check the Wisconsin league website for information on other teams around the state.

What is NICA? What is Wisconsin MTB?

NICA is the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. NICA is the national organization that helps to create great infrastructure around insurance, training, racing, practices and so much more for our local teams. You can learn more about NICA here.

Wisconsin MTB is the league we participate in. Learn more about the Wisconsin High School Cycling League here.

When do we practice (and where)?

Wisconsin Mountain Biking is a fall sport, starting the first week of July and ending in late October.

Early season practices (July through end of August) are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7:45-ish. Practices in September and October are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:30 to 7:30 (as daylight allows; as the season progresses, practices are earlier/shorter).

We have multiple practice locations depending on what skills are being covered, including:

●  The Dam Trails at Alliant - Prairie du Sac

●  Lodi Primary School

●  Steinke Basin, Devil’s Lake State Park - Baraboo

●  Other local trail systems, and some private mountain bike trails in the Sauk County area. See m​adcitydirt.com​ for details.

We also schedule fun rides on weekends when coaches are available.

Practices are structured into activities focused on skills learning and skills application. All practices will contain both, with an additional conditioning component added in as the season progresses.
With practices only two nights per week, it is up to the athlete to ride on off-days to build up their leg strength and endurance.

How old do you have to be to join the team?

Students entering 6th – 12th grade in the fall can join the team.

Can I miss practice?

Yep. A head’s up to your coach is appreciated.

How big is the team?

In the 2022 season we had 49 athletes and over 20 coaches/parent volunteers.

How much does it cost?

The fees to join the team are about $113; that includes $40 team fee, $48 Wisconsin League fee and $25 NICA (national organization) fee. Wisconsin League and NICA fees are paid via a website called Pitzone during registration. The $40 team fees are paid via check (payable to ‘Sauk Prairie Cycling’) directly to the head coach or team directors. Racing is a separate fee and is $45/race.

Scholarships are available! Money shouldn’t be a barrier to having a blast on bikes. Please reach out to eaglesmtb@gmail.com with questions!

Do I need a $3,000 mountain bike race machine to join this team?

Nope. 

Your bike should have at least 10 gears, shift well, and have good brakes. No bar ends or kick stand. This is a fun race team, so you’ll need a decent bike that won’t break down, not a $3,000 race machine.  If you need a bike, WI league and the team have a few loaner bikes. Contact EaglesMTB if you need help with a bike. You’ll also need a properly-fitted helmet.

Riders are responsible for their own bike repairs at practices and races. Coaches are here to help and carry pumps, first aid and small supplies.  Please have your bike checked and tuned up at a local shop before the season.

Can Parents Ride at Practice? What if I’m interested in coaching?

Signing up as a coach is a simple process involving a background check, watching a concussion and risk management video (and a short quiz). Then you can ride with the team all year and even help with the team pre-ride at races if you’d like. 

We absolutely need parents or interested community members to help out at practices. We are looking for a variety of skill levels so even if you are new to mountain biking but love being around bikes and have lots of positive energy, we’d love to have you ride with us!

After completing the above training, you’re considered a “Level 1” coach. You can pursue higher level coaching credentials through NICA. More information about that is available here:
Note: we ask Coaches to pay for their own background check and coach registration fee, though coach scholarships are available for those who need them.

Do I have to race?

Nope. We encourage athletes to join the team on race weekends to cheer on their teammates as well as pre-ride the course with the team. Camping, friendships and fun are big and important elements of the MTB experience.

Where are the races?

The race schedule changes from year to year. In 2023, we’ll race in Cable, Mt. Morris, Fall River, and Eau Claire. Our State Championship is held at Trek Trails in Waterloo, WI.

When does registration for new riders start?

Registration for our 2025 season is open from May 1 through the end of June. If you’d like to be added to our email list, contact us at eaglesMTB@gmail.com

I’m an enthusiastic cyclist, can I help the team?

Absolutely! We have many humans who help at practice or take on a volunteer role with the team, or who ride as coaches. We are also looking for sustaining financial backers to help with scholarships so money isn’t a barrier to riding or being on the team. Contact us for more information!

How can I sign up?

Want more information about joining us, or didn’t find what you are looking for here? Drop us a line at eaglesMTB@gmail.com