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What gear do I need?

Hardtail (HT): This type of frame does not have a suspension in the rear. The rear triangle of the bike is fixed to the entire frame. NICA requires that at the MINIMUM, the student athlete MUST have a front fork that is a suspension fork. Students CANNOT ride a bike in practice or races that has a solid (non suspended) fork. This is for safety reasons. A suspension fork moves up and down and absorbs shock. When the front wheel hits a rock, root, or rut, the fork moves, absorbs shock, thus helps the rider maintain traction. A rigid fork does not move and will cause the wheel and front to bounce up. HT bikes are often less expensive than bikes with full suspensions. While the rear of the HT bike can bounce around more, given the NICA courses are not very technical, an HT frame bike is a good option. These bikes are generally lighter than a full suspension bike too.

Full Suspension (FS): As mentioned above, the FS frame bike has both a front suspension fork, and a rear triangle that is connected to a single shock. The rear triangle is allowed to freely move as the terrain changes and when the rider causes the bike to compress. Most front and rear shocks have lock outs and are also adjustable for rider weight and terrain. Because a FS bike has more parts, it can be more expensive, require more care and maintenance, and can be a little more costly to repair and maintain. Moreover, a FS bike is generally heavier than a HT.

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There is NO helmet, not even a MMA fighter helmet that prevents a concussion. Helmets are designed and intended to protect the scalp, skull, and in some models the face from impact injury. A hit to the head can cause the brain to move within the skull. Some companies offer helmet models with MIPS feature and they market it as a technology that reduces brain movement. Their data is inconclusive. For NICA, any rider fall or hit to the head will require an assessment by a coach who may refer the rider and parent to a qualified health professional if needed. While some riders may prefer a “full face” helmet that has protection across the face, visibility with these helmets is not as good as it is with a regular helmet. Also, full face helmets are heavier (thus place great neck strain to a developing child’s neck), and are hotter due to less ventilation and the extra padding. If a parent is concerned with protecting the teeth, especially orthodontia, a simple mouth guard as used in rugby or soccer works well.

As part of NICA students are taught self-reliance and maintenance of their bikes. Fixing a flat. Ensuring the bike is safe to ride. There isn’t a prescriptive list of items, but the coaches will provide guidance and the rider can curate the kit that gives them confidence. At the minimum an inner tube, tire levers, and pump are needed. Placing these into a pack or frame bag is safer than carrying these in a jersey.

Protective glasses: Clear lenses are great for over cast days and low light. Yellow, amber are very good too. For bright sun darker lenses. Protective glasses reduce dust hitting the eyes, mud, and debris. These do not have to be expensive designer glasses. Just find ones that fit your face, budget and you’ll wear.

Cycling shirts and shorts: Cycling gear is designed to protect and provide comfort over street clothes. Cycling gear reduces drag when falling, whereas street clothes can grab the dirt and ground thus cause rash, or ride up exposing the skin. Cycling shorts have pads in the crotch area which reduces friction, reduces vibration and provides more comfort while seated.
Skin lube: when cycling shorts are worn, specific skin lube for the crotch is recommended as it can tremendously reduce skin friction.

Cycling socks: are usually thinner, have little to no seams and do not hold a lot of moisture. Cotton and casual socks will hold water and moisture.

Cycling pack: is a great way to carry fluids, snacks, gear and stash gear when the temperatures rise. A smaller pack that holds just enough is best. Not a school backpack or large one that will swing and bounce around. There are many models out there, so if a pack is what you want, find the one that fits you best, your needs, and you’ll be comfortable wearing. Many elite racers including myself are enjoying the pack made by USWE a Swedish company. “No bouncing monkey!”

Floor pump, home tools, cleaning supplies: It is critical that riders learn basic maintenance including cleaning their bikes. Not only does regular cleaning provide an opportunity for inspection, it keeps the bike efficient. Keeping the chain and gears clean, lubed and tires properly inflated for EVERY RIDE is necessary. It’s no fun showing up for a ride or a race, finding a coach and saying, “Coach my bike doesn’t seem right,” to learn the tire has a leak, the chain is rusted, the brakes are worn, or something else is broken and may not be field fixable. A clean bike is a happy bike!

Under seat pack: If a rider chooses not to have a back pack, they can carry their little toolkit in an under seat pack. These are very convenient and affordable.

Zwift Subscription: Zwift is a global online training and virtual racing platform. PHS MTB uses it for high performance, virtual training led by our performance coaches. It is NOT required to participate on the team. It’s another training option for the athletes who want to get in some higher performance training. Our team was the first in the country to employ Zwift when the COVID pandemic hit and prevented in-person training. In order to use Zwift, there is a subscription needed, www.zwift.com, sensors for the bike, and a stationary trainer. Some households have their own trainers, some purchase a trainer through the team at a discount, and some may loan a team trainer with specific restrictions. The athletes and coaches who have chosen to participate with the Zwift training have really enjoyed it and get a great workout.

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COACHES

Jukka Valkonen

HEAD COACH

piedmontbiking@gmail.com

ERIC HSIA

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH

echsia@gmail.com

More Coaches

Sally Aldridge (emeritus head coach)
Andy Schuetz
Heidi Sawicki
Javier Jerez
Jon Reining
Jose Rivera
Mark Sawicki

Mark Ward
Miguel Villareal
Sara Valkonen
Siulieng Chea-Jerez
Vanessa Oklejas
Ben Aldridge

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PIEDMONT MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM