Tuscazoar Composite Team
Join us for the 2026 fall season!
Attention High School and Middle School Mountain Bikers: The Tuscazoar Composite Team invites local boys and girls in grades 5-12 to join our team. The team is comprised of student athletes from any school (or home school) in the area. Our team philosophy is fun first, and our central goal is for students to develop a strong body, mind and character through mountain biking. There are no tryouts, and everyone rides no matter his or her ability and skill level. TZC competes in cross-country style racing, based on National Interscholastic Cycling League standards (www.nationalmtb.org), and races in the Ohio NICA Cycling League. Coaches and ride leaders receive background checks and are trained per NICA standards in concussion awareness, risk management and first aid. We now have 27 athletes and 11 certified coaches on the team.
Practices
Four per week. Beginning in July, two practices will be held at Camp Tuscazoar each week and each rider will also do two rides on their own. When the trails are too wet we will ride on the public streets around the camp for practice.
Fees
Each student pays $155 NICA Administrative and Insurance fee plus $50 a race. In 2023, 2024 and 2025 we were able to pay all race fees and jerseys thanks to our generous sponsors.
Racing
The season is typically includes 5 races with the last race and State Championship at Camp Tuscazoar. Racing is optional but encouraged! Race distances vary from 5 to 15 miles based on age group. Parents and students are responsible for providing transportation to and from all races. Many families and coaches camp on-site at the races.
Equipment
Riders need to have their own mountain bike and are required to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes when riding. Gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended. Riders must bring their own cycling water bottle that fits in cage on bike or Camelback to all practices. Each rider is responsible for having and maintaining their own mountain bike. We encourage every rider to establish a relationship with a local bike shop for bike tune ups, equipment maintenance and questions. The Ohio League also has scholarships available for equipment, racing and team fees.
Registrations
To register, visit https://www.ohiomtb.org
Questions?
The coaches are here to help! Please do not hesitate to reach out to the coach if you need help finding a bike, have questions about the team, or if costs associated with the program or equipment are unaffordable. We think everyone who wants to ride deserves a chance to participate!
Head Coach contact info: Denny Simon – dsimon@tuscazoar.org