Join us for the 2024 fall season!

Attention High School and Middle School Mountain Bikers: The Tuscazoar Composite (TZC) Team invites local boys and girls in grades 6-12 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.

Registration:

https://www.ohiomtb.org/

Practices

Four per week. Two practices will be held at Camp Tuscazoar each week and each rider will also do 2 rides on their own each week beginning in July. When the trails are too wet we will ride on the public streets around the camp for practice.

Fees

Each student pays $100 NICA Administrative and Insurance fee plus $50 a race. In 2023, we were able to cover the race fees for all team members thanks to our generous sponsors.

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.

Racing

The season is typically comprised of 5 races with the last race and State Championship at Camp Tuscazoar. Racing is optional but encouraged! Race distances are around 10 miles of beginner/intermediate trail riding. Parents and students are responsible for providing transportation to and from all races. Many families and coaches camp on-site at the races. Camp Tuscazoar offers many affordable cabins (with capacities from 8-40 occupants) for rent as well at http://tuscazoar.org/.

Race Dates*

• Mid-August through mid-October. Locations and dates to be announced.

*Last season the races were held in Wooster, near Dayton, near Columbus, near Cincinnati and at Camp Tuscazoar. The Eastern Regional 12 State Championship race for high school qualifiers was in Maryland.

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