About SCMC
Santa Cruz Mountains Cycling (SCMC) is a mountain bike composite team comprised of riders who live in the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding areas, covering schools in the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Los Gatos school districts. We operate under NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) and are part of the NorCal League. We have both a High School team (9th-12th graders) as well as a Middle School team (currently open to 7th and 8th graders). Our goal is to encourage and support cycling in our community. We are open to all skill levels and the main prerequisite is a positive attitude!
What Equipment do I Need?
High School Athletes:
Mountain Bike: Correctly sized and well-maintained 11+ speed with 27.5" or 29" wheels, front suspension, disc brakes and a dropper post. Preferably not more than 10 years old.
Properly fitting helmet
Spare tube, pump or CO2, Multitool, Tire levers
Recommended: Mountain bike-specific shoes either flat or clip-in, Gloves, mountain bike glasses with clear or lightly shaded lenses. Its dark in our forest!
For the rides: Water bottle or hydration pack, small snacks (cliff bar or energy gel)
Middle School Athletes:
Mountain Bike: Correctly sized and well-maintained with front suspension and gears. Check that rider can easily reach and apply brakes to adequately stop the bike as needed.
Properly fitting helmet
Spare tube, pump or CO2, Multitool, Tire levers
Recommended: Mountain bike-specific shoes either flat or clip-in, Gloves, mountain bike glasses with clear or lightly shaded lenses. Its dark in our forest!
For the rides: Water bottle or hydration pack, small snacks (cliff bar or energy gel)
Need A bike?
Never ridden a Hardtail before. The team has race bikes that you can check out to try out at practices and races. After your hooked, you will want one of your own, but you don't have to spend a bunch of money. Quality used hard tails for around $1000-$1500 can be found on Craigslist and Pink Bike. New Hardtails can be purchased for around $2000-$2500.
Ask your local bike shop that sells Specialized or Trek If they participate in the NICA discount program. Avoid any cheap low quality new bikes selling for less than $1000 from any of the big box stores.
If you have specific questions about what bike to get, please reach out to one of our coaches for advice.
Mission
Our mission is to get more kids on bikes and help them to develop strong bodies, minds, and character through cycling
Community
Biking is all about community. Through SCMC, a community of coaches, parents, riders, and others come together to help kids develop a love for biking and to help make Santa Cruz a better place. Riding together, racing together, or working alongside others at dig days, it's all about building our community.
