JUNIOR & Development TEAMs 

The MT Alpha Junior & Development programs are SMALL and LIMITED in numbers.  This is for both safety and so that we can provide as much one-on-one time as possible to really develop their MTB skills. It's a girls-only program (including coaches!), which give the girls the confidence to push themselves and have fun doing it! This space creates a team dynamic among the girls; a very special thing. The girls will learn basic-to-advanced technical skills on their mountain bike (depending on ability level), gain knowledge about bike mechanics and riding in the mountains, and creating new friendships. Rides will last 1.5-2 hrs and will be focused on skill development and having fun.​

JUNIOR ALPHAS: Ages 7 to 11
  • Junior membership includes eight practices, held on Tuesdays in the summer months. These practices will focus mainly on mountain bike skills and riding trails together, but will also include lessons on trail etiquette, bike maintenance, and goal setting.
  • Juniors will receive team tech t-shirts. 
  • Parents of juniors are asked to volunteer one day (approx. 1.5 hours) per season to help instructors on the trails. 
  • Each group will have a specific goal/trail they are working toward throughout the season-- MT Alpha Coaches will group juniors by achievable, appropriate goals for their level. 
  • As the season progresses, coaches will discuss adjusting goals so each girl feels empowered to reach their goal, and also understands that goals can be changed based on unforeseen circumstances (e.g. absences, some skills being more challenging than expected, life changes, etc.)
  • Juniors are sponsored by The Feed--girls will receive a digital $20 voucher to use at TheFeed.com, details sent with welcome email.

JUNIOR DEVELOPEMENT TEAM: Ages 12 to 16
  • Devo team membership includes eight practices, held on Tuesdays in the summer months. These practices will focus mainly on mountain bike skills and riding trails together. There will be practices where some of the time the girls are asked to coach younger Alphas-- this is to build community, skills, and so the Devo girls can build leadership skills by being a role model for the Juniors. 
  • The season will also include lessons on trail etiquette, bike maintenance, and goal setting.
  • Devo team members will receive team jerseys. 
  • Parents of all juniors are asked to volunteer one day (approx. 1.5 hours) per season to help instructors on the trails. 
  • Devo girls will discuss setting goals for the season, and create their own goal for a local trail. As the season progresses, coaches will discuss adjusting goals so each girl feels empowered to reach their goal, and also understands that goals can be changed based on unforeseen circumstances (e.g. absences, some skills being more challenging than expected, life changes, etc.)
  • Devo girls will also end the year with an optional bike retreat to Legacy Bike Park in Whitefish (details to be ironed out spring 2023).
  • The Jr Devo Team is sponsored by The Feed--girls will receive a digital $20 voucher 4x/year to use at The Feed.com, details sent with welcome email. 

JUNIOR TEAM MEMBERSHIP - $80 for the season

PROGRAM DATES*
  • June 20th- skills practice (Sam Braxton)
    Focus: Body position, braking and trail scanning
    Off the bike skills: goal setting + present group goals for the season
  • June 27th- trail ride (Sam Braxton)
  • July 4th- NO PRACTICE
  • July 11th- Skills practice (syringa pump track)
    Focus: bike body separation, flat corners
    Off the bike skills: Bike maintenance and cleaning
  • July 18th- trail ride (rattlesnake)
  • July 25th- Skills practice (Pattee picnic area)
    Focus: tech skills
    Off the bike skills: stretching, eating/hydrating, supplies
  • August 1st- Trail ride (blue mtn)
  • August 8th- skills practice (marshall)
    Focus: bermed corners, jumps
    Of the bike skills: season wrap up and reflection
  • August 15th- trail ride (marshall)
*dates and locations subject to change. Practice may be canceled for smoke or weather. MT Alpha may offer make up practice at the end of the season. 

OPTIONAL JUNIOR CX SQUAD (ages 7-11)
  • 1-2 Wednesday practices before series begins
  • Skills practice
  • Mock race or course pre ride
  • Team pre-ride before each race
  • Gummy bear hand ups
  • Support at Thunder
  • Alpha tent at Rolling Thunder
  • Post race hot cocoa

THE DETAILS ​
The girls MUST have the following at each ride: 
  • Water
  • Snack 
  • Flat kit
  • Mountain bike with hand breaks and proper tire tread (if you have questions on this, email us!)
  • Parents are expected to arrange rides so that the girls are at the trailhead by 5:30 and picked up at 7:30 each week. We will have extra water, snacks, bike tools, and post ride fun every week; 
  • Parents are encouraged to volunteer at least 1 ride per season​ ​
For questions/comments or concerns please email us at: Juniors@mtalphacycling.org