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Hardy County XC MTB
The Hardy County Cryptids is a mountain bike team composed of private, public, and homeschool student-athletes grades 6-12 in and around Hardy County, West Virginia. The team is organized under the West Virginia Interscholastic Cycling League (WVICL), a league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
The Cryptids coaches are focused on creating a fun and safe environment to teach student-athletes respect for: each other, themselves, the environment, the trails, and their communities, while the students are learning mountain bike skills and gaining fitness.
The mission of NICA, WVICL, and the Hardy County Cryptids is to get “More Kids On Bikes” and to build strong minds, bodies, and character for all student-athletes. Our team goal is to develop a future generation of lifelong cyclists in Hardy County. We do this through core values of Inclusivity (no bench-warmers, every finish counts), and Equality (no tryouts, everyone rides). The Cryptids offer opportunities for student-athletes to race, and while racing is encouraged, it is not required.
The Cryptids are part of NICA’s Teen Trail Corps. The Teen Trail Corps supports the vision to see every youth empowered by introducing them to the world of advocacy and volunteerism. The Teen Trail Corps program introduces student-athletes to the culture of service and presents an opportunity to showcase the team’s commitment to the local trails and develop good community relationships within Hardy County. We are committed to and participate in trail maintenance in Hardy County.
You can follow the Crypids on social media:
Join the Team
New team members who wish to join should reach out to the Team Director, Vicki Sliwa at hardymtnbike@gmail.com, or the Head Coach, Matt Enderle at mattenderle83@gmail.com. The only requirement is the child be in grades 6-12, in a private, public, or homeschool program, and live in Hardy County, West Virginia. There are no tryouts for the Hardy County Cryptids, everyone is welcome to join our team. Please send the child’s name, the parent’s name and email address to one of the above email addresses to join the team. The league uses NICA PitZone for student registration. The Team Director will send a PitZone invite to the parent’s email address.
The Cryptids are preparing for the 2024 season, with preseason activities from 1 April 30 June. Please reach out to the Team Director Vicki Sliwa at hardymtnbike@gmail.com for more information.
Practices
Team practices start at the beginning of July and go until the end of October. Practices are typically on Tuesday and Thursdays, after school, and occasionally on Saturdays. Practice locations vary throughout Hardy County. Team members are encouraged to attend practice, but it is not mandatory.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Practice starts on time, and riders are expected to be dressed, ready to ride with helmets, hydration, protective eyewear (if necessary), and with tires aired up and bikes working properly.
Season Schedule
Below is the race schedule for the WVICL 2024 season:
- August 23-25 Canaan Valley Resort
- September 6-8 Big Bear Lake
- September 20-22 Cacapon State Park
- October 4-6 – Summit Bechtel Reserve
- October 18-20 Twin Falls State Park
Racing
Everyone is invited to be on the team. Some team members enjoy racing while other team members enjoy cheering on their fellow teammates. There is a place on the team for everyone. For those who want to race, each season consists of five races, with each race divided into heats by gender and age. Team members race against peers from around the state. Each race heat is scored individually with the top five finishers recognized on a podium. Every finisher receives points that contribute to an overall team score. Each race has youth racing at every skill level, from beginners to expert. We work with our team members to set and work towards goals for the race. Some team members might be working to be on the podium; other team members might be racing for the first time and finishing the race is an accomplishment. Races are typically 4 to 5 miles per lap, with beginners doing a single lap and more advanced riders multiple laps.
Registering for Races
Parents are responsible for registering their child for races. For the fall season, if you have already raced in a NICA race you can to return to the NICA PIT ZONE (https://pitzone.nationalmtb.org/), re‐register, pay your NICA dues for this season, and register for races. If you are new to the team and have not registered with NICA before, your coach will send you an “invitation” to join the NICA “Pit Zone” from the NICA website.
How Can You Help?
No sponsorship or donation in support of the team is too small. All sponsorships or donations to the Cryptids are made to the Lost River Trails Coalition, a 501(c)(3), and are potentially eligible for a tax deduction. Below is a link to help financially support our team:
https://givebutter.com/d6IhgX.
The Hardy County Cryptids is currently seeking sponsors to support the purchase of items vital to the success of the team such as team uniforms, loaner mountain bikes, race-day equipment (spare tires, tubes, tools, race day tents, tables etc.), safety equipment (helmets, cones, first aid kits), and team supplies (race-day food, drinks, etc.). Generous sponsors like yourself will also help to fund the Hardy County Cryptids scholarship fund to ensure that no child is excluded from the team due to their ability to pay for team/league fees, helmets, and bikes. Additionally, we hope to offset the cost of training, certifications, and travel for our core coaching staff. Please reach out to the Team Director at hardymtnbike@gmail.com and she will be happy to send you the Cryptids sponsorship options for consideration.
Expenses
How much does it cost? It is $200 to be a part of the team, but the team offers full scholarships to everyone who needs one. No child is turned away because of the league fees. The race fees are $20 per race – 5 races equals $100. Again, no child is turned away because of race fees. The league and the team has funds to help families with the cost of being on the team.
Equipment Requirements and Costs
There is no requirement for your child to own a mountain bike. The team provides loaner mountain bikes and loaner safety equipment to the children who need it. For races and practices, team members will need an MTB bike that is in good working order, a helmet, water bottle or hydration pack, riding gloves, a spare tube, and protective eyewear to every practice and race. As kids get more involved in MTB racing, additional equipment includes bike shorts, clipless pedals and bike‐specific shoes. All riders should be comfortable on a mountain bike with at least a 26” wheel size. The team is prepared to help families who need help to ensure all team members have a bike and the associated safety equipment to go with it.
Support
The team is successful thanks to generous support of our team parents who volunteer in many ways, including coaching the team. Parents are encouraged to be coaches and volunteer to help at races and practices.
Becoming a Team Coach
Parents or volunteers interested in coaching are required to register with NICA. If you are interested in becoming a coach please contact the Team Director, Vicki Sliwa at hardymtnbike@gmail.com, or the Head Coach, Matt Enderle at mattenderle83@gmail.com. The Team Director will send you an “invitation” to register with NICA. Once you receive your invitation you will have to pay a $25 NICA member fee, pay for and pass a background check.
Sponsors
Our team success would not be possible without the following sponsors:
