February is here! Please read the weekly update for important info.
Thank you to all the families that drove to Alafia last Saturday - we had a great ride!
PLEASE Read the "SIngletrack Times" email you received this week from the Florida League.
KEEP READING - IMPORTANT INFO BELOW
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Regular Trail Ride Practice Saturday Feb. 4th. 9am-11:30am at CRP
Team Lunch Picnic Immediately Following at CRP - families welcome - presentation on race info. Lunch is provided.
Skills Practice Tuesday Feb. 7th - 4:45pm South County Park - Punta Gorda
****. Can you bring some drinks to the picnic on Saturday? Please message Julie ****
ASK A COACH CORNER
Why is Tuesday Practice important?
One of the questions I often get asked is "why do we do skills practice in a park?" As NICA coaches, one of our primary responsibilities to your children is safety and risk management. Developing and practicing basic skills in a low threat environment like a grassy area is less intimidating and helps kids really pay attention to the details and dial in their skills. It allows for repetition to build muscle memory and helps coaches observe how the riders are developing these skills. We often say you have to go slow before you can go fast. Going fast without the foundational basic skills can spell disaster on the trail. Riders that regularly attend Tuesday practices often adapt to trail rides better and are more easily able to understand coach instruction on how to navigate obstacles or challenges in a restricted space on a trail. It is generally a great practice that helps build muscle memory, creates team relationships, allows for fun activities and increases endurance. After doing the skills assessment a few weeks ago, it is very clear which athletes regularly attend Tuesdays and continue to improve in this area... ultimately making them a safer rider.
TEAM STORE IS OPEN
We have a team store with shirts, apparel and other fun swag! Check it out - a small portion of proceeds helps support our team! SHOP HERE:
THE FIRST STATE LEAGUE, FICL RACE EVENT IS NEXT WEEKEND
It is an honor to have the state league choose our home trail as an event location. As hosts, it is prudent that we SHOW UP to welcome the League to our little corner of the world. The STATE LEAGUE, FICL - needs volunteers - lots of them to run a safe and successful weekend. Any adult can fill these roles, so share with family and friends. It is a great way for them to experience what our sport and team is all about. SIGNUP here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/164744417953908053/false#/invitation
We will begin setting up our team tent around 11:30am in the Pitzone on Saturday. Here is the daily schedule for Saturday:
3. PRE-RIDE will begin at 1:30pm. We ask ALL team members to be in our team tent no later than 1pm on Saturday to begin warming up, receive your race plates, and get last minute instructions.
4. TEAM DINNER ON SATURDAY! The Sullivan family lives close to CRP and has again offered to host our team dinner at their home on Saturday after the pre-ride. This is a great opportunity for camaraderie and getting a solid pre-race meal. Families are welcome to attend but we need an RSVP for proper planning. Please RSVP by Monday Feb. 6th via this link! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TDDDSH9 exact directions and gate codes will be given out next week.
5. WE NEED HELP! Our team requires some support to help our riders and families have a great weekend. Check out the signup link for our "team only" volunteer spots. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B4EABA722A4FD0-tarpon
6. We strongly encourage everyone on the team to be present the entire day on Sunday. It provides an opportunity for proper warm ups, team building, cheering on your team mates, and awards. Please be at the team tent no later than 8:15am Sunday. Here is the Sunday schedule:
GET ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE WEEKEND VIA THE RACE INFO FLYER HERE
Families and guests are welcome to hang out in our team tent area. We ask that chairs are setup mindfully as to not block traffic flow and team needs. Remember - the primary function of the tent is to support the athletes and coaches. If you are coming to spectate, support, etc.... please consider bringing your own folding chairs, fans, water, and a cooler with food and snacks for the day. NO PETS AT CRP
Reminder - you must have a race plate to ride the course for any reason. Anyone on a bike must be wearing a helmet....parents, students, siblings, guests, etc....
We are looking forward to a fun and exciting 1st event!!!!! Can't wait to see you all there! 💖