FAQ's

How does the team communicate?

We primarily use a smartphone app called Stack TeamApp. To access TeamApp, download the app on your phone, search for Pocatello Pioneers and then request permission to be a part of the team. Day to day announcements will be made through Stack TeamApp. Social media is only used occasionally.

Does my child need an expensive bike to be on the Pioneers?

Your child does not need an expensive bike to ride or race with the team. They will need a quality bike. An entry level bike from a department store will not work. Unfortunately, gear does matter.

One of the Pioneers leading sponsors is Barrie’s Ski and Sports, they carry Specialized, Giant, and Trek bikes. Trek offers a great discount for NICA riders, and this discount makes the price of these bikes very reasonable. There are also other bike shops in Pocatello that may work with you. KSL is another great resource for finding lightly used bikes and gear.

What gear besides a bike does my child need?

Your child must have a helmet! If they forget their helmet they will not be allowed to ride that day. They should carry a few items with them on every ride, the first being water; typically a small water bottle is not enough water, if the bike has 2 spots for water bottles they should carry 2 bottles. The water carrying backpacks are also excellent. These packs can carry snacks and some of the other gear that we recommend; a spare tube, a pump or CO2 cartridge and a multi-tool for minor adjustments on trail. As it gets deeper into Fall a light jacket can sometimes be needed.

How much does it cost for my child to be on the pioneers?

There is a $55 dollar fee to be a part of the Pioneer team and a league registration fee of $200. The $200 is the base cost and does not include races. Races can be purchased as a "season pass" series of 5 races for $150/$125 high school and middle school respectively. Individual races can be purchased for $50 (high school), $45 (middle school) if you don't plan to do the full 5 race series.

Does my child have to race?

While this is a high school mountain bike race team, there are many team members that do not race. We encourage all of our riders to try out at least one of the 5 scheduled races each season.

What are the expectations of me as a parent?

There are many levels of involvement with our team, from coaching to simply being on the race side line cheering. We can always use additional coaches, and there is a spot for coaches of every riding level. Race days are when we need the most help. The day before each race the team must setup our pit zone and tents, we need help with this as most of our gear must be hand carried into the pit zone. We need help with the food, with serving and preparations and supplying it. We need members of our team to volunteer at each race.

How do I volunteer to help at the races?

Each race needs many volunteers to function. To be a volunteer please sign up at Idahomtb.org

Where do I stay at a race?

Because races are up in the mountains many people will camp at the race site instead of staying in a hotel. Most teams will camp together at each race, some people pull a trailer, while others use tents. 

When do we practice?

Practice will typically start the first week of July. We practice on Tuesday and Thursday 6-8 pm. We meet at Centennial Park on Tuesdays, and ask you to park at the Pocatello charter school on the other side of the river. For Thursday practices we meet at the Wellness Center. 

We also practice Saturday mornings, location will be announced each week on TeamApp. 

Race week will be slightly different, we will practice on Tuesday and Wednesday night and obviously there will not be practice on Saturday!

Please have your child to practice about a 20 min prior to the start time and please be there to pick them up before practice ends. 

It is not polite to expect the coaches to babysit your child while they wait for you.

How old does my child need to be to participate on the Pocatello Pioneer team?

The NICA league is for 6th through 12th grade.

Can I ride with my child?

Yes, if you become a coach. If you are interested in becoming a coach please see Jordon Marshall, Aaron Marler or Russ Bartholet. More information can be found on Idahomtb.org

Do I need to bring food for my family on race days?

Yes and no, The Sandtrap Bar and Grill, one of our team sponsors, provides the main course of the team meal. The team parents supply the other items that are requested by our team meal coordinator. Historically there has been enough food for the racers and their families. We do ask however that you take the racers into consideration as there is always a group of kids that are racing or are getting ready to race. 

Also, if you are bringing additional people with you, please be courteous and bring additional food to share with the team. As stated before, please remember the racers, they need the food in their recovery or preparation of their race.