HVUR Team Hub
Everything you need to know in one spot
Welcome to Huron Valley United Racing. We are so glad that you will be joining us and we can't wait to get started!
In the sections below you will find all of the information you and your family will need this season arranged in three main categories:
Please take a moment to read through each section. Information is updated from season to season as MISCA makes adjustments to their race series
and we work to make the race experience more fun and run more smoothly for our team and its families. If you have a question and you do not see it answered below, please, let us know.
Get Ready to Ride
What do I need to know for team Practices?
Huron Valley high school students will need a physical on file with HVS dated on or after on or after April 15 and before August 14 of the current year to ride with the team. Please submit your physical forms through the Final Forms website if you are a Huron Valley student.
Non Huron Valley team members can give coach Darin a copy of your physical forms to be turned in to the high school.
Practice Dates and Locations
Our team practices are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting in June and ending in October. The team practices are slightly different from the springtime club rides as the team practices are scheduled on a variety of local mountain bike trails instead of being hosted exclusively at our Milford home trail.
We are very fortunate to be in such close proximity to so many great mountain bike trails. Hosting our team practices on a variety of these trails allows our team the opportunity to further develop their technical skills and gain confidence for whatever they will encounter in the upcoming MISCA race series.
To access the HVUR team practice schedule with specific dates, times, and locations,
please join our group on the Band App here.
RSVPs for Practice
There are several reasons that submitting your RSVPs for practices rides through the Band App supports a better riding experience for the team. Did you know that there are roughly 75 students, ranging in ages from 5 to 19 riding with our group at any given practice? Having your RSVPs turned in the night before a practice ride allows coach Darin the opportunity to form riding groups that will match each student with teammates of similar riding abilities and with similar goals. It also ensures that we have the right number of coaches available to keep our riding group small and enjoying the trails safely.
Having an accurate attendance also allows the team to head out for practice in a timely manner, giving everyone more time on the trails rather than waiting for teammates that may not be coming. This is especially important in the late summer/early fall, as every bit of evening sunlight helps us to maximize our practice time together.
Please note, If you are a high school student working toward your varsity letter, submitting RSVPs for practice is a part of your participation requirements.
Click here to RSVP for practice using the Band App
Click here to learn more about Varsity Letter Requirements
Ready to Ride for Practice
There are no specific brands or "makes" of equipment that are required to ride with the team, however we do have a list of items that each team member needs to have in order to be "ready to ride". These items include:
A Bike in Working Order
Please bring a bike that is ready for to ride and does not have a kick stand.
Helmet
Enjoying the trails safely is a top priority for the team. A properly fitted helmet that meets safety standards is required for each person riding with HVUR. If you have questions about properly fitting your helmet or if you would like to review MISCA's helmet standards and requirements for their events, Please read page 12 section 4.1.5 of MISCA's requirements and racing rules.
Footwear
A fully closed athletic shoe or biking shoe (sorry no crocs, even in sport mode) with velcro straps, buckles, or laces is required to mountain bike. It is important that your shoe is comfortable to wear and has a healthy grip as to avoid having your foot slip off the pedal while riding.
Please note, that although laces are great at keeping our shoe on our foot, they can present a hazard while biking. Be sure that your laces are securely tied and tucked when riding on the trail.
A Water Bottle or Camelback
It is important to stay hydrated, but it is especially important when riding your mountain bike. Please be sure to drink lots of water on practice days and be sure that you have access to a water bottle or camelback to stay cool and to replenish fluids during your ride.
Handlebar Plugs
Handlebar plugs are an important piece of safety equipment that is often overlooked. They are in place to protect both you and your handlebars in the event of a crash.
It is easy for the rubber ends of your grips to wear out over the season or for the plastic handlebar plugs to fall out while transporting or riding your bike. We recommend getting in the habit of checking for your plugs before your ride as well as when you stop for water breaks. Keep a few spare plugs around incase yours get left behind on the trail can prevent serious injury.
Bike Light
Lucky for us the mountain bike season can be enjoyed late into the fall. Unfortunately for us, as the season progresses, the sun sets earlier and earlier. Our team practices are often held in the evenings and we require the use of bike lights to enjoy practices to the end of the trail safely. Please be sure to bring a bike light and mount it to your handlebars for all of the late summer/fall practices.
If you are looking to purchase equipment new, please consider supporting our sponsors who have been great supporters of our team for several seasons and are a reliable source for your equipment needs.
You can visit D&D's website here.
You can visit ESI Grip's website here.
HVUR friends and family can receive a 30% discount on ESI Grips during the 2024 season, using the promotional code FRIENDS30FAM. ESI Grips has also shared a helpful grip installation video available here.
You can visit Blue Birch' Outfitters' website here.
If you are looking to buy or sell used equipment, the Huron Valley United Racing and MISCA family facebook pages are an excellent place to look.
MiSCA Moms (and Dads / Coaches too)
Our Local Practice Trails
The Motor City Mountain Biking Association is the amazing group of volunteers that we can thank for developing and maintaining our local trails systems. If you are interested in learning more about the local trails that we will be riding on for practice or if you would like to see the trail conditions to prepare for your ride, we recommend visiting the MCMBA.org website or clicking the trail links below.
Milford Trail - (Our home and club ride trail)
Highland - (Home to the "Highland Challenge")
Lakeshore Park - ("Tree Farm")
The links above are an excellent resource to explore our practice trails, however to find directions and the exact location we will meet for practices, please join us on the band app.
Practice Expectations
The goal of our practice rides is to offer the opportunity to grow skills in preparation for the MISCA race series in a fun and supportive team environment. We do this following the practice structure below.
Before the Ride
When arriving at practice, you will check in with the head coach for your group. Once you are checked in, you will make sure your bike is ready to ride reviewing the ABC's. Once the entire group for that day is checked in, your coaches will welcome everyone and talk to the group about the trail you are about to ride on, noting any areas of new skills and explaining how to approach these areas safely.
After that brief huddle, the group will head out on the trail in a single file line with a head coach leading the group, coaches mixed into the riding order, and a final coach sweeping the last of the group.
During the Ride
While out on the trail, coaches will call out the terrain ahead of the group with advice on how to successfully pass through these area. Coaches will also stop the group at more technical sections along the trail allowing each rider the opportunity to approach roots, rocks, and sandy areas several times, building the team's confidence when encountering these natural challenges.
In addition to stopping for teachable moments, the group will also take breaks along the trail for water and to regroup. These breaks are a great chance to check in with each other, discussing what parts of the trail were more enjoyable and what areas the group would like more practice with next time.
After the Ride
When the group has finished riding for the day, they will head back to the area that they met for the beginning of practice. Teammates will wait with the group and a head coach until each teammate has check back out with their family.
Please note that while riding a mountain bike, time is spent in fields, wooded areas, and among tall grasses on the trail. Unfortunately in recent years the tick population has been on the rise. We recommend taking the time to do a tick check with your family after spending time at the parks. For information about tick prevention, checking for ticks, and removing ticks, please click here.
Our students are working hard at our 2-hour practices in the summer heat, pre-ride nutrition and hydration are especially important. There are some great nutrition tips for tween and teen athletes here as well as a printable snack list.
Riding Groups
Orange Group
The Orange Riding Group is for our lower elementary school students who are enrolled in Kindergarten - 3rd grade. This group is lead by our head coaches Mikki Palumbo, Andrew Kauffman, and Jason Taylor.
Green Group
The Green Riding Group is for our upper elementary school students who are enrolled in the 4th and 5th grades. This group is lead by our head coaches Jeff Park, Frank Palumbo, and John Messina.
Yellow Group
The Yellow Riding Group is our middle school students who are enrolled in the 6th - 8th grades. This group is lead by our head coaches Eric Hartman, Justin Kollien, and Adam Luttenbacher.
Blue Group
The Blue Riding Group is for our High school students who are enrolled in the 9th - 12th grades. This group is lead by our head coaches Darin Kowalski, Brandon Thielen, Kate Hartman, and Brandon McGowen.
Practice and the Weather
Mountain biking is an outdoor sport that we enjoy in a state with comically shifting weather. It is not uncommon for a perfectly sunny day in Michigan to turn on its head into wetter weather. For this reason Coach Darin monitors the radar actively before and during practices.
As a team we will ride in the rain when trail conditions allow for us to do so safely without damaging the trails themselves. We do not however ride when there is a chance of lightning or more serious weather. MISCA races will follow similar weather guidelines, so in addition to being fun for the team, a little rain is a great learning experience and an opportunity to gain additional mountain bike handling skills.
For up to-date communications about practice and the changing weather,
please be sure to monitor the practice conversations on the Band App.
Practice Communications
The practice schedule is carefully considered and is published before the season begins. We do not make changes frequently or lightly. If it becomes necessary to reschedule practices or team events, please bear with us. Updated information will be posted as soon as possible in the Band App in an attempt to give families as much notice as we can. Please be sure that you have both joined our group and have the notifications turned on for the Band App to receive up to-date team event information.
HVUR Events
You may have noticed that there are a few events on the calendar that are not team practice events. These dates are equally important for our team. They are the events that we host to focus on skills building and teamwork, as well as fundraising and trail stewardship. Below is a list of some of the HVUR events you will find on our calendar and a brief description of what to expect from these events.
Specific dates, locations, and volunteer opportunities for each event are available on our Band App group calendar here and on our team facebook page.
Time Trials
The time trial is an event that asks each team member to ride a full lap of our Milford home trail at their best effort in an attempt to capture a baseline time for that individual student's best lap. This event is fun for the students as they try to beat their times and mark their growth from previous seasons. It also provides important information for coach Darin, allowing him to place students in riding groups that match their abilities and goals for the season.
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Team Relay
The team relay is a fun, skills building event that is structured like a field day, but with bikes! At this event our HVUR team members will be assigned to small groups and they will be encouraged to work through the stations run by our coaches as a team. Each station will present the kids with fun challenges that will encourage them to grow their bike skills.
Highland Challenge
The Highland Recreation Area mountain bike trail is a notoriously tricky trail featuring lots of technical challenges. Once a year, we formally encourage or "challenge" our HVUR coaches and kids to take on the Highland trail and show us what they have learned.
The goal of the "Highland Challenge" is to be able to complete one lap of all the loops at Highland Recreation Area in your own time on the challenge date. In recent year we have seen first time challengers and veterans alike, not only finishing one lap of the trail, but completing multiple laps!
We are so proud of our team and the skills and determination that they bring to the annual challenge. As a form of congratulations, everyone who completes the challenge has the option to buy a Highland Challenge t-shirt to commemorate their accomplishment.
Trail Maintenance Days
Trail maintenance days are a little like our team family's "yard work day". They are a fun time working outside with your friends while also maintaining the home trail that we ride frequently.
On these days, our coaches and team members work together to ensure that the trails are safe and available for continued use, by clearing and repairing areas of the trail that may have been compromised by recent weather and or the everyday wear and tear of bike traffic.
For those students interested in earning a varsity letter, participation in trail maintenance events is a part of the lettering requirement.
Bike Fest
Bike Fest is a local fundraiser event hosted by MCMBA. All proceeds go to support, build, maintain our local trails. At this event participants are invited to start in downtown Milford and discover the trail systems that connect our community. This event is open to all ages and abilities, featuring a menu of activities from riding guides, to scavenger hunts and riding challenges . It truly is a build your own adventure that is fun for the whole family. To learn more about Bike Fest or to register for this year's event, click here.
Earning a Varsity Letter with HVUR
There are two pathways for high school students interested in earning a varsity letter to do so while riding their mountain bike with HVUR.
The first is a traditional pathway for students who are only riding with the Huron Valley United Race Team. The second is a performance-based, alternative pathway for those students who are riding with an additional bike group and or who have displayed athletic excellence in the varsity race categories at MISCA race events.
Both pathways have attendance, trail maintenance, and race participation requirements to achieve varsity status. To read the varsity letter requirements and to find the pathway that is right for you, please click here.
If you have any questions about earning a varsity letter, please let us know.
Here are some helpful links to practice bike handling skills at home or between practices:
Optional Social Rides
We love being out on the trails and are asked all the time if anyone is up for a ride outside of our usual Tuesday and Thursday practices. We are excited to share that we are trying something new this year and will be offering optional social rides on weekends for those team mates and coaches looking for more time out on the trails.
In an attempt to keep our practice communications streamlined and separated from our social ride conversations, we have decided to use the Band App for all of our practice information and separately offer discussions about social rides on a team slack channel.
To learn more about the optional, social rides, please contact Coach Darin for the link to join us on slack.
Strava
Strava is a GPS app that allows members to track and post their rides by sharing to a feed, so that other members can offer kudos and comments of encouragement. In addition to liking and commenting, app users are able to gamify their rides by competing for "king or queen of the mountain".
Members can become the new king or queen of the mountain by having a faster ride time in a specific segment of the trail, which will then dethrone the current king or queen (previous rider having had the fastest time to date in that segment).
The use of this app is completely optional. Some of our coaches and team members have found using it to be a fun way to make personal rides feel more social and engaging, but it is not necessary to participate in the HVUR season.
If you are interested in learning more or signing up for Strava, you can do so here.
The Team Leader Board is linked here
The Coach Leader Board is linked here
Still Have Questions?
I am sorry that you did not see the answer to your practice question listed above.
Please feel free to contact Coach Darin with any questions you still have.
Get Race Day Ready
What do I need to know for race days/ weekends?
Can I try It First?
Absolutely! The MISCA race series is great for kids of all experiences and abilities and you are invited to participate at a level that is right for you and your family. Once you have successfully registered with MISCA you are able to sign up for races individually or you can sign up for the entire race series at once. This flexibility allows families to attend a race as a spectator, try one race at a time, or go all in. The best way to approach the season is completely up to you.
Please note, that although families are not required to sign up for the entire race series at once, if you are thinking that you would like to race multiple events there are a few advantages to making that decision earlier in the season instead of signing up for races as they come.
The first advantage is that by signing up early you are able to ensure that you will be able to race at your preferred events. Due to the popularity of the sport, signing up for races "ala cart" may result in being put on a wait list.
The second advantage to signing up for the race series earlier in the season is that MISCA offers a discounted price to those participants enrolled before a specified date. This early enrollment allows them to anticipate the needs of students racing at each event and ensure they have the support they need to host successful events.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to signing up for a MISCA race please click here. Registration opens March 1st at noon.
Register for HVUR and MISCA Race Events
We are pleased to hear that you are going to race with us this season. :)
If you have not already registered with our team, please begin with step one.
If you are registered with HVUR, please move directly to step two.
Step One - Registering with HVUR
1. Read and agree to the code of conduct.
2. Email Coach Darin to receive the registration code for our team.
Step Two - Register for the Races Events Through MISCA:
1. Visit the MISCA Race Series page to find the race category that best fits your student.
2. Register if you have not already with MISCA at the link below. Registration opens March 1st at noon. Register with MISCA here.
3. Register for the race events that you are interested in participating in. You can register for each event separately (al a cart) or you can sign up for the entire 6 race series at once.
Please note, that you are not required to register for all races at once, however if you are interested in entering multiple events, it may be advantageous to register for those events sooner versus later to avoid being wait listed and to receive the "early bird" discounted registration price. To learn more about the rates and early bird incentives, please click here to review the participation fees section on the bottom of the page.
If you know a student that is interested in racing, but the participation fees and or the equipment required are a barrier to entry, please know that there may be scholarship support available. For more information please email Coach Darin and or apply for the MISCA Scholarship at the link below.
Race Day Expectations
One of the best parts of the season is experiencing the MISCA race events! It has been really wonderful over the years to watch the sport of mountain biking gain in its popularity and to witness just how many teams of students are out on the trails at each event.
As active and exciting as race days are, the community that has grown around the sport remains warm, enthusiastic, and supportive. We hope that the following walk through of a typical race day will allow you to navigate the event more easily, knowing where to go and how to join in on the fun. As always, if you have any questions, let us know. We we are happy to help.
PreRide Before the Race
You will have an opportunity to preview the race course with your riding group during the MISCA pre-ride. This is a great opportunity to get to know the race course and to see if there are any areas of interest to talk over with your coaches before race day.
The pre-ride for Sunday racers is noon on Saturday. There is no formal pre-ride scheduled for Saturday racers. It is important that you arrive early and ready to ride for for your group's time. All of the teams that are racing that weekend will be attempting to take a turn navigating the course, so it is important that our group heads out together at the time we are given to make room for all of us.
Arriving at the Race
You will want to arrive at least 30 minutes before your race to allow yourself enough time to park, locate the team tent, and get settled/ checked in. At the team tent you will find bike stands to safely place your bike and helmet until you are ready to meet with your team. If you have any simple bike check questions, the head coaches are near the tent with basic tools and our sponsors D&D have a tent to help, but it is best to have your bike in "ready to race, working order" before you arrive.
While moving around the event, please remember that MISCA takes helmet safety very seriously. The rule is that if you have one leg over the bike, adult or child, you will need to be wearing a helmet that is fastened. This rule is observed anywhere at the event and includes riding in from the parking lot. Failing to do so will result in time penalties for your team regardless of whether you are wearing a jersey, actively racing, or not. As a rule of thumb, unless you are walking your bike, please remember to wear a helmet. To review MISCA's helmet policy, please read page 12 section 4.1.5 of MISCA's requirements and racing rules.
Getting Checked In
To check in you will go to the parent volunteer at the team tent who is handing out bike plates. Give them your name and race category and in return they will give you your race plate as well as two or three black twist ties. They will also be able to confirm you team meeting and race staging times.
Once checked in, you will use the twist ties to attach your bike plate to your bike's handlebars and frame. This plate will allow MISCA to time your laps and record your race results. The plate and ties will need to be returned to the volunteers at the tent after your race.
If you have any questions about how to attach your bike plate, please let us know. There are plenty of kids, coaches, and parents gathered around the tent who are all happy to help.
Pre-Race Meeting/ Warm-up
20 Minutes before staging the head coach for your riding group will have a meeting to share any tips they may have for the course as well as to stretch and take you for a group warm up ride around the event area. You should take everything with you to the group meeting that you will need for your race. You will go directly from the group warm up ride to the staging area to wait for your race.
Staging
At your designated time you will line up at the staging area ahead of the starting line. Your staging time and row assignment information is available in the race confirmation email you received earlier in the week from MISCA as well as from the volunteer when you checked in at the team tent.
Please note that It is important that you arrive to your staging area on time. MISCA will penalize racers that are not at their row at the time of check in or choose to leave their assigned rows after being checked. The penalty for not observing this rule is to be staged in the last row for your category despite your standing. For more information regarding staging rules please see MISCA Racing Rules Section 4.1.11
To stage for the race, you will line up in the row that matches the row you were assigned. A MISCA volunteer will come through each row with a clipboard to take attendance and make sure that you are staged correctly. It is important to take notice of who you are standing next to once you have been checked in with the MISCA volunteer so that you can stay in your assigned row as the lines move forward and other groups start their race.
Please note that there has been a rule change this year. In the previous seasons, while you were in the staging area, you were able to chat with the other teams, family members, and coaches around you, however as of 2024, MISCA has had a change to this rule. No-one other than the registered racer will be allowed to be in the staging area. While in the staging area, please
be sure to listen for any announcements over the megaphone. There may be MISCA volunteers sharing important course and start information during this time.
Starting the Race
When it is time for your group to begin the race, The person making MISCA announcements will call the name for each of the students in the first row. As the name for each of these students is called, they will roll forward to the starting line.
Once the beginning rows have been announced, the MISCA announcer will call for all of the other rows to roll forward. At this time if you were not announced in the starting line, You will roll forward, remaining in your staged line to prepare for the start of the race.
When all of the rows are rolled forward and it is time to begin the race. The MISCA announcer will count you down "3,2, ..." after the pause for 1, you will hear a sound effect that indicates the start of the race. Be sure to listen for the sound effect instead of pacing your self with the count down in order to avoid a false start.
Please note that riders must have one foot on the ground when starting the race. Students are prohibited from having both feet clipped into their pedals, using others for support.
For more information about MISCA staging and starting rules please read Section 4.1.11 and 5.3.
Racing
Once the race has started you will follow the course designated for your race category. There will be spectators along the route, including in the wooded areas cheering you on. There will be MISCA volunteer course marshals along the route as well as a marshal on a mountain bike following the last of the racers ("sweeping") should anyone require assistance due to mechanical failure or injury during the race.
For the complete list of MISCA race rules including passing etiquette, assisting racers in the event of in operable equipment, etc., please click here and review section 4.
After the Race
Once you have crossed the finish line and have been congratulated, head on over to the team tent. You can store your bike and helmet back on the bike stand, return your race plate to the volunteers, and enjoy some much deserve post race refreshments.
Once the contesting period has expired, race results will be posted by MISCA online and at the event. To view the race results online please click here.
Please remember to remain in your jersey until after the podium ceremony, even if you did not place on the podium. There may be additional acknowledgments awarded to the teams by MISCA and you may still be called up as a group to accept them. Wearing your jersey is also a display of good sportsmanship and team pride.
Podium
The podium ceremony is held after each age group has completed their race, not after each individual category's race has completed. Please stay to attend your podium ceremony in support of all the athletes that participated that day. Once the podium ceremony is finished, you are welcome to stay and support other teammates racing in later categories or leave with your family.
If you choose to stay please review the MISCA guidelines for spectators here (section 4.2.2).
If you are the final podium ceremony for the day, and are able to help with packing up of the team tent, please let us know.
Navigating "Away" Races?
The MISCA race day events are structured the same whether they are hosted locally or further away. Many families choose to drive to the "away" race events for the day and return home after their group's podium ceremony. Other families have enjoyed making a weekend out of the races, camping or staying at a hotel near the event as a group.
If you are interested in staying in the area of the race events please check out the list of local campgrounds below. Please keep in mind that camping reservations are made by individual families, not through the team, and the booking calendars for most campsites become available 6 months before the date of the reservation.
Merrel Trail
MiSCA Merrel Trail MTB XC Race Event Information
Race location: Premier Park & Meijer Sports Complex.
Parking at the event is $10 per car for the day or $15 per car for the weekend.
Camping is not available at the sports complex.
Wabasis Lake Campground (15 miles east of Merrell Trail.)
Join us for a team outing on the Saturday evening of the Merrell race weekend (Saturday, 8/24/24) at AJ's Family Fun Center in Grand Rapids!
Sign Up Genius for the food at our HVUR team tent for the Merrell Race
Addison Oaks
MiSCA Addison Oaks MTB XC Race Event Information
Race Location: Addision Oaks County Park
Parking at the event is free with an Oakland County Parks Annual Pass. Parking without a pass is $5 per car per day (this is a special Misca day rate. The usual non resident daily parking rate is $12.)
Camping is available at Addison Oaks.
To reserve call 248-858-1400 Monday - Friday, 8am-9pm.
Owasippe
MiSCA Owasippe MTB XC Race Event Information
Race Location: Owasippe Scount Reservation
There are no fees to enter or park at this event.
Camping is available on-site at Owasippe
and White River RV Park and Campground
Maybury
MiSCA Maybury MTB Time Trial Race Event Information
Race Location: Maybury State Park
Parking at this event requires a State of Michigan recreation passport for all vehicles entering the state park.
Maybury is a day use park and does not have camping.
Stony Creek
MiSCA Stony Creek MTB XC Race Event Information
Race Location: Stony Creek Metropark
You’ll enter the park via the park entrance located at 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township
Parking at the event is free with a Huron-Clinton Metroparks Annual Vehicle Pass. Parking without a pass is $10 per car per day.
Camping is available at the Ridgewood Campground at Stony Creek.
Heritage Park - State Championship
MiSCA Heritage Park MTB Race Event Information
Race Location: Heritage Park
There are no fees to enter or park at this event.
Camping is available at Indian Creek Camp Conference Center
Check the Indian Creek website for weekend activity details.
This site often offers a campground trick or treat and campsite decorating contest this weekend.
Race Day for Friends & Family
Race days are fun for the entire family! Once you have checked your student-athlete in at the team tent, have done a bike check, and have said good luck, you are ready to enjoy the races. We hope that the following information will be helpful as you join the other fans along the trail.
Spectating Along the Race Course
Friends and Family are invited to enjoy the race from almost anywhere along the trail. The race course is clearly marked and it is easy to follow when hiking out to cheer for your team, however there are a few guidelines spectators will need to observe in order to ensure that everyone is enjoying the race safely.
MISCA asks that spectators do not walk on the active race course itself. You are able to walk along side the course provided that you stay on the outside of the plastic tape that marks the course boundary. Please keep in mind that student-athletes may come slightly off the trail as needed during the race, so spectators are asked to keep themselves, pets, and any bikes, under their control and at least 6 feet from the course boundaries.
While hiking out to your favorite spot, you may find that you need to cross the course. This is allowed provided that you do so quickly, safely, and in a manner that does not interfere with the student-athletes that are racing.
If you have any questions about what areas are being used as active race course and or what areas are safe to walk or pass through, there will be MISCA course marshals along the trail as well as many other spectators that can help to answer your questions about navigating the area.
If you would like to review the detailed guidelines for spectators and the penalties for not observing these guidelines, please review Page 17 section 4.2.2 of MISCA's requirements and racing rules PDF.
Using a Bike to Get Around the Event
If using a bike to moving around the race event, please remember that MISCA takes helmet safety very seriously. The rule is that if you have one leg over the bike, adult or child, you will need to be wearing a helmet that is fastened. This rule is observed anywhere at the event and includes riding in from the parking lot. Failing to do so will result in time penalties for your team regardless of whether you are wearing a jersey, actively racing, or not. As a rule of thumb, unless you are walking your bike, please remember to wear a helmet. To review MISCA's helmet policy, please read page 12 section 4.1.5 and 4.2.4 of MISCA's requirements and racing rules PDF.
Pets at the Race
MISCA races are outdoors and the community culture is very pet friendly provided that your pet is on a 6 foot leash (not a retractable leash), is friendly with the many other pets in attendance, is actively attended by an adult, and is positioned far enough from the race course to not accidentally slip under the boundary tape, interfering with the race.
Furry friends that are found not observing these guidelines may result in penalties of 10 minutes or 20 points for the team, and or removal from the event.
Assisting Students in the Feeding Zone
If you are supporting a student-athlete and will be offering any articles of clothing, hydration, or nutritional support to the athlete during the race, you may do so only in the designated "Feed Zones". This exchange will need to take place without interfering with other student-athletes and tossing and or throwing support items is not permitted. For detailed information about the feed zone please review page 18, section 4.2.5.1 of MISCA's requirements and racing rules PDF.
Assisting Students with Bike Problems
Although most student-athletes are trained in the basic mechanical failures they may encounter on the trail (for example popping a bike chain back on), and are expected to be "self-supported", there may be a difficulty experienced during the race that the students may need assistance with.
If as a spectator you are able to assist the student-athlete, you are permitted to do so, provided that the student-athlete is not participating in the varsity race category.
Students racing in the varsity category are not able to receive mechanical assistance. Assistance includes, "sharing tools/supplies or physically aiding in repairs, including touching a rider's bike during a repair." To review the mechanical assistance policy in detail please review page 19, sections 4.2.5.2 and 4.2.5.3 of MISCA's requirements and racing rules PDF.
In the event that a student-athlete requires major mechanical assistance or medical assistance, course marshals are riding with the students and are positioned along on the trail to address these needs.
Getting and Staying Race Ready
Mountain biking is a challenging and rewarding sport. To ensure that you are ready to ride and having fun, please consider the following tips to take care of yourself before and after your ride.
Prepare for the Weather
Mountain biking is an outdoor sport that asks students to preform in changing weather. Our race season begins in the late summer and continues through the late fall. It is not uncommon for the team to spend a race day outside in very warm or very chilly temperatures.
Every race venue is different and most locations do not have a lot of shady places to take shelter or indoor spaces to warm up. We will have a team canopy area, but it is still important to be prepared to be outside before and after your race. Many families have found it helpful to pack an umbrella for the rain and also to provide shade. Packing layers of clothing can also be very helpful, as the Michigan weather is know to change throughout the day, sometimes changing temperature dramatically in a few hours.
Stay Hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated, but it is especially important when riding your mountain bike. Please be sure to drink lots of water on race days and be sure that you have access to a water bottle or camelback to stay cool and to replenish fluids during and after your ride. There are team water coolers at the team tent if you need a refill.
Pre-Ride / Post Ride Nutrition
You are what you eat! Feeling your best on race day can be as easy as getting a good night's sleep, staying hydrated, and making sure that you have good nutrition the night before as well as the day of your race.
Planning ahead can be the difference between experiencing consistent energy, steady blood sugar levels, and finish your race feeling your best, or the latter, experiencing sugar crashes, low energy, and cramping as you limp along in your second and third lap. We've all been there and it's not as fun.
There are lots of resources online for pre-ride nutrition ideas. Everyone's just right will look different, but one thing is for sure, taking time to plan ahead for your ride will make a difference.
Post ride nutrition is equally important. After your race, be sure to stop back over at the team tent to top off your water bottle, grab some food, and tell us about your ride.
Bike Support
Bikes can be a little awkward to transport and you may find that a few adjustments need to take place when you arrive at the race. If you have simple bike check questions the head coaches are near the tent with basic tools and our sponsors, D&D have a tent at the race to lend a hand. Please keep in mind that it is best to have your bike in "ready to race, working order" before you arrive, but if you have a quick fix on race day we'll do our best to help.
Getting Involved on Race Day
Thank you for your interest in supporting race day. There are several opportunities to help both the HVUR team and MISCA at the event. Most volunteer opportunities are tied to a specific task and for a small amount of time, allowing you to volunteer during a race category, and then enjoy the rest of the races.
HVUR Team Volunteer Opportunities
The Check-in Table
The check in table is where students will let us know that they have arrived, will receive their race plate, and will get the information they need to report for the race.
If you are volunteering at the check in table, you will highlight the student's name off of the roster list, read the student their team meeting and staging times from the list, and will offer them a race plate with zip ties. At the end of the race, the race plate and zip ties will be collected, and the student's name will be crossed off.
If you are volunteering to support the check in table, you will sign up for a specific time, allowing you to make sure that you do not miss your favorite race events.
To volunteer at the check in table, please click here
The Team Food Table
Having food at the race is a great way to keep our kids feeling and riding their best. There are two ways to support the food at the team tent. The first is to sign up to bring a dish. The second is volunteering to help serve food to the kids after their race.
If you are you are interested in signing up to bring a dish to pass, or to help serve food, please check out our team facebook page. A link will be posted each week for the upcoming race. When signing up for food, please be sure to note if you are signing up to help on the Saturday or the Sunday schedule.
Tent Clean Up & Tear Down
At the end of the day, when the last student-athlete has finished the course, has had a chance to eat and to be congratulated, and the final podium ceremony has been held, we will work together to pack up the team tent area. We will need volunteers who can pack any remaining food items into totes, wipe off the tables, pack away the tent, and carry these items to the team trailer.
To volunteer to help with the tent clean up and tear down, please sign up here.
MiSCA Volunteer Opportunities
MISCA needs course marshals volunteers to make sure that everyone is enjoying the race safely. To learn more about the role of a course marshal volunteer or to signup to be a course marshal at an event, please click here.
Still Have Questions?
I am sorry that you did not see the answer to your race day/weekend question listed above. Please feel free to contact Coach Darin with any questions you still have.
Get Your Gear
Where do I order my team jersey, spirit wear, etc.?
Ordering a Jersey and Bike Shorts
Welcome to the HVUR team. Let's get you kitted up!
Ordering a Team Jersey
The HVUR Jersey is included in your registration fee and is ordered during the MISCA registration process . If you have any questions about determining the best size and the cut for your jersey, samples of the available sizes and styles will be available to try on at the team kick off meeting.
Bike Shorts
Bike short styles vary greatly and the best choice is a matter of personal preference. For this reason bike shorts, if desired, are purchased separately. To purchase bike shorts, please follow our team facebook page and look for the announcement of when the team store link goes live (Spring 2025).
HVUR Spirit Wear
Spirit wear is a great way to show your team pride and stay warm this fall. There are two ways to place an order for HVUR spirit wear. The first, is through a team group order that is placed during the season. The second is through an independent group called Dads on Dirt.
Ordering Through the Team
If you are interested in ordering through HVUR, be sure to keep an eye out for an email or a post on our HVUR facebook page announcing the spirit wear order.
Items purchased through the team will be available for pick up once they have arrived at the check-in area of the team tent. The spirit wear order placed through the team will take place after the team kick off meeting and will arrive early in the race season.
Ordering Through Dads on Dirt
If you are interested in ordering through Dads on Dirt, or if you have missed the team order, spirit wear is available year round and orders will ship directly to your home. Spirit wear purchased this way is supported by Dads on Dirt and will offer different styles than the spirit wear placed through the team.
Purchase spirit wear and riding gear through Dads on Dirt - here and here
Cowbell Tradition
The tradition of ringing cowbells at races is said to have started in Sweden around the 1900s when locals would host ski races over the winter. With cows tucked safely in the barn, the bells were not needed to keep track of the herd and were instead repurposed as a way to enthusiastically ringing encouragement out to the racers.
Today you can find cow bells ringing athletes across the finish line at many sporting events, including our MISCA races. If you would like to join in the fun, you can get a MISCA cowbell here or you can purchase a cowbell on Amazon here.
Still Have Questions?
I am sorry that you did not see the answer to your equipment or appeal question listed above. Please feel free to contact Coach Darin with any questions you still have.
