Question 1

I am not sure if racing is for me, can I try it first?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

I'm in, how do I sign up for races?

Accepted Answer

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.

MISCA Scholarship Application

Question 3

I am racing, what can I expect on race day?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

It looks like some of the races are not local, how are these different? 
(Race Locations & Camping Information)

Accepted Answer

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.

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.

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 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.
Addison Oaks Website

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

Bloomer Park - State Championship
MiSCA Bloomer Park MTB Race Event Information

Race Location: Bloomer Park
There are no fees to enter or park at this event.

Question 5

I am a supporting someone racing, what can I expect on race day?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Race days look long, how do we keep our team ready to ride?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Oh, no! My bike is doing something weird. Can someone help me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How can I help with race day?    (Volunteer Opportunities)

Accepted Answer

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 check out our team facebook page. A link will be posted each week for the upcoming race. When signing up, please be sure to note if you are signing up to help on the Saturday or the Sunday schedule.

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 check out our team facebook page. A link will be posted each week for the upcoming race. When signing up, please be sure to note if you are signing up to help on the Saturday or the Sunday schedule.

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.

Question 9

I have a question about race day that was not answered.

Accepted Answer

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.

HVUR Team Hub

Everything you need to know in one spot

Get Ready to Ride

What do I need to know for team Practices?

Do I need a physical on file to ride with HVUR?

Where can I find the practice schedule?

Do I need to rsvp for team practices?

What do I need to bring to practice?

Where are the local trails for practice and what are they like?

What can I expect at practice?

Which riding group will I ride with?

Do we practice in the rain?

How will I know if there are any changes to the practice schedule?

What are the additional team events on the calendar?

What do I need to know about team practices and earning a varsity letter?

I am looking to develop my mountain bike handling skills. Any tips?

Is anyone interested in getting together to go for a ride?

What is Stava, "king or queen of the mountain", and does the team use the app?

I have a question about practices that was not answered.

Get Race Day Ready

What do I need to know for race days/ weekends?

I am not sure if racing is for me, can I try it first?

I'm in, how do I sign up for races?

I am racing, what can I expect on race day?

It looks like some of the races are not local, how are these different? (Race Locations & Camping Information)

I am a supporting someone racing, what can I expect on race day?

Race days look long, how do we keep our team ready to ride?

Oh, no! My bike is doing something weird. Can someone help me?

How can I help with race day? (Volunteer Opportunities)

I have a question about race day that was not answered.

Get Your Gear

Where do I order my team jersey, spirit wear, etc.?

Where do I get my HVUR team jersey and bike shorts?

Where do I get my HVUR team spirit wear?

Why are there cowbells at the races and where can I get one?

I have a question about equipment and appearal that was not answered.

Thank you Eric Carlsen, Jeanette Mooradian Russle, and our HVUR Family for taking the time to capture the seasons in your photos and for generously sharing these moments with us on our social media pages.

Student Registration Links

Join the fun

Downloads & FAQs

Season Details

Register for Family Friendly Team Events

Sharing the love of riding mountain bikes since 2017

Thank You to the HVURS Sponsors