SMMHS Mountain Bike Team
Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League (TICL)
National Interscholastic Cycling Assoc. (NICA)
TEAM CULTURE & EXPECTATIONS
We’re proud to represent Signal Mountain on and off the trails. Our values reflect sportsmanship, growth, and respect—for others, for ourselves, and for the land we ride on.
Effort Over Ease: Mountain biking is not meant to be easy. Every climb, descent, and challenge builds physical strength and mental resilience. Riders are encouraged to embrace discomfort, set goals, and push beyond what they thought possible. Growth happens when effort becomes a habit.
Respect the Trail and Others: We are guests on the trails we ride. Every rider is expected to model respect and courtesy to others, including hikers, bikers, and wildlife. We slow down when passing, communicate clearly, and always offer a friendly “hello” or “thank you.” Trail stewardship begins with kindness, and that kindness defines our reputation as a team.
Coach & Rider Partnership: Coaches and riders share a commitment to growth. Coaches are here to guide, challenge, and support. Riders are expected to give their best effort, listen with intent, and maintain a positive attitude. Together, we build trust, teamwork, and confidence that lasts well beyond the racecourse.
Our Commitment
We ride with integrity, compete with humility, and support one another like family. Whether at practice, in competition, or in the community, Signal Mountain Racing stands for character, courage, and the shared joy of the ride.
How to Join:
Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to mountain biking, we’re excited to have you on this journey. Below are the steps to officially join the team and get your rider “Practice Ready.”
Register your student-athlete in Pit Zone at and complete the following:
NICA National Membership – $55
Tennessee League Registration – $150
NICA Technology Fee – $5
Race Fee - $25 Per Race (5 Races a Year)
These fees provide insurance for your rider and ensure compliance with national and state league participation standards. Note: You are not required to pay race entry fees at this time. Race fees can be paid later — even up to the week of each race.
Your rider is considered “Practice Ready” once registration is complete in PitZone.com and all waivers are signed. Only Practice Ready riders may participate in more than 3 practices.
If your rider is not in the SMMHS school district, we recommend riding with the area composite team: Hamilton Bradley Composite (HBC). HBC accepts riders from all across Hamilton and Bradley county, regardless of school district. Email Coach Nick Erhard (nickerhard@gmail.com) for details.
Just Exploring?
If you’re unsure about joining, we welcome your rider to attend up to 3 practices before committing.
After that, full NICA registration is required to continue. Please print and sign this waiver prior to exploring practice with us:
Parents are allowed to ride one time with the team, but after that, they must be a NICA registered coach. Email Coach Sean if you have any questions.
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Before the first race, each rider must submit a $50 team fee (check only, made payable to: SMMHS MTB Team).
This fee covers:
One official team jersey & bibs (race-day kit)
Race-day nutrition support
Coach training and registration fees
Please give checks to Laura Paxon (no electronic payments available at this time).
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Each rider is responsible for coming to practice prepared and self-sufficient.
Bike Requirements
Minimum wheel size: 26” (per NICA rules)
Recommended: 27.5” or 29” wheels, disc brakes, front suspension, tubeless tires if possible
Tires must have knobbies; slick tires are not permitted.
Bikes must have multiple gears; no single speed bikes.
Bikes must have fully operational front and rear brakes (disk brakes are optimal).
Handlebar end plugs and stem caps are required.
Bar ends (forward pointing handle grip extensions) may not be used.
No road, cyclocross, or mountain bikes equipped with drop bars.
All bikes should be safe, trail-ready, and properly maintained
On-the-Trail Tools (Each Rider Must Carry)Spare inner tube
Tire levers
Mini multi-tool
Pump or CO2 inflator
Optional: chain link, derailleur hanger
Safety Gear
Helmet (always required)
Gloves and protective eyewear recommended
Starting in October, all riders must have a bike-mounted or helmet light for early sunset practices.
Race Day Tools (Each Rider Must Carry) in Jersey or Hydration Pack)
Mini multi-tool
Plug kit – only for tubeless tires
CO2 inflator
If you have tires with tubes, there will not be time to replace the tube, so carrying a tube, tire levers, and a pump is not necessary.
You should just push your bike to finish the first lap or receive course assistance from a course marshal to complete your race.
We encourage ever racer to convert to tubeless if at all possible. It reduces your chances of flats and having to change a tube during a race. Talk to your coach if you need help determining if your wheels are tubeless compatible or setting them up tubeless if they are tubeless-ready. -
The great majority of communication will go through TeamSnap (email and text). Coach Sean will initiate the majority of team communications.
Group Coaches will communicate directly with their group. A coach will NOT communicate one-on-one with riders. If your rider needs to communicate with their Group Coach, please ensure that one parent is copied.
Please refrain from communication during practice time, unless absolutely necessary.Please enter Coach Sean’s contact information in your phone, in case he needs to communicate outside of TeamSnap. (Sean Richards: 423-290-9865)
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Fueling well before, during, and after practice is essential for performance and recovery.
Before Practice
Hydrate throughout the day with water and electrolytes.
Eat a balanced lunch and light pre-ride snack with carbs and protein.
During Practice
Bring at least two full water bottles or a hydration pack (CamelBak-style recommended for newer riders).
Carry on-the-trail nutrition such as energy gels, bars, or fruit snacks.
After Practice
Refuel within 30 minutes: protein + carbs (e.g., chocolate milk, smoothie, bar).
Rehydrate and stretch!
We’re here to help your rider succeed and have a blast doing it. For questions about registration, gear, or readiness, please contact us!
For all of this info and more, download our complete new rider packet.
Big Thanks to Our Sponsors
Big Thanks to Our Sponsors
