LET'S RIDE
Complete this form to register for the 2023-2024 season!
We've grown from four athletes to a close-knit team of about 40 riders from different San Francisco High Schools. Student athletes range from total beginners, to casual adventure seekers, to advanced competitive racers.
Thanks for being interested in the San Francisco Composite High School Mountain Bike Team (aka “SF Composite” or “SF Comp”). SF Comp is a co-ed club team open to any student attending high school in San Francisco. Whether you’re an interested rider, parent, or coach, or a returning member of the team, this website is here to answer most of your questions. If you still have any questions, get in touch and we’ll take it from there.
Team philosophy: this team is about sharing the fun of mountain biking with teenagers, bringing those teenagers into a great community, and helping them improve as bike riders, teammates, and individuals. We also race. No racing (or biking) experience is required, just a positive attitude, a desire to learn, and a willingness to push yourself.
As with most things in life, what you get out of this team directly corresponds to what you put in. We spell things out more in the “Expectations” section, but the gist is this: you’ve gotta show up and you’ve gotta be willing to work hard. We have too many people interested in participating to fill the team with folks who don’t show.
SF Comp participates in the Southern Conference of the NorCal League. The NorCal League (www.norcalmtb.org) is a part of a national organization called NICA (www.nationalmtb.org), whose mission is to help teens build strong body, mind, and character through interscholastic cycling programs that primarily focus on cross country mountain bike racing.
In the Southern Conference, SF Comp competes against teams from SF/Berkeley to as far south as Fresno. At the end of the season we race with all teams in the NorCal League at the “States” race in May.
All riders are expected to attend a minimum of 2/3 of total rides/practices as well as all races. Consistent participation reduces risk of injury and increases the fun quotient.
Pre-season: September-December
1-2 planning meetings
2-4 pre-season rides, typically on Saturdays or Sundays (“recruiting” rides)
Team fundraiser in early December
Early-season: January-February
Weekday practices begin in early January and end following last race in mid-May
Indoor practices at spin sessions
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Outdoor weekend rides — 1-2 per month
Team camp in early February (Sat/Sun)
Team roster finalized at team camp (after making sure everyone can make ⅔ expectation)
Race-season: Late February-May
Outdoor practices February-May (typically Golden Gate Park)
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15-5:45 p.m.
Outdoor weekend rides — 1-2 per month (non-race weekends)
Race every two weeks based on schedule below
End of season party, late May 2024
The 2023 season races are posted on the NorCal League site. We will link to the 2024 schedule when it becomes available.
Some of awesome venues we get to race at: Laguna Seca, Fort Ord East Garrison, Granite Bay, Six Sigma Winery (Lake County, CA), Petaluma, Swasey Trails (Redding, CA), and Exchequer (La Grange, CA)
Usually most riders spend the night before at race location; a few travel the morning of the race. We’ll try to camp out as often as possible, as it saves a bunch of $ and is super fun.
Team coaches are all volunteers.
We ask that each team member pay a rider fee toward team expenses (including bike clothing [team kit], race & league registration, supplemental insurance, etc.)
We provide partial or full scholarships for those who need them.
We raise money through a fundraiser, sponsorships, granola and kit sales.
Many parents have assigned jobs for the season. In addition, families need to do what they can to personally and financially support the team — offering rides, preparing and serving food, schlepping equipment, soliciting sponsorships, inviting friends to fundraiser, etc.
To participate in SF Comp, you’ll need the following equipment. We routinely get donations and loaner bikes, so don’t let lack of gear stop you from joining us — we’ll work it out!