When is registration?

Rider registration begins April 1. Coach registration begins March 1.

When does the season start and end?

July 1 - October 31. Practices typically begin the first Monday after July 4.

When and where are practices?

We can practice up to three times a week. Time depends on sunset.

Tuesday evenings - Hidden Falls.

Thursday evenings - typically Battle Creek, Carver, or Lebanon Hills.

When are the races?

We participate in five weekend races through the Minnesota Cycling Association (MCA).  First race is late; State Championship is in October. Middle Schoolers typically race on Saturday and High Schoolers typically race on Sunday. The top 100 riders in each category qualify for the State Championships which is at the end of the season.

How long are the races?

Races are typically a 4-mile cross-country style MTB loop. Length varies per grade. 6th, 7th & 8th graders do one loop. Freshmen and JV2 do two loops. JV3 does three loops. Varsity does four loops.

Are races required?

No. Races are optional.

What equipment is necessary?

Riders need a mountain bike, helmet, gloves, bike shorts, and water bottle. There are loaner bikes available through the team and through the MCA.

How much does it cost?

2024 Registration fees and other costs for riders are below. All are paid separately.

$100 > MCA League Registration Fee

$125 > SPY MTB Team Fee, before June 15. $175 after June 15.

$150 > MCA League Race Superpass which covers all races. $50 per race (Optional. Racing is not required)

$75 > Approximate cost of jerseys. Can re-use year-to-year. Jerseys only required for racing.

Both the MCA MTB league and our team offer scholarships. We also have a limited number of loaner bikes available. Please e-mail us at info@spymtb.org if you have questions about any of the above fees or want to know more about scholarships or loaner bikes.

First year racers in the Minnesota Cycling Association may request a refund of the race package following their team’s first race. The package will be pro-rated, minus a $10 fee. This is only available for first year racers and the refund request must be submitted within 5 days of the team’s first race. Single race purchases are not refundable for first year racers.

I’m a new rider. How do I register?

Submit new rider info under “Join the Team” tab, or send an email to info@spymtb.org . In order to determine if they are eligible, we need to know what school the new rider is at, and what grade they will be in for fall. MCA has specific rules about what rider a team should be on, depending upon the school they attend. Once we verify your eligibility according to MCA rules, then we give you a special code to register.

What grade and team do I register for?

Riders register for the grade they will be in for the upcoming fall. To figure out what team to register for:

• If a rider goes to Highland, they will register for the Highland Park team.

• If a rider goes to a school north of Saint Paul, they will register for Saint Paul Composite - North.

• If a rider goes to a school south of the Mississippi River, they will register for Saint Paul Composite - South.

Can I help coach?

YES! We are an all-volunteer organization. We have three levels of coaches - everyone begins as a Level 1 coach and is paired with a higher level coach to learn the ropes. You can learn more at this link, or just email us at info@spymtb.org and we can help walk you through it.

I don’t want to coach, but can I volunteer off-the-bike?

YES! We are an all-volunteer organization. We always need assistance with our pre-season bbq, taking photos at races, tent setup for races, our end of season banquet, and many other things. Fill out the form on the website, or talk with the Head Coach.

Additionally, MCA needs many volunteers for races to help them run - when you sign up for races, they will ask a parent or guardian to volunteer for at least one shift throughout the season. Without this help, our races won’t run. You can learn more about volunteering for MCA races here: https://mca.givepulse.com/group/889651-MN-Cycling-Association (updated info for every season is usually in August, just before the first race).

How can I find out more information?

If you have more questions we would love to answer them! Email us at info@spymtb.org or use the form on the “Contact Us” page.

What schools participate in SPY MTB?

In the 2023 season we had riders from the following high schools: Highland Park, Saint Thomas Academy, Two Rivers High School, OWL (Open World Learning), Community of Peace, Upper Mississippi Academy, Twin Cities Academy, Mounds Park Academy, Cretin-Derham Hall, Great River, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts, Avalon and DeLaSalle. We had riders from the following middle schools: Highland Park, Heritage, OWL, (Open World Learning), Visitation, NOVA, Avalon, Mounds Park Academy, Friendly Hills, Holy Spirit, Cornerstone Montessori, and Great River.

Are all of the riders on one team?

We practice as one team, breaking in to three groups according to speed and skill level. For race day, Minnesota Cycling Association requires us to break in to multiple teams because our riders go to different schools. The teams listed below are what we raced for the 2023 season and 2024 will likely be similar, though it depends on how many riders sign up. Any student attending Saint Paul Central High School rides with Saint Paul Central’s team.

Highland Park - This team is for any 6th to 12th grader who attends Highland Park Middle or Senior High School.

Saint Paul Composite - North - This team is for any 6th to 12th grader who attends any other public or private Middle School or High School in the Saint Paul, Mendota Heights or West Saint Paul school districts; and the school is north of the Mississippi River.

Saint Paul Composite - South - This team is for any 6th to 12th grader who attends any other public or private Middle School or High School in the Saint Paul, Mendota Heights or West Saint Paul school districts; and the school is south of the Mississippi River.

I go to Central High School in Saint Paul. Can I still ride with SPY MTB?

No. Our league, Minnesota Cycling Association, requires that if a school has its own team, any rider must ride with the team. Anyone attending Central High School must ride with that team. Any other school within Saint Paul can ride with SPY MTB.