FAQ
Meet and Greet Event - May 11!!
Click here for info
Have an elementary school age child? Check out the county summer camp and other opportunities at the bottom of this page.
Check here for some upcoming events and our schedule.
Do you have what you need to ride? Check our Gear List.
Check here for some upcoming events and our schedule.
Do you have what you need to ride? Check our Gear List.
Mountain Bike Team? Tell me more.
GCA mountain biking is cross-country style, not the high-risk, Red Bull Rampage or X-Games type riding often seen on TV. We use the same trails that middle and high school cross country teams run on. Mountain biking does have risks, but no more than any other sport. Risk management is at the core of GCA philosophy. All practices, races and team events are fully insured.
What team do I join?
Student athletes may attend any school in our area (or be home schooled) from 6th grade through high school. We have teams for Allatoona High School, Marietta High School, Harrison High School, North Cobb High School and Hillgrove High School. If your child is in middle school, the team they would be on would be the high school they plan to attend. Additionally, we have Allatoona Creek Composite for home-schooled students, some private schools and those attending the following high schools: Cartersville, Kennesaw Mountain, McEachern, Mt. Paran, North Cobb, Osborne, and South Cobb.
I'd love to join the team, but I don't have a bike. What do I do?
The Georgia Cycling Association offers a free loaner bike program.
Tell me about the coaches.
Coaches undergo background checks, risk management, first aid, MTB skills and concussion training, so rest assured, your child is in good hands!
What is practice like?
We usually practice at Allatoona Creek Park, located at 5690 Old Stilesboro Road, Acworth, 30101. It’s a great park with more than 30 miles of trail that span a wide range of skill levels. Practices are on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm (ready to ride at 6 pm). Practices start July 8, 2024.
There are no try-outs. All skill levels are welcome; however, riders are separated into groups by skill level for their safety and enjoyment. Coaches lead each group on rides throughout the park and teach skills through special sessions and games. Athletes can move up in ride groups as their skills and confidence progress. We try to be accommodating to kids participating in other sports or activities.
What about races? Do I have to race?
You do NOT have to race.
Georgia Cycling Association's race series consists of 4 races for everyone as well as one additional race for qualifying 8th-12th grade racers - the State Championships, held at the end of October. The 4 conference races occur about two weeks apart on weekends beginning in September. Our teams are in the West Conference. Races are at different venues. Please visit Georgiacycling.org for the complete schedule and more information. Georgia Cycling's Youtube channel offers videos on all the race courses.
What does it cost? (Prices below are for 2023 season and are subject to change for 2024)
How do I sign up for the team?
GCA mountain biking is cross-country style, not the high-risk, Red Bull Rampage or X-Games type riding often seen on TV. We use the same trails that middle and high school cross country teams run on. Mountain biking does have risks, but no more than any other sport. Risk management is at the core of GCA philosophy. All practices, races and team events are fully insured.
What team do I join?
Student athletes may attend any school in our area (or be home schooled) from 6th grade through high school. We have teams for Allatoona High School, Marietta High School, Harrison High School, North Cobb High School and Hillgrove High School. If your child is in middle school, the team they would be on would be the high school they plan to attend. Additionally, we have Allatoona Creek Composite for home-schooled students, some private schools and those attending the following high schools: Cartersville, Kennesaw Mountain, McEachern, Mt. Paran, North Cobb, Osborne, and South Cobb.
I'd love to join the team, but I don't have a bike. What do I do?
The Georgia Cycling Association offers a free loaner bike program.
Tell me about the coaches.
Coaches undergo background checks, risk management, first aid, MTB skills and concussion training, so rest assured, your child is in good hands!
What is practice like?
We usually practice at Allatoona Creek Park, located at 5690 Old Stilesboro Road, Acworth, 30101. It’s a great park with more than 30 miles of trail that span a wide range of skill levels. Practices are on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm (ready to ride at 6 pm). Practices start July 8, 2024.
There are no try-outs. All skill levels are welcome; however, riders are separated into groups by skill level for their safety and enjoyment. Coaches lead each group on rides throughout the park and teach skills through special sessions and games. Athletes can move up in ride groups as their skills and confidence progress. We try to be accommodating to kids participating in other sports or activities.
What about races? Do I have to race?
You do NOT have to race.
Georgia Cycling Association's race series consists of 4 races for everyone as well as one additional race for qualifying 8th-12th grade racers - the State Championships, held at the end of October. The 4 conference races occur about two weeks apart on weekends beginning in September. Our teams are in the West Conference. Races are at different venues. Please visit Georgiacycling.org for the complete schedule and more information. Georgia Cycling's Youtube channel offers videos on all the race courses.
What does it cost? (Prices below are for 2023 season and are subject to change for 2024)
- $205 goes directly to Georgia Cycling Association
- Additional fees go to our team:
-- $100 dues (includes practice shirt)
-- Team Jersey (not required for non-racers; $57-$70)
-- $100 volunteer deposit (student must complete 6 volunteer hours, verified by our coaches, to receive refund) - If you wish to race, please visit the GCA website for ADDITIONAL fee schedule.
- League scholarships are available through GCA. If they award you a scholarship, we will waive team fees.
How do I sign up for the team?
Please contact us for the code to register for the appropriate team through Georgia Cycling Association. Registration should open in April 1, 2024.
- If you are a NEW rider, please select the blue "join a team" button. Returning riders should select their team from last year.
- If you wish to register for races, once you have completed your athlete registration, go back to the site and click the blue "Register for 2024 Races" button. There are discounts for early race registrations.
- You should receive a welcome email from one of our coaches and an invitation to join TeamSnap within a few days of registering with the team. TeamSnap is our primary way of communicating with students and athletes about our schedule, race prep and upcoming events.
I'm not sure about this. Can I try it out first?
Come join us for one of our Meet and Greet/Fun Rides in the spring! You may attend ONE practice ride under our insurance (parent must sign waiver at drop off) prior to officially joining the team. Non-coach adults, even parents, are not permitted to ride with the team. If you would like to become a coach, please contact us.
I'm really new at this. What do I need besides a mountain bike?
There are a few things you need to ride, including the proper helmet, closed-toe shoes and plenty of water. We also recommend other items for additional safety and comfort. You can see our suggested Gear List and GCA rules here.
I'd like to know more. Who can I talk to?
You can email us and one of our head coaches will reply to you.
You may also visit Georgiacycling.org to learn more about the league. Follow us on Facebook at Allatoona Creek Mountain Bike Teams or ask to join our email list for notices of our events.
Are there any opportunities for younger children?
Cobb County runs a summer camp with several of our coaches as counselors.
GA Little Shredders Facebook Group (page for coordinating kids mountain bike trail rides; parents/guardians MUST ride with their kids).
Little Hammies - a race series for kids age 12 and younger.
Come join us for one of our Meet and Greet/Fun Rides in the spring! You may attend ONE practice ride under our insurance (parent must sign waiver at drop off) prior to officially joining the team. Non-coach adults, even parents, are not permitted to ride with the team. If you would like to become a coach, please contact us.
I'm really new at this. What do I need besides a mountain bike?
There are a few things you need to ride, including the proper helmet, closed-toe shoes and plenty of water. We also recommend other items for additional safety and comfort. You can see our suggested Gear List and GCA rules here.
I'd like to know more. Who can I talk to?
You can email us and one of our head coaches will reply to you.
You may also visit Georgiacycling.org to learn more about the league. Follow us on Facebook at Allatoona Creek Mountain Bike Teams or ask to join our email list for notices of our events.
Are there any opportunities for younger children?
Cobb County runs a summer camp with several of our coaches as counselors.
GA Little Shredders Facebook Group (page for coordinating kids mountain bike trail rides; parents/guardians MUST ride with their kids).
Little Hammies - a race series for kids age 12 and younger.