Drake Mountain Bike Team at the 2009 State finals, Boggs Mountain 5/16/09 (photo: Eric Luse)

Welcome to Drake High Mountain Biking – 2009 & 2010 California State Champions, and 2004 & 2006 NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League Champions.

We’re very excited to have just completed our 8th year of competition in the NorCal League, and our second year of competing in the state finals with the new SoCal League.

This website is for Drake MTB riders, parents, coaches, sponsors, and fans from far and wide.  So hop on, click in, and enjoy the ride!!

* We are not funded by the school. Money for the running the program comes from fundraising, sponsors, and riders’ families. A full season is a relatively expensive endeavor. Family donation amount and League fees will be made available later in the year. We have full need-based scholarships available.
* We operate more like a team than a club. Nearly all of our activities are off-campus rides done outside of school hours during the season. On-campus, school-time meetings will be rare.
* All participants must commit to at least two (2) practices per week, and to completing at least four (4) races in the NorCal HS Race League (League).
* All participants must meet the academic requirement of a 2.0 GPA. Riders not meeting the requirement will be suspended from all team activities until that requirement is met.
* Drake MTB events including the Tamarancho 1000, Tamarancho Trailwork Day, Drake MTB Kick-Off Dinner, and End-of-Season BBQ are important and attendance by all riders is expected.

Please discuss this openly with your parents/guardians. Drake MTB is a life-altering experience. We invite you to embrace it.

Continue to the registration page.

What is the training like?

The training starts out gradual in the late fall and increases in duration and intensity until around March or April when the duration steadies, but the intensity continues to increase.

Are riders taught about bike safety and preparedness?

Yes. Drake MTB has a team technician to assist in some mechanical issues and to provide some instruction. We also go over and enforce proper road use including lane positioning, signage, and group formation.

Are riders supervised during the whole ride?

No. The nature of mountain biking is such that it is impossible to keep your eyes on each rider all the time. Some will ride behind the coach, others in front. Also, some riders “turn back” early if they have other commitments that they need to keep. During those times, the rider is NOT under supervision. If this not an acceptable situation for your family, then Drake MTB is NOT for you.

What are the races like?

The courses are cross-country courses. Since Drake riders train on Mt Tam, they generally find the courses at races to be easier than what they train on. Frosh riders can expect to race about 7-10 miles, while Varsity boys can race up to 28 miles. Besides that, we all put on Pirate tattoos and have a ball.

How good of a bike is needed?

Almost any bike in good repair, with the proper components will do. Though, as you progress quickly in the early stages of riding, a beater-bike will soon become impractical.

What is the practice schedule?

By January, the practice schedule is Tue, Thu, Sun, with recommended recovery spins or yoga on alternating Mondays.

Can I still play on another sports team at Drake?

Yes. You will be tired, but since Mt.. biking is not an MCAL sport, you may still participate in another sport. Drake MTB recommends that you discuss this openly with your parents and coaches before attempting.

Do I need any prior experience to have a good time?

No. In fact, the less experience you’ve had with mountain biking, the more you’ll be blown away at how fun it is.

How much might this cost me?

While we have made great strides in reducing the cost of participation over the years, a rider should still expect to pay over $300 for the season when bike maintenance, uniform, meals, licensing and other items are factored in.

When does the season start?

The “season” is a bit different from other sports. We start easy “forming” rides in October, we do some light preparation for training in November, start riding more in December, and by January we are fully into training for the first race in early March.

Are there unofficial training rides? When and where?

There are no unofficial training rides sanctioned by Drake MTB. However, Drake riders are encouraged and expected to buddy up and ride with their peers informally when rides are not scheduled.

Are there official training rides and workouts?

Typically, by December we have started two workouts per week, one on a weekday after school, and one on Sunday morning at 10am (subject to change).

If you want to ride on your own, can you recommend some routes?

There are many routes to choose from. Drake MTB recommends getting a Marin County Bicycle Coalition map from Sunshine Bike Center and familiarizing yourself with local routes emanating from Fairfax. Beginners may enjoy a loop around Lake Lagunitas, while more advanced riders will enjoy Camp Tamarancho (pass required, Drake MTB riders get theirs for free)

What kind of a bike, components, equipment will a rider need?

Bikes are personal items that can be very expensive, so there is no blanket recommendation that will fit the needs of every rider’s family. However, we can say this:

1. Frames are generally the same on any bike, but fit is very important. Please consult a shop expert on fit. We recommend a “hardtail” frame. Front suspension is just shy of mandatory.
2. Components: these can range from inexpensive and fragile to expensive and super light. We recommend some mid-range components (e.g. Shimano LX) as a minimum for withstanding a season of use, but understand that families must make their own decisions.
3. For safety reasons, all riders MUST have helmet, gloves, eye-wear, padded shorts (baggies are fine!), bike shoes, and CLIPLESS pedals (there is a learning curve, but you’ll thank us later). A complement of non-cotton clothing is necessary, including layers for very cold winter rides. Each rider must also have a basic repair kit of pump, tire levers, patches and/or tube, and multi-use tool.

Can riders of all different levels participate?

Yes!!!

Can someone ride and train with the team and then not race?

No. All riders must make a minimum commitment to participate. Requirements will be posted Fall 2008.

Who are the coaches and how do I get in touch with them?

See the “Coaches” link on the website.

What bike shop do you deal with and do they give a team discount?

Drake MTB is sponsored exclusively by Sunshine Bike Center in Fairfax. They have been serving the Drake Community since 1971, and Drake MTB since it inception. Please let them know you appreciate their support by shopping there. Drake MTB racers receive 20% discount on labor and merchandise.

What advice to you have for someone who is new to the sport or doesn’t know many people who ride?

When the little voice in your head starts giving you reasons for not coming out to ride, ignore it, and meet us, or just push yourself out the door and get on that bike.

Can you tell us at the beginning of the season where and when the races will be?

The first of the season last year was early March. The race schedule will be posted on the NorCal website in the winter. See www.norcalmtb.org

What about transportation and accommodations at the races?

Riders and their families are entirely responsible for transportation to and from races. As a matter of policy, Drake MTB staff may not carry riders to or from races. The NorCal League usually publicizes accommodations near the races should you decide to stay the night. Many families look for places to camp.

Training Log

Summary of the Training Phases that are referenced on the Training Log

Article on Lactate Threshold

Marin Municipal Water District (pdf)

Director – Dan Freeman  dan@drakemtb.org
Head Coach – Paul Chourre  paul@drakemtb.org

Physical Address:

Dan Freeman
Director – Drake Mt Biking
Sir Francis Drake High School
1327 Sir Francis Drake Bl.
San Anselmo, CA 94960

Telephone:

(415) 458-3477

Webmaster:

drakemtb-admin@wyro.org

To provide coaching and camaraderie to students that have the desire to mountain bike so as to help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country goals in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Club Goals

1. To give beginner riders an understanding of our sport and to give them a fun and challenging cycling experience.
2. To have the intermediate riders advance in racing categories (i.e., beginner, sport and expert).
3. To have the advanced riders increase proficiency and develop and earn top honors at races.

Rules and Regulations of our Club

• Never take risks. This is the number one rule, athletes that have a risk taking attitude or are witnessed to take risks will not be tolerated. A risk is defined as willingly attempting anything which is beyond one’s ability to control in a safe manner.
• Always Yield. Even if at times it seems inconvenient. Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters. Remember that bicycles in the backcountry are a new experience for horses and hikers.
• Pass with Care. Let others know of your presence well in advance. Use a chime or audible greeting to avoid startling others. Be especially careful when passing a horse, as each will react differently; stop and ask the rider for instructions. By asking if the horse is easily spooked, you show an awareness of the rider’s needs. Sometimes it may be necessary to dismount and remove your bike from the trail to allow others to pass.
• Stay on Trails. Riding off-trail damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems. Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Beware the types of soil you are riding on. Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots.
• Control your speed. Safe speed is relative to terrain and your experience as a rider. Be able to stop safely without skidding in the distance that you can see ahead. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend.
• Respect Wildlife and livestock. Do not frighten animals. Close gates as you pass through, unless it appears obvious that they have been intentionally left open.
• Do Not Litter. Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, carry out more than your share.
• Ride Only on Authorized Trails. Check with local authorities regarding open trails and conditions, and with landowners regarding private land access. Stay off trails that are closed to bicycles.
• Plan Ahead. The off-road bicycle will open new horizons to you. Some of these should be approached with respect. If distances are involved, do not travel solo. Expect weather changes. Leave word where you plan to go and when you plan to return.
• Minimize Impacts. The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of responsible off-road cyclists. Take only pictures.
• WEAR A HELMET AT ALL TIMES.

Summer Short Program