Copper Sprockets
The Copper Sprockets team welcomes riders in grades 6-12 from Butte and Anaconda to ride with the team. The team rides and races in the Montana Cycling League (www.montanamtb.org). Our team philosophy is to get kids on bikes and have fun. Our central goal is for students to develop a strong body, mind and character through mountain biking. There are no tryouts. Everyone rides no matter his/her ability and skill level. Racing is optional and not required to join the team.
The Copper Sprockets compete in cross-country style racing, based on National Interscholastic Cycling League standards (www.nationalmtb.org) in the fall. Student-athletes will practice with us in the summer and can compete in other fall sports at their own discretion. Student athletes in the nearby towns can join the team as there only a few teams in the newly formed league in its inaugural year.
Coaches and ride leaders receive background checks and are trained per NICA standards in concussion awareness, risk management and first-aid.
Practices
2024 Schedule:
Season practice schedule: July 4th - October 5th
Practices will be Monday at MT Tech Skills Park and Thursday at Thompson Park meeting at the Lions Den parking area from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Practices are led by NICA certified coaches and ride leaders.
Registration
All students must register in two places:
(1) In the Montana League’s “Pit Zone”
(2) In the team’s TeamSnap platform (https://www.teamsnap.com).
The Copper Sprockets plan to use TeamSnap for all team management and communications instead of email. Riders MUST be registered and “race ready” in “Pit Zone” by their 1st practice. No exceptions. We will send unregistered riders home.
In the event a rider wants to test out and try one practice before registering and paying fees, please contact Team Director Gary Wyss directly. Contact information is below.
Equipment
Riders need to have his/her own mountain bike and are required to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes when riding. Gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended. Riders must carry their own spare tube, mini-pump, water and a jacket at all practices. Each rider is responsible for having and maintaining his/her own mountain bike. We recommend every rider to establish a relationship w/ a local bike shop for bike tunes, equipment maintenance and questions.
Please let the coaches know if you need help finding and or purchasing a bike. We can help riders find bikes.
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Fees & Online Payment
- NICA (national affiliation) registration fee
- MICL (state affiliation) registration fee
- Team fee - pays for
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Mountain bike jersey
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Insurance for practices, races and team affiliated activities/events
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Volunteer coaches donate time & money to help Butte’s youth to develop a healthy past time that encourages FUN, Inclusivity, Equity, Respect & Community
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Safety is emphasized through proper training with appropriate & progressive learning
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Limited number of scholarships