Registration
for the 2026 Season:
Practice Format
Practices center around group trail rides and often include demonstrating specific skills; using games to session the skill(s); and keeping things light and fun.
The team breaks up into small-ish groups based on skill level, experience, and age/grade. Groups go out on trail rides with lead/sweep coaches and other parent-coaches.
We start the first week easy and build momentum as practices go on. Our focus is on safe, confident, and fun progression — using the NEYC curriculum to build specific riding skills and techniques.
Parent-Coaches Needed!
We need as many coaches as possible. Please consider signing up to be a coach so you can ride with us and the kids! You don't need to be a pro, and it's a great way to connect with the kids!
Head Coaches
Matt Fuhrmeister
Graham Marsh
ghostriders@newenglandyouthcycling.com
Coaching Requirements
- Background check via NEYC registration process
- Completion of the concussion training module (quick and online)
- Completion of the safe sports training module (quick and online)
- Completion of the Ride Logic Level 1 module (quick, online, and free via NEYC!)
- Upload your certifications to your NEYC account/registration
Costs
Financial aid is available on a limited basis. Please reach out for more information.
Rain or Bad Weather
If the weather looks wet, or if trail conditions aren't favorable, we'll aim to make a call at least a few hours before practice. Otherwise, assume practice is "on."
Please also use your discretion about whether your rider will be comfortable and have fun in the conditions.
Gear & Bike Safety Checks
We understand that bike gear is often a process of slow accumulation, so we have some mandatory, highly recommended, and nice-to-have items to bring to practice.
- Properly working mountain bike
- Wide, knobby tires
- Well-functioning brakes
- Well-functioning gears (multi-speed bikes are really needed for older riders)
- Proper fitting helmet (checked during drop-off at each practice)
- Water for on the trail and a small/portable post-ride snack
- Riding gloves (helpful in the event of ground contact)
- Clothing layers that match the weather (and are OK to get dirty!)
- Spare tube (even if running tubeless); ideally strapped to the bike or in a ride pack
- Trailside tools (looking at you, coaches!)
Preseason Bike Checklist
- Gears — cycle through all gears to confirm availability
- Tires — no issues holding air; tread in decent shape
- Brakes — both functioning; levers not hitting fingers
- Quick Release / Thru-Axles — wheels and seat secure
- Handlebar end plugs — must be covered (NEYC requirement)
- Helmet — fits properly, buckle works
- Water — carried on bike or on rider's person
ABC-QP Safety Check
Perform this basic safety check before heading out to practice:
Sufficient air in tires (go easy on pressure!)
Do the brakes work?
Are all components in working order?
Wheels on OK? Seat secure?
Bar plugs on the handlebars?
Confirm they have their helmet!