Join the Team
Somerset Hills Veloraptors is a youth mountain bike team serving families across Somerset Hills and Somerset County NJ. We welcome riders in grades 5–12 who want to build skills, confidence, fitness, and community through mountain biking and NJ NICA.
New to mountain biking? That's completely okay. Many Veloraptors riders start with little or no trail experience.
New to the league too? Read What is NICA? and see how GRiT supports girls riding.
Veloraptors welcomes boys and girls in grades 5–12, from brand-new riders to experienced racers. Riders do not need a racing background to join this youth cycling team. Families interested in girls-riding support can learn more about GRiT.
Some riders join because they love mountain biking. Others want to build confidence, improve fitness, spend time outdoors, or race in NJ NICA. There is room for different goals.
We serve riders from the Somerset Hills region of Somerset County NJ and nearby communities, including Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Warren, Bedminster, Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone, and surrounding towns.
Simple Process
Families do not need to figure everything out at once. The process is straightforward, practical, and designed to help new riders start with confidence.
01
Start by contacting the team and sharing your rider's grade and experience level. Families can ask questions, learn what to expect, and attend an intro ride before making a bigger commitment.
02
We help new families understand what bike, helmet, and basic gear make sense. Riders do not need top-end equipment to begin, and we can help you figure out what is appropriate for local trails and practices.
03
Once your family is ready, we guide you through registration and next steps. From there, riders join coach-led practices, build skills over time, and decide how much they want to race.
No. Many riders join with no race background at all. The team supports kids who want to ride for fun, fitness, skills, or competition.
No. A safe, properly fitting mountain bike is the goal. Families do not need premium equipment to get started, and we can help you understand what is suitable.
Yes. Beginners are welcome. Coaches work to create a supportive, safety-first environment where riders can build confidence step by step.
Yes. Both boys and girls are welcome, and the team supports riders across a range of interests and experience levels.
That is completely okay. Not every rider joins to chase podiums. Some participate for fitness, friendship, outdoor time, and skill development.
The basics are simple: a mountain bike, helmet, water or hydration, and clothing that is comfortable for riding. Families can add more over time if needed.
Yes. Parent help on race weekends is always appreciated, and adults who want to coach can start that process as soon as their child joins the team. Previous coaching experience is not required.
Parents can begin the coaching process as soon as their child joins the team. Adults may join one ride before certification to see what it is like, but they cannot coach on the trail until they are certified by NICA as Level 1 coaches.
No. Available loaner bikes are reserved for athletes. Adult volunteers and coaches who ride with the team should plan to use their own safe, trail-ready mountain bike and the same basic safety gear expected on team rides.
Getting started does not need to be complicated. Families need the basics, not a top-end setup on day one.
If you are unsure what bike or gear is appropriate, the team can help guide you before you buy or upgrade anything.
Veloraptors riders practice and prepare in the Somerset Hills region of New Jersey, with easy access for families in Somerset County NJ and nearby towns.
Families often join from Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Warren, Bedminster, Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone, and surrounding communities.
Our local riding includes trail systems such as Chimney Rock Park, Lewis Morris Park, and Six Mile Run State Park.
Want to see where the season leads? Visit the race schedule.
Coach-led practices with progression for both beginner and experienced riders.
A safety-first environment with clear expectations and supportive instruction.
Communication from team leadership about schedules, logistics, and next steps.
A strong team community where family support and volunteer help are appreciated.
Join Inquiry
Use this form when your family is ready to ask questions, talk through fit, or request an intro ride. A coach will follow up with practical next steps.
You can always reach out directly at info@shveloraptors.com.
