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Choose a beginner-friendly Try-It opportunity for a prospective rider in grades 5–12.
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How to Join Somerset Hills Veloraptors
Somerset Hills Veloraptors is a co-ed youth mountain bike team serving families across Somerset Hills and Somerset County NJ. We welcome girls and boys 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.
Choose your next step
Start with the path that fits your family
Join the team
Share your rider's grade, experience, and bike situation so the team can help with the right next step.
Start a family inquiryConsidering becoming a coach?
Parents considering coaching can try one ride with the adult waiver. Registration and Level 1 coach certification are required before riding with the team again.
Ask about coachingFormer Veloraptors athletes interested in returning as coaches can contact the team.
Who can join
Grades 5–12 and all skill levels
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.
Fun, fitness, skills, or racing
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.
Serving Somerset Hills and surrounding towns
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, Bridgewater, and surrounding towns.
Simple Process
Three steps to get started
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
Choose a Try-It Ride
View the available ride dates and register your family directly. Complete the NICA waiver and attest before check-in. If you have questions about eligibility or equipment, ask us before booking; an inquiry is not required to reserve an open ride.
02
Get Set Up with the Right Bike and Gear
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
Register and Ride with the Team
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.
Beginner questions, answered
See full FAQDoes my child need race experience?
No. Many riders join with no race background at all. The team supports kids who want to ride for fun, fitness, skills, or competition.
Does my child need a fancy mountain bike?
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.
Can my child join if they are nervous or brand new?
Yes. Beginners are welcome. Coaches work to create a supportive, safety-first environment where riders can build confidence step by step.
Do girls ride on the team?
Yes. Both boys and girls are welcome, and the team supports riders across a range of interests and experience levels.
What if my child wants to ride but not race?
That is completely okay. Not every rider joins to chase podiums. Some participate for fitness, friendship, outdoor time, and skill development.
How much gear is required to get started?
Riders need a suitable mountain bike, helmet, gloves, eye protection, closed-toe shoes, and water in a bike bottle or hydration pack. Ask the team about equipment before buying. Youth bikes and helmets may be requested for a Huckwagon event, subject to advance arrangement and coach approval.
Can parents volunteer at races or help coach?
Yes. Parent help on race weekends is appreciated. Parents considering coaching can contact the team to learn about the process or register for one prospective-coach Try-It ride. Previous coaching experience is not required. Non-riding help does not require registering as a rider.
When can a parent start coaching with the team?
Adult Try-It participation is only for parents considering becoming a coach on the Veloraptors team, not for parents who simply want to ride with the team or their child. A prospective adult coach may take part in one ride using the adult waiver. After that ride, they cannot ride with the team again until they are registered and certified as a Level 1 coach.
Are loaner bikes available for parents or 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.
Bike and gear basics
Getting started does not need to be complicated. Families need the basics, not a top-end setup on day one.
- A mountain bike that fits your rider and is in safe working condition.
- A properly fitting helmet for every practice and ride.
- Gloves, safety glasses or other eye protection, and closed-toe shoes.
- Water bottles or a hydration pack to stay hydrated on the trail.
- Comfortable athletic clothing appropriate for weather and trail conditions.
- A willingness to start with the basics and upgrade only if it becomes useful later.
If you are unsure what bike or gear is appropriate, the team can help guide you before you buy or upgrade anything.
Where we ride
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, Bridgewater, 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.
What parents can expect
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
Ask about joining the team
Use this family inquiry to talk through joining the team. A coach will follow up with next steps. Sending an inquiry does not reserve a ride or enroll your family for the season.
Before you submit
- Review our FAQ for common first-season questions.
- Browse parent resources for equipment, communication, and first-season guidance.
- See how we handle photo and media consent for youth athletes.
Prefer email?
You can always reach out directly at info@shveloraptors.com.