A welcoming first ride
Try the Veloraptors for free
A Try-It ride gives a prospective athlete the chance to meet the team, practice basic skills, and experience a beginner-friendly trail ride. It is not a competitive tryout. Coaches simply confirm that each rider can participate safely and comfortably.
Quick facts
Designed for new families
The team confirms the final event details and coaching capacity before inviting riders to a specific session.
- Free
- Try-It participation
- 5–12
- Eligible grades
- TBD
- Next ride date
- 30–45 min
- Suggested continuous riding readiness
How it works
From first interest to follow-up
The process stays straightforward for families while giving coaches the information needed to plan a safe, well-supported ride.
- 1
Tell us you are interested
A parent submits the join inquiry with the athlete's next-school-year grade, home town, riding experience, current bike information, and any relevant questions or considerations.
- 2
Team and eligibility review
The team confirms grades 5–12 eligibility, the family's town, basic equipment needs, available dates, and sufficient coaching coverage. Families outside the team area can be referred to the appropriate NJ NICA team.
- 3
Invitation and RSVP
When a ride is available, eligible families receive the date, arrival time, location, parking, expected duration, trail difficulty, gear list, weather policy, waiver instructions, and RSVP deadline. Dates remain TBD until selected.
- 4
Arrival and bike check
Families arrive about 20–30 minutes early. Coaches confirm paperwork, emergency information, helmet, water, bike fit, tires, brakes, wheels, chain, and shifting.
- 5
Skills check and trail ride
Athletes practice starting, stopping, braking, steering, shifting, ready position, and following coach directions. Most riders then join a shorter, easier trail ride with frequent regrouping and strong coach coverage.
- 6
Friendly follow-up
After the ride, the family receives the appropriate next step: an invitation to join, another conversation or ride, or a short list of skills to practice before returning.
Who and what should be ready
Veloraptors welcomes riders entering grades 5–12 from Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster, Bridgewater, Far Hills, Peapack, Warren, Watchung, and some surrounding towns. Eligibility is based on town and grade, not school.
Before the ride, the athlete should be able to:
- Start, stop, steer, and shift independently
- Ride on grass, gravel, or dirt
- Climb and descend moderate hills
- Ride continuously for roughly 30–45 minutes
- Follow basic coach instructions in a group
Bring a safe, properly fitting mountain bike, a properly fitted cycling helmet, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. If the bike or readiness is uncertain, contact the team before buying or upgrading equipment.
Common questions
What families often ask
A Try-It ride should feel like an introduction, not an audition.
Is the Try-It ride free?
Yes. The approved Veloraptors Try-It experience is free for prospective riders.
Does my child need racing experience?
No. Many riders join with no racing background, and the team supports athletes interested in fun, fitness, skills, community, or competition.
What if my child needs more practice first?
That is not a rejection. Coaches can keep the rider in the skills area, suggest specific fundamentals to practice, and welcome the family back for a future opportunity.
Do parents attend?
Yes. A parent should attend check-in and can learn about the season, practices, equipment, racing, registration, communication, and volunteer opportunities.
When is the next Try-It ride?
The next date is TBD. Submit a join inquiry so the team can contact you when a specific opportunity and coaching coverage are confirmed.
Ready to start?
Join the Try-It interest list
Tell us your rider's grade, town, experience, and bike situation. Submitting an inquiry starts the conversation; it does not automatically reserve a ride date.