Start Here: Joining CCC
Everything you need to know about joining CCC.
Is CCC Right for My Rider?
CCC is a great fit for riders who want to be part of a team, get outside, learn skills, and have fun on a mountain bike. Your rider does not need to be competitive, experienced, or planning to race — just willing to learn, ride with a group, and be a good teammate.
CCC is a cross-country mountain bike team. That means our focus is on riding trails, building fitness, learning skills, climbing, descending safely, and becoming confident group riders. We are not a downhill or big-air team. Riders who are mainly looking for jumps, drops, bike park riding, or lots of airtime may find that CCC is not the best fit. Our priority is safe, coach-led riding in a team environment.
We are the right fit if:
- Your rider enjoys being active and outside
- Your family can commit to weekly practices and some race weekends
- Your rider is open to coaching and learning new skills
- You want a positive, inclusive team environment
Girls Ride with CCC
CCC wants more girls on bikes. Our team is coed, welcoming and open to girls in grades 6–12 at every experience level—including girls who have never ridden trails or considered themselves mountain bikers.
CCC participates in GRiT—Girls Riding Together—NICA and NorCal’s initiative to recruit and retain more female riders and coaches. GRiT helps girls build skills, confidence and friendships through riding, racing, camps and other opportunities with female riders from across the NorCal League.
Girls do not need racing experience, advanced skills or a group of friends to join. Come to a Fun Ride, meet the team and see what mountain biking is all about.
Girls on bikes
Confidence · skills · friendships
Who Can Join?
CCC is open to students in 6th through 12th grade from schools and other forms of education in Contra Costa County, provided the rider's school does not already have a NICA-affiliated mountain bike team.
- All skill levels — beginners are absolutely welcome
- Riders do not need to be expert racers to join
The CCC Experience
CCC is a team sport built around mountain biking. Your rider will join group practices, learn trail skills, build fitness, make friends, and have the option to race at NICA / NorCal events. The season includes weekly practices, four race weekends, team events, and an end-of-season celebration.
Pre-Season
Registration, new rider rides, info sessions
Practices
Weekly group rides focused on skills and fitness
Race Weekends
Exciting NorCal race events around the region
Team Events
Social gatherings, trail work, team building
End of Season
Celebration, awards, and looking ahead
Step 1 — Learn About the Team
Read through this guide and explore our website. Learn about how the season works, what practices look like, and what to expect at race weekends. Our About CCC and How the Season Works pages are great starting points.
Step 2 — Attend a New Rider Fun Ride
Come try the team at a Fun Ride in October and November. These casual, no-pressure rides let your rider meet coaches, ride with returning team mates, and see if CCC is a good fit. No experience needed — just bring a bike, helmet, and water.
Step 3 — Complete Registration
We will open registration on Nov 15th. If you are part of our email list, you will get notifications to register. Once roster space is confirmed, completing registration secures your rider's place on the team.
Step 4 — Complete Pit Zone Requirements
Pit Zone is the official registration and compliance platform used by NICA and NorCal MTB. It handles required waivers, health forms, and compliance documents that NICA requires for every rider.
Create an account on Pit Zone
Complete rider profile and health information
Sign required waivers and forms
Connect to the CCC team
Ensure all requirements show as "complete"
Specific instructions and links will be provided during registration. Need help? Contact a team coordinator.
Step 5 — Pay Team Dues
Team dues are set each season by the Parent Board and help cover team operations, coach training, equipment, and events. Exact amounts are communicated during registration. Scholarships are available — no rider is turned away due to financial hardship. See our Dues & Scholarships page for details.
What Equipment Is Needed?
- A working mountain bike (does not need to be fancy)
- A properly fitting helmet (required at all times)
- Water bottles or a hydration pack
- Comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes
- Gloves (recommended)
For a complete breakdown of what your rider needs, see our Rider & Equipment Guide.
Roster Limits and the Waitlist
CCC may have roster limits based on the number of available coaches. Keeping group sizes manageable is essential for rider safety and quality coaching.
- Families who submit an interest form when the roster is full are placed on a waitlist
- If spots open during the season, waitlisted families are contacted in order
- New coach volunteers may help increase capacity and create additional spots
More coaches means more riders can participate. If you are interested in coaching, let us know — every new coach helps the whole team grow.
Joining the Fun Rides in October and November are a great way to learn about the team and stay informed on registration dates.
Dues & Scholarships
CCC team dues help cover the costs of running the team throughout the season. Dues are set each season by the Parent Board and are communicated during registration.
What Dues Support
- Team operations
- Coach training and licensing
- Equipment and supplies
- Team tent and race supplies
- Scholarships for families in need
- Insurance and admin costs
- Events and end-of-season celebration
Scholarships
CCC believes no rider should be turned away due to financial hardship. Scholarship support is available — all requests are handled privately and respectfully.
Refund Policy
Refund policy details will be shared during registration. Contact the team coordinator with questions.
Ready to Get Started?
We would love to have your family join CCC. If you haven't ridden with us before, we encourage you to sign up for a Fun Ride in our Pre-Season from October through November. Registration will open in Late November.