Middle School Composite Team
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The FLYRS Middle School Composite Team is where Middle School aged youth from different schools in Flagstaff come together to learn, grow, empower, camp, and make lasting friendships. It is the ultimate community and team environment in an individualized sport. In 2021, there were 32 kids representing 7 different schools from around Flagstaff on our Composite Team.
The FLYRS Middle School Composite team welcomes riders in grades 6-8 (during the 2022-2023 school year) from Flagstaff middle schools that do not have a team already (currently only Basis and NPA have teams). The team rides and races in the Arizona Cycling Association (arizonacycling.org) and is a program of the FLagstaff Youth RiderS (FLYRS). Our team philosophy is that riding should be fun and safe. Our central goal is for students to develop a strong mind, body, and character through mountain biking. There are no tryouts. Everyone rides no matter their ability and skill level. Racing is optional and not required to join the team although it is highly encouraged. |
FLYRS competes in cross-country style racing, based on Arizona Cycling Association (ACA) standards, starting in September. FLYRS Composite Team is committed to help each student athlete achieve their individual goals whether it is to get on the podium or gain confidence and reach personal bests.
FLYRS coaches and ride leaders receive background checks, are certified first aid/CPR, and trained per FLYRS and ACA standards.
Practices: There will be a few pre-season practices beginning in June followed by some light practicing in July. Starting in August is a regular practice schedule of 2 times per week. Practice is held Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30pm, and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm alternating between the Y, Ft. Tuthill, and others as appropriate.
Registration: The Middle School Composite Team is a two step registration process with the FLYRS and the ACA. All students must first register through the FLYRS, and secondly in the ACA and complete the waiver and rider agreement. Student athletes are not allowed to attend practice until they have completed all the steps to become "practice ready" which includes paying the $100 ACA fee, signing the waiver, and completing all documentation. FLYRS will utilize the TeamSnap communication app as well as email for updates.
Riders will be sent the season schedule, an invitation to register with ACA, and additional information after registering with the FLYRS through our website. In the event a rider wants to test out and try one practice before registering and paying fees, please contact the Team Director/Head Coach Tyler Nelson at tyler@flyrsaz.com.
Fees & Equipment: Each student pays 2 separate fees. $285 to the FLYRS team and an additional $100 to the ACA to register as a middle school rider. Fees include a FLYRS race jersey, a practice shirt, race support operations, race weekend events, and over 4 months of programming activities. There is an additional optional fee of $40 per race or $100 to race the full ACA series consisting of 4 races.
Riders need to have their own mountain bike and are required to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes when riding. Gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended. Riders must carry their own spare tube, mini-pump, water, and a second clothing layer at all practices. Each rider is responsible for having and maintaining their own mountain bike. Many local shops including Flag Bike Rev and Absolute Bikes offer discounts to team members for equipment and free pre race tune ups.
Please let the head coaches know if you need help finding and/or purchasing a bike. We can help riders find bikes as we often get bike donations. FLYRS and the Arizona League have scholarships available for equipment, racing, and team fees. Please check out our scholarships page for more info.
Racing: Racing is optional but encouraged! Middle school race entries are $100 for all races if you pay at the beginning of the season, or $40 per race individually. Parents and students are responsible for providing transportation to/from all races, though a carpool sign up will be utilized to help organize team efforts. Most families and coaches camp on-site at the races.
Race Dates:
September 10 – Race #1
Fort Tuthill County Park – Flagstaff
September 25 – Race #2
TBA
October 8 – Race #3
Pioneer Park - Prescott
October 23 – Race #4
McDowell Mountain - Fountain Hills
Questions?
The coaches are here to help! Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Team Director or Head Coach if you need help finding a bike, have questions about the team, or if costs associated with the program or equipment are unaffordable. We think everyone who wants to ride deserves to participate! We have access to lots of donated equipment, including bikes.
Ready to register?
Registration for the 2022 team will open on May 18th at 6:00am.
Head Coach
Tyler Nelson
tyler@flyrsaz.com
FLYRS coaches and ride leaders receive background checks, are certified first aid/CPR, and trained per FLYRS and ACA standards.
Practices: There will be a few pre-season practices beginning in June followed by some light practicing in July. Starting in August is a regular practice schedule of 2 times per week. Practice is held Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30pm, and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm alternating between the Y, Ft. Tuthill, and others as appropriate.
Registration: The Middle School Composite Team is a two step registration process with the FLYRS and the ACA. All students must first register through the FLYRS, and secondly in the ACA and complete the waiver and rider agreement. Student athletes are not allowed to attend practice until they have completed all the steps to become "practice ready" which includes paying the $100 ACA fee, signing the waiver, and completing all documentation. FLYRS will utilize the TeamSnap communication app as well as email for updates.
Riders will be sent the season schedule, an invitation to register with ACA, and additional information after registering with the FLYRS through our website. In the event a rider wants to test out and try one practice before registering and paying fees, please contact the Team Director/Head Coach Tyler Nelson at tyler@flyrsaz.com.
Fees & Equipment: Each student pays 2 separate fees. $285 to the FLYRS team and an additional $100 to the ACA to register as a middle school rider. Fees include a FLYRS race jersey, a practice shirt, race support operations, race weekend events, and over 4 months of programming activities. There is an additional optional fee of $40 per race or $100 to race the full ACA series consisting of 4 races.
Riders need to have their own mountain bike and are required to wear helmets and closed-toe shoes when riding. Gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended. Riders must carry their own spare tube, mini-pump, water, and a second clothing layer at all practices. Each rider is responsible for having and maintaining their own mountain bike. Many local shops including Flag Bike Rev and Absolute Bikes offer discounts to team members for equipment and free pre race tune ups.
Please let the head coaches know if you need help finding and/or purchasing a bike. We can help riders find bikes as we often get bike donations. FLYRS and the Arizona League have scholarships available for equipment, racing, and team fees. Please check out our scholarships page for more info.
Racing: Racing is optional but encouraged! Middle school race entries are $100 for all races if you pay at the beginning of the season, or $40 per race individually. Parents and students are responsible for providing transportation to/from all races, though a carpool sign up will be utilized to help organize team efforts. Most families and coaches camp on-site at the races.
Race Dates:
September 10 – Race #1
Fort Tuthill County Park – Flagstaff
September 25 – Race #2
TBA
October 8 – Race #3
Pioneer Park - Prescott
October 23 – Race #4
McDowell Mountain - Fountain Hills
Questions?
The coaches are here to help! Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Team Director or Head Coach if you need help finding a bike, have questions about the team, or if costs associated with the program or equipment are unaffordable. We think everyone who wants to ride deserves to participate! We have access to lots of donated equipment, including bikes.
Ready to register?
Registration for the 2022 team will open on May 18th at 6:00am.
Head Coach
Tyler Nelson
tyler@flyrsaz.com