Our Middle & High School programs are open to youth entering grades 7 - 12 in the fall in the Duluth area. 

The Duluth DEVO offers a variety of programs for middle- and high-school students (entering grades 7-12 in the fall) in the Duluth area. Currently students in public, private, charter, or home schools are welcome to participate in the program. We cater to riders who are interested in cross country mountain biking as well as more technical downhill and enduro riding.

We have program options for riders with a variety of goals be it building skills in a fun and relaxed environment, or more focused on performance and racing. We participate in the National Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA) program in Minnesota.

Duluth DEVO has scholarships available for riders if needed. Please fill out our scholarship application or contact the Board at chair@duluthmtb.org.

Race Program

For riders who have an interest in racing. The program focuses on training for racing and will help you develop the fitness, technique, and strategy to race in a NICA or other mountain bike race.

Program runs from July through October and meets on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week from 5:30 – 7:30. Registration fee is $275. Additional registration fee and race entry fees are required for the NICA races.

Adventure Program

This is the option if you are interested in developing your riding skills in a relaxed and fun setting. You’ll ride hard, but the focus is more on skill development and social riding.

Program runs from July through September and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30. Registration fee is $215.

Click here to register for either the Race or Adventure Programs.

For racing, students who attend Duluth East High School or Ordean East Middle School are scored for East, and students attending all other area schools are scored for the Duluth Composite Team. As participation from other area schools increases, they will be scored separately.

Students who are entering grades 7-12 in the fall are welcome to participate in the team. Prior mountain-bike experience is helpful but is not necessary (except for Enduro where it is mandatory). Students should be comfortable riding a bike for up to two hours. Students in 6th grade will be considered with coach approval. (Please email coach Brian Hayden for inquiries.)

Enduro Program

You should choose this if you are interested in more technical, downhill riding. You should have experience riding more challenging blue and black trails. Instruction will focus on bike body positioning, cornering, drops, jumps, line selection, riding "B" lines and general enduro riding strategies.

A rider should have good bike handling skills (good bike body separation, cornering and body positioning) and be comfortable riding the more technical trails in Duluth. Lift service will be used on a very limited basis. Expect walking and riding up hills.

Three program options are available based on experience:

New Enduro Rider – for youth entering grades 7 – 12 in the fall. Riders will learn proper basic skills for riding drops, jumps and racing Enduro/Downhill. Must be able to pedal for 1.5 hours including sustained uphill riding. Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 from July through September. Registration fee is $300.

Intermediate Enduro Rider – For riders in grades 9 – 12 (Middle School riders allowed with Coach approval) who have previous Enduro experience. Will work on refining drops, gaps, jumps, line selection and race skills. Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 from July through September. Registration fee is $300.

Advanced Enduro Riders – For experienced riders who want to further hone their riding and racing skills. New Advanced Team applicants must have coach approval to register. (Please email coach Sam Hayden for inquiries.) Registration fee is $300.

Meets Monday and Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 pm from July through September.  

Click here to register for the Enduro programs.

Philosophy

 

Duluth DEVO sees mountain biking as a great lifelong sport that helps build a strong body, mind, and character. Coaches work with students to help them meet their individual goals, be it learning to be a better biker to enjoy our great trails or to make the podium at the races.


Equipment Needs

 

A working mountain bike. Most students ride “hard tails” with front suspension. Almost all of our training takes place on purpose-built mountain bike trails, so a bike in good working condition that can shift easily, brake smoothly, and has tires with good tread will give the student a better experience. If you have questions about bike choice, speak with Coach Brian!

It is required that students wear a helmet whenever they are on their bike.

In addition to a bike and helmet students will need:

  • Water: One to two liters per training (more if it is hot). Don’t expect to find water at any of the trailheads.

  • A multitool

  • A spare tube (make sure it fits your wheel!)

  • Tire levers

  • A pump or CO2 cartridge

We also recommend riders wear bike appropriate clothing including padded shorts, a non-cotton wicking shirt or jersey, and cycling gloves. Some riders may prefer to wear protective eye glasses/sunglasses.  

 

 


Races

Each team competes in four races plus the State Championship. Races take place on a combination of single- and double-track trails with terrain varying from venue to venue. The trails we practice on are typically far more technical than what the riders race on. Races take place on a 3.5 - 4 mile loop and races range from one to four laps, based on a rider’s ability.

Races take place on weekends, with a pre-ride on Saturday afternoon or very early Sunday. Races are on Sunday and start with Middle School races and end with Varsity Boys in the afternoon. We encourage all riders to pre-ride the course. 

Race schedule yet to be determined.


Practices

Practices begin in July and take place two or three days per week. Practices are not mandatory, but riders get out of it what they put in to it, and we recommend everyone participate in as many sessions as possible. 

Practices generally start with a team meeting, some drills to build technical skills, and a trail ride. Riders are broken up in to small groups based on their skill level. We have one licensed coach for every six riders, and ideally two for every eight. 

Practices will be spread out across the City.

It is important for student athletes to also ride on non-practice days. Talk to Coach Brian for recommendations on training outside of practice.  

If a rider is injured, or not feeling well, we advise skipping practice. Unlike field sports, we are out in the woods riding on trails and if a rider is isn't able to keep up, it is difficult for everyone.


Volunteering

Duluth DEVO is entirely volunteer run. Parents are expected to lend a hand to make the season a success. Help is needed in riding with students during practice, hauling gear to and from race sites for our pit zone, setting up and breaking down our pit zone, trail work on the Spirit Mountain race course, pre-race potlucks, etc. We communicate our volunteer needs at parent meetings at the start of the season and as the season progresses. 

If you have an interest in helping with practices, you will need to get licensed through NICA. You can find out more about the NICA Coach License Program here. You can also check out the benefits of being a NICA Coach. Volunteer coaches are essential for helping make practices run smoothly, consider helping out!