Your Questions, Answered

There are many ways for you to contribute and they all make a big difference. Coaches teach our youth a variety of skills across a range of abilities. Volunteers also help by staying in the parking lot to organize riders who arrive late or return early, preparing meals at races so our riders (and their families) are ready to do their best, organizing camping, and so much more. Reach out to us to find out how you can support our youth!

A Pac Rats coach has the responsibility to be enthusiastic and interested in helping kids develop a love for mountain biking and racing.  Coaches are responsible for their own baseline fitness and have a background in riding mountain bikes, but not necessarily cross country, with the approval of the coaches committee.  In order to coach with our cross country team through the WSCL, new coaches are responsible for obtaining a minimum of a Level 1 certification from the league. Coaches are available to assist with practices 1 to 3 times per week and attend scheduled races.

People interested in coaching are invited and approved by the Coaches Committee to sign up with the Washington Student Cycle League (WSCL).  Through this registration, new coaches are provided online courses and a background check to achieve a Level 1 certification.  If coaches wish to progress their training, they can obtain Level 2 and 3 with in-person training and the completion of CPR and 1st Aid certifications.  

Just like any prepared rider, bring layers for the weather, water, snack, bike, well fitting helmet, trailside tools, and a hip pack or backpack to add items from the coaches committee as needed (i.e.  first aid kit, rider medical info/inhalers, and maps).  As a coach you are also required to bring a cell phone and it's always helpful to have downloaded apps like Trailforks or Strava if the scheduled ride is unfamiliar to you.

We’d love to talk to you! Reach out to us at info@pacratscycling.org and we will connect you with one of our coaches so you can learn more.