Galbraith Gravity Racing
2025 Season
New for 2025 Notes:
Additional code of conduct behavior
Small Shredder Program is growing - Kids between 3-6ish who want to party on the trail are welcome!
Small Kids Racing - Please spread the word for the smaller kids.
Racer Membership Levels added to the manual. Requiring all members to join the team and make a financial contribution. Read the membership requirements, benefits and expectations below
Elite Levels of Support for ranked racers
Advanced Enduro Development Pathway
Advanced Downhill Development Pathway
Welcome,
Thank you for joining Galbraith Gravity Racing in 2025! Our mission is to use gravity to go fast on bikes. We develop riders to reach their racing potential, map lessons learned in sport to help them succeed in other areas of life. Our two key words are FUN and SAFE.
GGR is a USA Cycling sanctioned club. The club is run by volunteers. We welcome volunteers to the program:
President - Dave Simeur
Vice President – Matt Shepherd
Secretary – Lloyd Dixon
Treasurer – Wendy Simeur
Athletic Director – Joel Harwood
Coaches (still updating 16 Jan 2025)
Head Coach – Eric Olsen
Elite Coaches: Wells Tanner, Brandon Fisher, Ella Erickson, Tor Weiland
Elite Teen Coaches: Oliver Brandiberry, Mad Max Durrand, Ivan Skiver, Soren Porter, Finn Shimkus, Christopher Simeur, Grahame Shepard, Wyatt Dixon, Rylan Beal
Guest Elite Coaches: JT Fisher, Tobin Walker, Andrew Cavaye, Alden Pate, Gabe Henderson, Jonah Brinkerhoff, Luke Fawcett
Ride Leaders: Cleo Brown, Riley Larson
Mini Ride Leaders: Emi Simeur
Steps to Joining:
USA Cycling Race License/Membership: A Race License is included with USA Cycling membership, and USA Cycling membership is included with a USA Cycling race license. Aged 11 and up need an adult license.
Add Galbraith Gravity Racing as your team affiliation on USA Cycling
Join the team through Bike Reg.
Pay Team Dues are charged through BikeReg and SPOND
Jersey size is collected during checkout at BikeReg.
Join Slack/Spond – we communicate through the SLACK Application for Admin and Spond for weekly rides
Add the team google calendar.
Like and share our Facebook and Instagram Page – send us pictures and tag us.
Get a NEXUS Pass to facilitate travel to Canada.
Check the events calendar, get involved, train, race, have fun!
If you are interested in ride leading/coaching/volunteering – during the BikeReg process we ask for where you would like to help in the custom questions sections.
Insurance
We have insurance for both the USA and Canada. WMBC, Galbraith Tree Farm, and The Bike Ranch are additional insured for team training events. Our insurance covers non-paid events. For paid events we will either have a USA Cycling Event License or we will use the insurance of the training provider. There are several insurance requirements:
Waiver/License for members through Bike Reg
USA Cycling Membership
Volunteers need to sign a waiver, but a license is not required.
Club Ride Leaders, Board Members, & Coaches need to complete appropriate training including Safe Sport Training
Complete the training online: https://safesport.org
Add Galbraith Gravity Junior Racing club number 17346
Provide a .pdf or printout of your graduation to the club
Responsibilities
Racers need to manage their own races and training. Race training starts well before arrival at the trailhead. Racers need to properly prepare. If time is tight on the day of training, they need to prepare the day ahead. Expect your racer to do this on their own. Let experience teach them benefits of excellent preparation, or the consequences of poor preparation. Set your own expectation that you will have to return home rather than practice when it comes to poor preparation. Teach them a system to ensure they arrive at training physically prepared (example hydrated, rested, well-fed) and properly equipped (weather, bike, pack, hydration). Help them take mental or actual notes. Make notations of tire, shock and fork pressures/settings. Reflect on the details of what went right and wrong. Ask the racers to tell you about the rides without judgement. We want them to reflect.
Cowboys take care of the horse first, then the rider, same in MTB. Training is not complete until their equipment is properly cared for post ride. After the bike is ready for the next ride, they need to take care of themselves to ensure they get the right nutrition and rest to benefit from all the hard work. Showing up prepared is important to the team. It makes the team stronger.
Racers represent the team. We expect them to be friendly ambassadors for our sport and the team. We are friendly on the trails and at the races. At the races, we welcome people that want to ride and session with us. We are not a clique. General guiding principles: Listen to Coach, Move Swiftly, Be Safe, Be a Good Teammate, and always have a Big Smile.
Required Equipment
Racing requires a higher level of protective gear. Make sure you have:
Helmet – Adequate and safe MTB rated
Closed toed shoes
Highly Recommended: Full face helmets, riding gloves, knee pads, chest protectors, protective eyewear, whistle, etc.
Bike in great mechanical working order appropriate to advanced enduro and downhill mountain biking
Onboard supplies – multi-tool, spare tube, quick-link, derailleur hanger, pump or CO2 inflator
Water – bottle(s) or packable hydration
Nutrition – before, during and after the ride
Medications – inhalers, EpiPen, etc.
Clothing appropriate to the weather
Safe Sport
Riding is a gravity sport, and crashes happen – but bullying, abuse, or inappropriate behavior are not part of a healthy sport mix, and will not be tolerated. If you experience any issues, please bring it to a board members’ attention and we will work for an immediate resolution. We have code of conduct below, but parents need to help keep a few simple rules:
First, you should not be alone with a child that is not yours.
Second, monitor all electronic communications between coaches and your racer. Advise your racer to copy you on all communications, and share all online coaching portal notes with you. Maintain the log-on credentials for yourself which should give you access to monitor their account – this includes SLACK and Spond.
Third, set a good example of sportsmanship.
Lastly, communicate any issues or concerns early in the process. Please speak with the coaches and board members to learn more about safe sport guidelines.
More about the team and setting expectations
This is a racing team – not a casual cycling club. Our goals are fun and safe, but the rider must be willing to work hard and show up ready to ride. If a racer takes a great deal of energy and effort from the coaches to coax them into climbing up the hill, they will level down to a lower group. If they have an attitude problem with instruction, they will possibly be asked to take a break from the team for a short suspension.
Stoke is an intangible – energy that we bring to the sport and the training rides. Racers must contribute to the team energy level. Parents – if you kid isn’t excited to ride, don’t force them to participate in a ride or even join the team. It is ok to have a bad day and skip a ride.
Parents…we have had fewer racer issues than parent issues…but very few issues ever of any kind. Out of over 150 racers, we have only had two instances of people being asked not to be on the team. First, was an episode of bullying by the athlete when away from the team towards another teammate. The second was a parent cyberbullying another athlete and other strange behavior. In the first case of bullying, the parent did not want to work with the team to correct or acknowledge the behavior. Bottom line – in both cases it was the parent, not the athlete that was the issue, and pretty clear when it came to Safe Sport.
We have an amazing culture on GGR, let’s keep it up by working together to make sure we raise the best kids. People make mistakes – we are not looking for perfection, but progress. Racing brings out huge emotions, things might not always be roses and rainbows. That tough conversation door swings both ways– so if you need to say something to the Board, coach, whomever…let’s make sure we have the tough conversations and work to an optimal solution.
Race Season
The season is broken up into three basic parts:
Training – Spring
Coach training sessions
Racer training sessions
GGR Races
Early Season Races
Racing - Summer (after school is out)
Racers set their own race schedule
Team travels to support specific events
Team equipment available to racers
Team events
Fun – Fall, School is back in
Fall Registration
Just fun riding on the trails
GGR Races and GGR Race Support
GGR Races are a full-court volunteer press. It is all hands on deck to make them fun and safe. Practicing these courses is part of the training the racers focus on during the week. After the races we enjoy Après from our great sponsors. Results are posted live online as well as on Roots and Rain.
Regional Race Support
Race support comes in three forms; camaraderie, coaching and pits. Camaraderie is simple, the team is super fun to travel with. If you are new to the team, jump in there and make friends. We know it can be tough breaking into a group that has been together for years – but some pancakes and burritos in the pits get most of the work done.
DH Race Coaching
Different races have varying levels of on track support allowed. NW Cup allows all U10 racers to have a race follow and coaching in training with a COACH plate. On course training coaching is not allowed unless the coach is registered to race in the same category. So the main gap in training is CAT3 racers older than 10, since most coaches are registered to race in higher categories. For those riders, group rides during training, and the track walk are the main forms of on course race support.
Enduro Race Coaching
In Enduro, self-reliance is incredibly important. Showing up prepared is a must, however, having teammates allows for riders to work together to help one another complete the race weekend and have a great time. CDC races have different rules based on age group, but the course prep is focused on riders with the stamina to pre-ride the courses. Establishing plans before practice day and race day will ensure that riders can prepare to do well on their own, but also help their buddies.
In both DH and Enduro, sharing GoPro footage, line choice, offering a helping hand, and other video resources are greatly appreciated and help make being a part of a team worth it!
Race Pits
We travel as a team to the NW Cups and most of the CDC’s. The pits at the NW Cups are pretty extensive, the CDCs not as much. We need parent volunteers to make this fun and easy With the exception The team has great equipment:
Pit Tents
Flags
Timing Equipment
Race Trailer
Tools, parts, spares (for purchase)
Event/Training Details
We post events on:
Shared google calendar – please send your email for access
Team Website with Calendar
SLACK Application
Emails/texts
If you see any conflicts – let us know, we will work to help make sure we have maximum participation.
Injuries
Injuries on the trails are rare, but do occasionally happen. Please remember to be available via cell phone while your racer is riding/training. Coaches are prepared to take the initial important steps in an emergency.
Social Media
The club posts pictures of racers at club events. Please monitor social media accounts for appropriateness. If any pictures or text require removal by a club member parent, please advise the team. Please like, share, subscribe to team social media. Our club social media presence is key to creating a value proposition to sponsors. Your help in promotion is appreciated. We have a team Facebook, Instagram, Strava Club, with website at www.galbraithgravity.com
Sponsorships
The team is not a buying club, but we have amazing sponsors. Discounts are managed through SLACK. Additionally, racers selected to the ELITE program gain extra discounts.
Selling sponsor equipment online. We get great deals on our bikes, kit, and tires among other things. A few expectations when it comes to selling any gear you acquire through the team or our sponsors:
Try to share it with a teammate first via the team SLACK.
Always accurately represent the equipment being sold
Take plenty of pictures
Clean the item prior to sale or shipping
Insist on shipping insurance and have a clear return terms agreement
Sponsor jersey logos. If you have signed contracts with other sponsors than the team sponsors congratulations! We will not be able to coordinate your jersey printing for you. Also, we promote team photos that show off the team sponsors, so you might not get all the social media attention we can give – nothing personal it is just branding.
When filling out the sponsors section of various race registration forms, please only indicate Galbraith Gravity Racing, unless you have written and signed contracts that extend outside of our team sponsors.
Club Levels/Membership - Everyone needs to join the team and be a racer/team member first. We want a team that will take racers from a strider bike through all that MTB has to offer – all the way to coaching or even a factory team.
A racer can grow up with GGR taking an advanced racing pathway, coaching pathway or both. For example:
U5 learn to play group -> U8/U10 racing -> Higher Category Racing -> Jr. Ride Leader -> Ride Leader/Coach -> Head Coach.
U5 learn to play group -> U8/U10 racing -> Higher Category Racing -> Adv DH Pathway Training -> Elite Nationally Ranked Racer
Elite Team: We continue to develop our Elite Team for the fourth year. This is a partnership between the team, sponsors, athletes and parents. This group represents the team in the highest categories at regional, national and international races. We do not want to create cliques or high pressure tryouts. There is room for any racer with the potential and results. Unlike say a travel soccer or hockey team with a limited number of actual positions. However, there is limited sponsor support. That support is allocated based on resources and team needs. Riders interested in this program are encouraged to apply for the Advanced Enduro or Downhill Development Pathway. This pathway is a key step for riders looking to progress, but also serves riders interested in simply improving their race craft, ability, and widely applicable life skills.
Requirements for membership and the different membership positions are explained below:
Racer Age 5 and Under: A bike and a parent ready to share the trails.
Racer Age 6 and Up: Ability to ride a Cat III Downhill course (similar to a intermediate blue bike park blue). If they do not have the skills for that level of riding, working with parents and a good coach (March Northwest Clinics) can get them to where they This skill level is age appropriate, our youngest rider is 5! But we do not care how fast you can make it down that CAT III, that is just the minimum. Our goal is to expand their safety bubble, advance their speed, control, balance, and abilities. Racers are put into appropriate level training groups.
Junior Ride Leader: Junior ride leaders are experienced racers selected to volunteer to help younger athletes.
Requirements:
Be a paid and registered member of the GGR.
Ride Leader Certification through BICP or GGR.
Safe Sport Training – but not necessarily certification. This can be done through in person or online at SafeSport.org
Leadership Course with the head coach or elite coach
First Aid
Expectations:
Assist the group coach with accountability
Assist with safety, monitor riders’ health and morale
Bring the stoke
Ride their bikes with great form in an exaggerated manner to set the example to the group.
Help communicate with parents
Come prepared to assist other riders.
Assist coach with checking racers bike checks
Benefits:
On track to a coaching certification
Teaching makes you faster!
Being a great teammate and paying it forward is fun.
Ride Leaders/Level One+ Coaches - Ride leaders/Certified Coaches are experienced racers trained to lead ride groups and teach race skills.
Requirements:
Be a paid and registered member of the GGR. (Discounted)
Ride Leader or Higher Certification through BICP or GGR.
Safe Sport Training Certification
First Aid Training
Race Experience
Expectations:
Develop a ride plan based on the season goals, including:
Communicating ride details to racers and parents.
Determining the resources required.
Assigning volunteer duties such as video and timing
Assigning junior ride leaders tasks
Communications and Emergency Plan
Monitor riders health, morale and safety
Managing Junior Ride Leaders and developing them
Ride their bikes with great form in an exaggerated manner to set the example to the group.
Carry tools and supplies to manage most ride issues.
Completes racer bike checks prior to the ride
Ensures racers have required safety equipment
Sets the example with kit, equipment, bike and attitude.
Benefits:
Paid for Coaching
High level sponsor discounts
Coach/Race focused training with Elite Coaches
Additional Coaching Certifications
Teaching makes you faster!
Head Coaches, Program Managers and Elite Coaches – Coaches selected to design and implement a world class mountain bike training program
Requirements:
Complete the free GGR Registration
Ride Leader or Higher Certification through BICP or GGR.
Safe Sport Training Certification
First Aid Training
Selection by the Board of Directors
Expectations:
Develop the Team Training Program (Head Coach)
Develop Programs (Elite Coaches)
Train the coaches and racers
Set and maintain high expectations
Manage Coaches, Rider Leaders and Junior Ride Leaders
Communicate requirements to the Board of Directors.
Benefits:
Specified in contract
Advanced Enduro Development Pathway – extra training to advance in Enduro
Requirements:
Selected by the coaches for eligibility
Commits to cover the cost through coaching/fundraising/cash
Selection Criteria:
Fitness level appropriate to the training group.
Attitude appropriate for the training
On the professional coaching and/or elite athlete pathway
Extra level of care and bike maintenance
Specific race and fitness goals.
Expectations
High level of commitment to specific racing and training plan.
Intention to participate in GGR races and more.
Encourage a positive atmosphere in training and race settings.
Extra level of care and bike maintenance
Benefits
Fitness testing.
Personalized dry land training program.
Monitored testing and progression.
Goal setting.
Extra group specific training sessions.
Race support – Pit space, team presence, line choice.
Advanced Downhill Development Pathway – extra training to advance in Downhill
Requirements:
Selected by the coaches for eligibility
Commits to cover the cost through coaching/fundraising/cash
Selection Criteria:
Fitness level appropriate to the training group.
Attitude appropriate for the intense training group
On the professional coaching and/or elite athlete pathway
Extra level of care and bike maintenance
Specific race and fitness goals.
Benefits
Personalized dry land training
Monitored testing and progression
Extra group specific training sessions
Elite Team Membership – racers selected to represent the team at high level events
Selection Criteria:
Race Performance and Experience:
Number of Starts, Years of Experience
Variety of Race Starts
Notable Results and Performance
Practice Participation
Attitude
Team Uniform Wear
Coaching Level
Expectations and Benefits are specific to each racers contract for the season. These racers
Gratitude
Thank you for being part of the team. Thank you to all the sponsors. We love the racers love their bikes and are responsible risk takers. Thank you to the coaches! Thank you to the parents for all the hard work getting kids to and fro, and investing in the program.
Racer Code of Conduct:
All Galbraith Gravity Jr. Racers must agree to adhere to this code of conduct. Non-compliance of this code of conduct may result in the immediate removal of participants from the club and club events.
All riders agree to follow any and all coach/ride leader directions at all times during club events.
No horseplay or riding in parking lots.
When placing a bike on the ground place it drive side up
Wear a helmet at all times while on your bike.
Stop when another rider has crashed, injured or is having a mechanical problem.
Communicate with your teammates to ensure a safe ride.
Abide all traffic rules when on your bike.
Ride within your ability level.
Respect for self, others, and equipment at all times, both in person and on-line.
Remain with the ride group until released by the ride leader with concurrence of the parent
Show up prepared for training/rides. Bring the stoke, bring your best self.
Riders Printed Name: Riders Signature:
_______________________________ _____________________________
Parents Printed Name: Parents Signature:
_______________________________ _____________________________