Frequently Asked Questions

Girls and boys in 5th thru 12th grades are eligible to join.

Yes! Mountain biking is new to a lot of kids, so we offer a FREE "Try It Out” practice session to allow kids to experience it first without making a commitment to join the team. Visit our TIO page on our website or contact us for more information.

Registration opens June 10th, 2027, for our 2027-Fall season.Contact us for more information. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend our informational parent meeting in July when registration opens. This will offer parents the opportunity to meet our coaches in person and get the answers to any questions you may have.Parents should contact us by email info@ccmtb.org for more information to attend.

Below is a general list of items you will need to participate. 1) Mountain Bike - A functioning and properly maintained mountain bike with at least 5 gears. 2) Bike Helmet- A helmet for biking that meets bicycle helmet safety standards and is in good condition.3) Eye Protection- Clear or amber color safety glasses. 4) Proper Clothing – No loose shorts, pants or other clothing allowed as it can get caught in or on bike parts and may cause injury to the rider. Padded bike shorts and padded riding gloves are optional but highly recommended. 5) Hydration Pack, Back Pack or Hip Pack - To store liquids, snacks, tools and clothing in. 6) Liquids & Snacks- Each rider must have a minimum of 2 liters of water or hydration drink and 2 snack items (e.g. power bars, bananas, granola bars, etc.) with them. 7) Footwear – Riders must wear appropriate footwear (e.g. cycling shoes, light hiking shoes, sneakers). Open toe shoes, sandals, loafers are not permitted.

If the other sport's practice schedule conflicts with our practice schedule, then we don't recommend it. Attending practice is an important key to becoming proficient, and our practices are progressive with each being dependent on the previous. Please keep in mind that if your child plans on joining another sport that conflicts with our practice schedule this will only make it more difficult for your athlete to acquire the skills necessary to ride the trails safely with our team.

For the 2026-2027 Spring Season: registration opens in September 2026. Practices start in October and continue through December (weather permitting). We resume practices in March 2027and end in June. There are 4 race events in April- June. Practices are usually held on Saturday mornings at Walnut Mountain in Liberty NY or at Lippman Park in Wawarsing NY. (practices and races are weather and trail conditions permitting)For the 2027 Fall Season: registration and practice schedule - TBAThere will be 3 race events - dates TBARacing is optional for all students; however, we do encourage students to participate in at least one race event for the fun of it. Please check our Events Page for more information

Practices usually consist of fundamental bike skill instructions, warm up drills, group rides on trails and are progressive in nature as we get closer to the race season. We are not an extreme sport; we do not perform stunts on bikes or conduct downhill races.Attending practice in any sport is key to becoming proficient and our practices are progressive with each being dependent on the previous. Thus, we recommend attending as many practices as possible. Please keep in mind that if your child plans on joining another sport that conflicts with our practice schedule this will only make it more difficult for you athlete to acquire the skills necessary to ride the trails safely with team.

Catskill Claws registration fee for the 2026-2027 Spring and Fall season has yet to be determined. NICA and the New York League fees are also required and have yet to be determined.(All registration fees are nonrefundable. Fees and costs may change without prior notice. Please contact us for updated information) *updated 08/2026

Donations can be made through our Facebook Page, PayPal, Venmo, or credit cardIf you prefer to mail us a check, make checks payable to Catskill Claws Inc. and mail to:Catskill Claws, PO Box 24, Rock Hill, NY 12775Catskill Claws is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on donations to support our team and athletes. Your contribution may be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Becoming a sponsor is easy. We offer different sponsorship levels to fit everyone's budget. Please contact us for more information how to become a Catskill Claws team sponsor. Catskill Claws Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth organization. Your contribution may be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law