Who are the CoMo Raptors?

The CoMo Raptors are a co-ed mountain biking team for riders in 6th through 12th grade, based in Columbia, Missouri. Pre-season begins May 10, 2023. Our season runs July through October. 

During the season, we practice two evenings during the week and one morning on the weekend. See the practice schedule for more details. 

The team competes in 5 races, spaced every other weekend beginning in late August. Races take place all over Missouri. See the season race schedule for more details. 

  

COMO Raptors are part of the Missouri Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL), which is affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). 

What kind of gear do I need?

Riders need a mountain bike with gears, a well-fitting helmet, and a water bottle. Other optional gear includes bike gloves, eye protection, and water backpacks. Team merchandise, including jerseys, are available from our partner vendor. 

How much mountain biking experience is required to join the team?

We have riders at all levels of experience, from beginners who have barely ridden a bike to seasoned racers. During practice, coaches lead several practice groups to accommodate different skill levels. Our goals are to build experience, gain confidence, develop friendships, and have fun. 

During the preseason, starting in spring (April--June), the team hosts skill-building workshops and practice rides to help inexperienced riders gain confidence before the season begins. 

How do I register? How much does it cost? 

COMO Raptors are part of the Missouri Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL), which is affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Riders will need to pay the season registration fee to be able to practice with the team for the entire season from April – October. Registration links and fees can be found here. Scholarships for league fees and equipment are available. Click here for information

When and where does the team practice?

Pre-season practice starts May 10th, 2023.  See the practice schedule for more details.  

Regular season practices start July 5th.  The COMO Raptors practice Monday and Wednesday evenings during the week, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm during the summer, changing to 5:30 to 7:00 pm, and then 5:00 - 6:30 pm as the days shorten in the fall. We also practice on Sunday mornings from 9:00 - 11:00 am during the season, except on race weekends. Race information is on the 2023 Race Series website.

Most practices take place at Rhett's Run in Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO, but we also practice at Capen Park, Rockbridge Memorial State Park, the Moon Loop in Mark Twain National Forest, and along the MKT. During the season we will hold at least one weekend practice at Binder Park, near Jefferson City, MO. 

When and where are the races?

The 2023 Race Season details are available here. 


2023 Race Dates

Race 1 follows a new schedule this year. The Raptors are a Western team, so no pre-ride for student athletes on Saturday. Instead, only the coaches' pre-ride is Saturday 6-7 pm, with student athletes pre-riding Sunday 8-10 am; racing begins with HS boys at 10:30 am Sunday. 

Eastern teams race on Saturday and follow a different schedule. This new schedule is only Race 1. The other four races follow our previous pattern of pre-ride Saturday, race Sunday.


How do the races work?

Families are responsible for transporting riders to and from races. Some families stay in a hotel; others camp at or near the race venue. 

On Saturday of race weekend (for Races 2-5), coaches lead multiple practice rides between 2 - 5 pm to acquaint riders with the course. The race itself takes place on the Sunday of race weekend. Sunday racing begins at 9 am with the award ceremony wrapping up between 4 - 5 pm. 

Race 1 follows a different schedule this year. The Raptors are a Western team, so no pre-ride for student athletes on Saturday. Instead, only the coaches' pre-ride is Saturday 6-7 pm, with student athletes pre-riding Sunday 8-10 am; racing begins with HS boys at 10:30 am Sunday. Eastern teams will be racing on Saturday and follow a different schedule. 

Riders can participate in any or all of race weekend. Riders are not required to race to be part of the COMO Raptors. If riders do not wish to race, they can come and cheer on the team, ride practice laps, and see what the race atmosphere is like. All levels of participation are welcome!