The CoMo Raptors are a co-ed mountain biking team for riders in 6th through 12th grade, based in Columbia, Missouri. Pre-season begins in spring. The 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 participates in 5 events, spaced every other weekend beginning in late August. Event 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). 

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. 

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, the team hosts skill-building workshops and practice rides to help inexperienced riders gain confidence before the season begins. 

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 May – October. Registration links and fees can be found here. Scholarships for league fees and equipment are available. Click here for information. Interested riders can try it out for free at one of our preseason events, or at a practice. 

Pre-season practice starts in May.  See the practice schedule for more details.  

Regular season practices start July 2.  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 Saturday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am during the season, except on race weekends. Race information is on the 2025 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. 

The 2025 event details are available here. 

2025 Event Dates (locations announced in June)

• Race 1: August 23-24

• Race 2: September 6-7

• Race 3: September 20-21 

• Race 4: October 4-5

• Race 5: October 25-26

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, 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. 

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!