FAQ

WHO IS PIEDMONT DEVO?

We're a team of middle school girls and boys who love adventures by mountain bike. Our club consists primarily of kids who live in Piedmont and attend Piedmont Middle School or private middle school. Our sister organization, Oakland Devo, similarly serves kids from in and around Oakland.


WHAT DOES DEVO STAND FOR?

Devo is short for Development. Specifically, we use mountain biking as an opportunity to help kids develop their confidence, resiliency, and a sense of inclusivity. 


WHO CAN JOIN AND RIDE WITH THE TEAM?

Any 6th, 7th and 8th graders who are located in Piedmont can join our team. Unlike the high school mountain biking teams in the area that are very targeted towards racing and competition, Devo's focus is adventure, learning, and fun. There are, however, a few opportunities to race for those kids who happen to be interested. But racing is not a requirement.


WHAT’S THE SEASON LIKE?

The Piedmont Devo season is officially about 5 months long — January to the end of May. However, we start our pre-season events in October with a series of Fun Rides. The Fun Rides are a way for kids to try mountain biking to see if they’ll like it. Fun rides are generally mellow and focus on introducing new riders to mountain biking. 


Once the season starts, we’ll be riding once a week every Saturday or Sunday morning for about 3 hours in Joaquin Miller Park. Throughout the season, we hope to do several “field trips” to other Bay Area trails like China Camp, Crocket Hills, or Lime Ridge. 


IS DEVO ASSOCIATED WITH PIEDMONT HIGH SCHOOL OR NICA?

Piedmont Devo is not officially associated with Piedmont schools. Our club is an officially recognized middle mountain biking club in the Norcal NICA league. Piedmont Devo was spawned by former coaches from Oakland Devo (one of the other local MTB programs) in 2020. Piedmont Devo alumni riders can go on to ride for Piedmont High School, which has a very competitive cycling program, or any other high school they attend that offers a cycling program. 


DO WE RACE?

The NorCal League has developed a race format for middle school riders. Historically, Devo is a non-competitive club and is somewhat unique in welcoming younger riders. Devo’s main focus has always been on fun adventure rides, and some mountain biking field trips. Our priority is for our riders to have fun and learn to love mountain biking. So while participation in races is available, it not necessarily required or expected. That said, the PHS team does allow DEVO riders who are interested in racing opportunities to train with the race team. 


WHAT DO MY FEES COVER?

DEVO team membership fees cover:

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE? 

Yes. If you're in need of a scholarship or want a bike and you are worried about the cost, please reach out the the Head Coach.

 

DO I NEED A BIKE WITH SUSPENSION?

Short answer Yes.  XC (Cross Country), Downcountry, and Trail bikes work very well for the type of riding we do.  Enduro or Downhill bikes also will work but DEVO doesn't focus on that type of riding.  (Mountain bike types explained)

Our sister club Oakland Devo also has great information on selecting the right bike!  Check it out here!


WHO COACHES THE CLUB?

You do!  Our coaches typically are parents of kids on the team or life-long cyclists who are part of our amazing biking community!  NICA trains and licenses adults to lead and assist our club. Licensing includes undergoing classroom/online education (including safety/risk management), on-the-bike skills training, wilderness first aid and a background/security check.


DOES THE CLUB OFFER TRANSPORTATION TO RIDES?

No, we do not offer transportation as our insurance does not cover it. Most of our rides are in nearby local parks like Joaquin Miller Park and Redwood Regional Park. 


DOES THE CLUB DO ANYTHING ELSE IN ADDITION TO RIDING?

Yes, we do plan to do some work to improve the local trails. We attend mechanic clinics at the local TREK shop.  We may also have other social events depending on rider interest and parent involvement. 


HOW CAN I JOIN DEVO OR CHECK IT OUT?

In the Fall (our pre-season), we’ll have a handful of “Fun Rides” that will serve as an opportunity for curious riders to try it out. 


HOW CAN I HELP?

Come out for a ride with us! We need ride leaders, coaches, team managers, and other volunteers (social events, field trips, etc.) to make this club happen. We also want more women coaches and more diversity. So if you'd like to ride with us or if you know people who would, please put them in touch.