Race Weekend Guide

Where Community, Competition, and Joy Come Together

Race weekends are where our athletes shine — and where our community comes alive. Every race is a chance to see the hard work from practices turn into confidence, grit, and joy on the course. For new families, the rhythm of a race weekend can feel unfamiliar at first, but it quickly becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the season. We show up for each other, we cheer for every rider, and we build a space where athletes feel supported, grounded, and proud to belong.

Weekend Schedule & Overview

How the Weekend Works

Prologue (Race 1) and State Championships (Race 5) run both conferences together on Saturday and Sunday.
Races 2, 3, and 4 alternate which conference races on Saturday and which races on Sunday.
- Example: North races Saturday, South races Sunday — then the next weekend it flips.
Because of this rotation, Day 1 and Day 2 may fall on Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday depending on your athlete’s conference.

When Day 1 Falls on Friday

Some families choose to pick up their athlete early from school so they can arrive in time for pre‑rides and camping setup. Find what works for your family.

The Flow of the Weekend

Day 1 is all about arriving, settling in, and giving athletes the chance to preview the course.
Day 2 is race day — the day we show up for each other — trying our best, cheering loudly, and celebrating every rider on the course.

This guide walks you through each part of the weekend so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to feel fully part of the Eugene Composite community.

Day 1: Pre‑Rides, Camping & Race Plates

Day 1 is when families arrive, athletes get familiar with the course, and everyone settles into the rhythm of the weekend.

Race Plates

Race plates are picked up in the Pit Zone and must be installed any time an athlete or a coach is on the course, including the pre‑ride.

Each athlete is assigned a plate for the season
Plates must be returned after racing
Lost plates can be replaced for a small fee at the merch/registration tent
Race plates will fly off during vehicle transportation, please turn them into the pit zone to prevent this

Pre‑Rides

Pre‑rides help athletes feel confident and prepared. They preview the course, talk strategy with coaches, and shake out nerves. There are different prerides throughout the afternoon, please RSVP to the one that's right for your athlete. There is also a GRiT preride that is a great opportunity for "Girls Riding Together."

Athletes can choose what they wear for pre-rides. We recommend the practice tee or and old jersey.

If Day 1 falls on Friday, many families may pick up their athlete early from school so they don’t miss this important part of the weekend. But find the schedule that works for you.

Evening Activities

After pre‑rides, families settle into the evening — and this is often one of the most memorable parts of the whole weekend. It’s relaxed, communal, and full of connection. A different host family welcomes everyone each weekend and provides a gathering spot is open to all families, campers and hotel guests alike. Families are encouraged to bring their own meal and a lawn chair or just hang out. Some weekends may have an organized schedule.

Day 2: Race Day — Trying Our Best & Cheering Each Other On

Day 2 is race day, the day we show up for each other — trying our best, cheering loudly, and celebrating every rider on the course.

Jersey

Athletes must race in their official team jersey. Practice tees aren’t allowed on course.

Course & Laps

Course laps are typically between 4 and 5 miles. The number of laps a rider completes increases by age category. Exact lap counts are listed on the Oregon League website for each race.

Warm‑Ups & Staging

Athletes meet coaches in the Pit Zone for warm‑ups, then head to staging together. Parents step back so athletes can focus and be present with their peers. You will find warm-up and race times posted in the Pit Zone. Check in to get this information at the beginning of the day.

Podium

Podiums are held thoughout the day and at the end. Showing up for podium whether you won or lost is about sportsmanship — and Eugene Composite is known for showing up strong.

Race Day Support

Bike Maintenance

The league provides a bike maintenance tent at every race. It’s staffed by experienced mechanics who can help with quick, minor fixes so athletes can get back on course or start their race with confidence.

This tent is meant for race‑critical repairs, not full tune‑ups. Families should still ensure bikes are are race-ready and in good working order before arriving at the venue.

First Aid

Every race has a designated medical team on site. They are trained, equipped, and ready to respond to injuries ranging from small scrapes to more serious crashes.

Athletes should always check in with the medical team after any crash, even if they feel fine. Coaches will help guide them there when needed.

Nutrition & Hydration

Fueling well is one of the most important parts of race day. Athlete's will find hydration and food in the Pit Zone, provided by parents and families. Eugene Composite provides hydration and nutrition support to help athletes stay energized and safe. Food in the Pit Zone is for athletes and coaches only — this ensures riders have what they need before and after racing.

Community Support

Beyond the official resources, athletes benefit from the support of teammates, coaches, and families. This looks like cowbells and cheering along the course, participating in the race theme, and celebrating every rider's efforts.

Race day is a team effort — and the support athletes feel from the EC community is one of the things that makes our program special.

Camping & Lodging

Camping is one of the most memorable parts of race weekends — a chance for families to slow down, connect, and enjoy time together outside of the busy rhythm of everyday life. Many families say it’s their favorite part of the entire season.

What Camping Looks Like at Oregon League Races

Most race venues offer free (some paid), open‑field or parking lot camping. It’s rustic, relaxed, and designed to bring teams together. Some venues may require advanced reservation, while others are show-up and squeeze in.

Large open fields or parking lots rather than developed campgrounds
do not expect hookups, electricity, or waste stations
Porta‑potties available
Dogs must be leashed
Quiet hours respected so athletes can rest
Families camp together near the Eugene Composite flag

Rickreall

Camping is at the local fairgrounds about 5 miles away. There is a small fee that must be paid in advance. It is a dusty parking lot with limited shade. Showers and restrooms available. Due to the close proximity to home, many people chose to not stay overnight.

Mt. Bachelor

Camping is in the Mt. Bachelor parking lot and is great for it's onsite location. There is a small fee that must be paid in advance. Mt. Bachelor does not offer tent camping, but nearby sno-parks offer free first come, first serve tent camping.

Newport

ECMTB reserves adjacent campsites at the state park for a full camping experience. This is a yearly favorite. The league provides free camping at the nearby airport.

Prineville

Free camping is onsite in a large field of dry grass and dirt. Look for the team to circle up. There is no electrical hook-ups or water. Porta-Potties available.

Madras

Free camping is an open field of dry grass and dirt. It is a short 1/4 mile walk from the venue along a bike path. There is no electricty or water available. Adjacent to camping is a large park with green lawn and play areas.

Klamath Falls

Free camping is available at the marina, a short walk down the hill. Camping is in a nice parking lot. No electricty or water available.

Hotel Lodging

Even if you’re staying in a hotel, you’re still part of the evening community. Many families choose hotels for comfort, convenience, or weather — and that’s completely normal.

Hotel tips:

Bring bikes into the room
Ground‑floor rooms make transport easier
Check for early breakfast options or bring your own
Camping is shared space, and the league emphasizes respect and safety.
Helmets required anytime an athlete is on a bike

Regardless of where you sleep, you’re always welcome at the team’s evening gathering.

Pit Zone

The Pit Zone is our team’s home base during race weekends — a designated area where athletes and coaches can gather, prepare, refuel, and reconnect throughout the day. Every team has one, and it serves as the central hub for:

Athlete warm‑ups
Hydration and nutrition
Race plate pickup
Post‑race recovery
Team connection and support

It’s a place where athletes know they can find their coaches, their teammates, and the resources they need to feel ready and confident.

Families Host the Pit Zone

The Pit Zone is run by parents, not coaches. Families create the environment that supports athletes and coaches throughout the weekend.

Our coaches are all volunteers. They spend countless hours planning practices, earning certifications, attending trainings, and helping athletes grow — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Race weekends are our chance to give back. Hosting the Pit Zone is a small thank‑you, and while it will never match the magnitude of their contribution, it matters.

Families are expected to sign up for volunteer shifts and potluck food items.

Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers make the Pit Zone run smoothly. Typical responsibilities include:

Setup & tear down of tents, tables, and team equipment
Providing breakfast nibbles, snacks, and lunch for athletes and coaches
Keeping gear organized and accessible so athletes can find what they need quickly

Volunteering is simple, meaningful, and one of the best ways to plug into the team community.

Set-Up & Tear Down

Pit Zone gear is transported by a parent volunteer in the team trailer.

Set‑Up: Happens once the trailer arrives, usually around the time of the first pre‑ride.
Tear‑Down: Happens after the last race and before podium.

Expectations from Families & Athletes

Race weekends run smoothly when everyone understands what’s expected — athletes, families, and coaches all play a part in creating a safe, supportive, and organized environment. These expectations aren’t about perfection; they’re about showing up for each other, respecting the space we share, and helping athletes have their best possible experience.

Rules for Everyone

Walk bikes through the Pit Zone
Helmet on, buckled, anytime you’re on a bike
Ride a safe, functional bike
Stay on designated trails
Athletes who start 3 of the 4 regular‑season races qualify for State Championships
Follow all league and venue safety guidelines
All dogs must be on a leash
All weapons are prohibited at all NICA events

Athlete Expectations

Athletes are the heart of our program, and race day is their moment to shine. We ask riders to show up ready, respectful, and committed to doing their best.

Arrive on time for warm‑ups and staging
Wear your official team jersey on race day
Hydrate early and often
No performance-enhancing supplements, including caffeine, guaran, and taurine
Support teammates with encouragement and positivity
Represent Eugene Composite with sportsmanship on and off the course

Family Expectations

Families play a huge role in creating the environment that supports athletes and coaches. Your presence, your energy, and your willingness to help make a difference.

Cheer for all riders, not just your own
Follow venue rules regarding parking, camping, and course access
Model sportsmanship for athletes
Celebrate effort over results
Families are part of the team — your involvement strengthens our community.

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