Frequently Asked Questions:

What do I need to start riding in your events?

Participants will need a mountain bike in good working order, a certified bicycle helmet, water bottle, pump, and spare tube. It really isn't too difficult to get involved in our mountain bike events. Pre-register or register on the day of for any event except the Team Relay Events (8 or 24 hours) or Crank The Shield which you must register further in advance of as they often sell out. All licences, or one day permits, must be purchased throug the Ontario Cycling Association for Ontario Cup Races.

It is my first event, what should I try?

The great thing about Chico Racing events is that they are created for riders of all ability levels. The Tuesday or Wednesday Weekly Race Series are excellent ways for riders new to racing to get their feet wet in mountain bike events (see www.superflyracing.com ). Our most popular races are the 8 or 24 hour events because the courses can be ridden by riders of most ability levels and the events offer a fun, friendly environment. The Plastiglas Ontario Cup Series also offers Beginner (8:30am) races and Try-An-Ocup Categories (9:30am) that would be another excellent way to get started in racing.

I've never ridden off-road however I want to try your events.

Riders will need some singletrack experience and an understanding of how to ride safely off-road before participating in our events. If you want to take a mountain bike lesson contact www.hardwoodhills.ca.

What are the licence/insurance requirements for your events?

An Ontario Cycling Association or UCI Race Licence will cover you for any Chico Racing event over the entire race season. You can purchase this licence by calling the OCA at 416-426-7416 or by visiting their website at www.ontariocycling.org .

Citizen Event Permits are also available for purchase through the Ontario Cycling Association and these will cover you if you participate in more grass roots events or 8:30am Ontario Cup Events (known as Citizen Events).

Separated into different event types:

(1) Citizen Events Including the Weekly Race Series, Crank The Shield, Ontario Cup 8:30am Under 17 races and Try-an-Ocup 9:30am Citizen Races.

The minimum requirement is a Citizen Event Permit available for purchase on site at any Chico Racing event. The cost for this Citizen Event Permit is $40 for individuals, $35 for youths 16-17, $25 for 16 & under and discounts for a families. The Citizen Event Permit provides insurance for a full season of racing, and all the Ontario Cycling Association Mailings and information. Many mountain bike riders will find this permit is all they need for a full season of racing. These Citizen Event Permits are all available for purchase at any Chico Racing Event or via the Ontario Cycling Association www.ontariocycling.org.

One Day Permits are also available for $10 at all Citizen Events (max 3 per season). You are only allowed 1 - One Day Permit at Weekly Race Series events.

(2) Ontario Cup Series 8:30 am (17 years and older), 9:30am, 11:30am, & 1:30pm races

You will require either a $10 one-day permit for Sport or Beginner categories (max 3 per season), or a full licence through the Ontario Cycling Association (mandatory for Expert and Elite). For further information on joining the Ontario Cycling Association or purchasing a Racing Licence please contact www.ontariocycling.org or call 416-426-7416. These licences are all available for purchase at all Ontario Cup Series events.

(3) 24 Hour Events or Epic 8 Hour Races

Insurance is pre-paid for our 24 hour and Epic 8 Hour events so riders will only be required to complete a waiver on site. You DO NOT need to have a licence, one-day permit or citizen permit to ride in these events.

Why is insurance necessary?

Mountain biking is a potentially dangerous sport so we are required to provide insurance protecting our organization, volunteers, racers (liability only, not AD&D), and venues. This insurance is paid by the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) and by having you registered with the OCA they can better track riders, events, and ensure everyone contributes to the insurance pool based on their level of racing. Race Licences allow you to race internationally and at any mountain bike race, while Citizen Event Permits allow you to ride/race in a variety of Ontario events (even ones not organized by Chico Racing). Please only support mountain bike events sanctioned and insured by the Ontario Cycling Association as they support athlete development, and are organized to a standard.

Mountain biking is a dangerous sport, and if you are in an accident you will NOT receive any benefits from us, or our insurance company if you crash in our events, pre-riding or general riding even if you are an OCA member (OCA licenced riders will be entitled to some injury/death benefits). It is suggested that you have your own disability/life insurance in case of disaster.

Is mountain biking dangerous?

Yes, however cross country mountain bike racing and riding is quite safe if you ride within your ability level, wear a helmet and have a properly fitted and operating mountain bike. It is important that you ride in control, ride within your abilities, and keep yourself in good shape if you are going to participate or ride mountain bikes. Read this .pdf Chico Racing Risk Management document before participating.

Why is event day registration more expensive?

Pre-registration ensures that we know how many racers to take care of. We would prefer everyone pre-registers for our events. We generally close pre-registration a week prior each event.

I want to check out some new riding areas - where should I go?

Check out our links page for more information on destination Ontario riding areas. Also check out MTBR for more info on great riding areas.

I want to volunteer, or volunteer my husband, wife or friend. How do I do that?

Email us or visit our volunteer page.

Where did you come up with the name Chico Racing?

Chico was Adam Ruppel's nickname when he was competing as a mountain bike racer on the provincial, national, and international circuits. Adam was completing his racing career when he began organizing mountain bike events and the name seemed like a good fit. Chico Racing is catchy, fun and embodies the spirit of Chico Racing events.

Who is Chico Racing?

Sean and Adam Ruppel started Chico Racing back in 1994 with little more than 2 rakes, a brown 1987 Toyota Tercel, a telephone line and the dream of running Ontario's best mountain bike events.

Why don't you have information on the Uxbridge Icebreaker or Durham Durango on your website?

Bikenxs organizes those events and you can visit their website at www.bikenxs.com.

Where are the downhill events?

Visit www.sirbikealotracing.com as they are now coordinating the downhill events.