Weather Policy

We live in Minnesota.  In accordance with cultural norms, we will now discuss the weather:

Yes, we will practice in the rain, as long as there is no thunder/lightning.  Continue reading for even more detail.

• Team events will adhere to the MCA Weather Policy   This comprehensive policy covers heat, storms, and air quality (AQI), and what to do when they occur.  Please read the policy before you continue reading.

• Changes and cancellations to 612mtb team events will be announced via TeamSnap Alert as early as possible before an event begins.  We will strive to announce at least 2 hours in advance.  

• Practice plan changes or cancellation due to poor air quality will be made based on current AQI data (for the specific practice location, to the greatest extent possible) 2 hours before the start of an event, as published on the EPA Airnow website, in accordance with the MCA AQI guidelines (published in the Weather Policy, linked above) as follows:

  • AQI Green (0-50) – Good

  • AQI Yellow (51-100) – Moderate, check in with coaches and student-athletes with air quality sensitivities

  • AQI Orange (101 – 150) – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, competitive activities canceled, all other activities reduced in duration and intensity

  •  AQI Red or darker (> 150) – Activities canceled

• We will strive to notify parents and riders when the AQI is in the upper Yellow and Orange levels, and to ride only when conditions are safe. 

• Whenever possible, our team will consider pivoting to an indoor activity, such as bike maintenance or a strength workout.

We recognize that the definition of “duration and intensity” varies among riders.  For example, a practice that is low-duration and low-intensity or varsity-level riders may feel high-duration and high-intensity for beginner riders.  Accordingly, in an AQI Orange scenario, 612mtb coaches will strive to reduce activities in duration and intensity as compared to a typical practice, and as appropriate for the riders’ abilities.  Middle School and High School teams may make different decisions regarding practice changes and/or cancellations.

Lastly, just as riding a new feature on trail is a "go/no-go" decision, whether to attend practice is always a decision to be made by riders and parents.  All practices are optional, and there is never a penalty for missing practice.