Thunder Mountain Gravity Team

Practices will be held at Thunder Mountain Bike Park every Thursday. Athletes will ride with coaches and team members, focusing on a combination of drills, freeriding and timed practice runs. Although we will target race specific training, the overarching goal of the program is two fold. One, we want young athletes to progress their riding by developing sound fundamentals. Two, we want kids to simply love mountain biking and racing. Not only will the program challenge your child, it will put them in a social environment that could lead to lifelong outdoor friendships.

Team members are encouraged to make 80% or more of the practices at Thunder. Although there is no requirement to race, we hope that your child can attend one or more of the ESC race weekends during the summer. If your child is new to racing, our coaches will help families determine if their child is ready for competition. At races, our coaching staff will assist athletes with three hours of practice runs and course walkthroughs on Saturdays. This will give the team an opportunity to practice their lines and dial in their bikes under the supervision of a coach. Whether your child is racing enduro or downhill, race day is always Sunday. Athletes will be on their own on Sundays as our coaches will be racing themselves. Parents will need to provide supervision throughout the weekend. We also ask that parents chip in to help create a team atmosphere at races. 

About the Coaches

Gordon Goss is excited to help athletes looking for a competitive edge to improve their skills and speed on the trail this summer. Gordon started riding at his home mountain of Mt Snow, VT in 1999, which progressed into racing DH a few years later. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, he has worked at bike parks and ski areas, led youth conservation crews, and camped out across the country in search of new trails. This summer he is looking to repeat his top five overall finish in the pro enduro class. As co-head coach, Gordon will use his years of experience as a rider, racer, crew leader, and mechanic to help athletes find their own success and enjoy the thrill of racing. 

This season we are ecstatic to bring Ellen Noble to the Gravity Team coaching staff. A former Trek Factory Racing and Red Bull athlete, Noble is no stranger to the big leagues. In her pro-career, Noble won three U-23 Cyclocross National Championships, a Pan-American Championship and scored a second place podium at the UCI CX World Championships. In addition to dominating cyclocross, Ellen raced on the cross country World Cup circuit for a number of years. Now retired and living in Western Massachusetts, Noble is shifting focus to gravity riding and giving back to the sport she loves. Ellen runs her own youth cycling camps for girls, and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of riders. In her “retirement”, she plans to race more enduros, and build on last year's podium at the Sugarloaf EWS 100. 

Program Requirements 

1. Athletes must have prior mountain biking experience and be able to ride black diamond trails at Thunder or a comparable bike park. 
2. Families must provide their children with pads, a full face helmet and a full suspension bike with disc brakes. 
3. Parents must be willing to transport their children to races or carpool with other families. Parents are responsible for providing lodging or camping for their kids at races and must be able to cover registration fees and other costs associated with racing.

What Is Included? 

• A meet and greet session on June 10th. 9am -12pm.
• Nine Thursday practices
• Four three hour Saturday coaching sessions at races
• A team uniform from Fox with the athletes name printed on the back
• 50% off bike shop labor for team members. *Some exclusions apply
• 50% off athletes season pass
• 30% off parts and retail items at the Thunder bike shop

What is Not Included?

• Bikes and equipment
• Lift tickets (we offer 50% season pass for team members)
• Meals at practices and races
• Transportation and lodging
• Race registration

• How do I find out more about the program?

Email luke@thundermountainbikepark.com

• Is the program right for my child if they have never raced mountain bikes before?

Prior racing experience certainly will help, however it is not required. If your child is a proficient mountain biker, this is a great opportunity for them to get into racing at a young age. If your child is looking for something less competitive, check out our Thunder Mountain Development program. 

• I am a parent and I don’t ride mountain bikes. I am worried about supporting my child at races. 

Most race venues are easily hikable and only allow spectators on foot. We encourage experienced race families to help less experienced parents at races.

• I am worried my child’s bike isn’t suitable for racing. 

Old or under-maintained mountain bikes pose a big safety risk for racing. Parents must provide their children with a suitable full suspension bike. Ask your local shop for help, or come into the service shop at Thunder to ask questions.

• Do I have to accompany my child at races?

No, however Thunder Mountain Bike Park is not responsible for athletes outside of practice times. You may coordinate with other parents for supervision at races.

• Does the Thunder Mountain Gravity Team only attend Eastern States Cup Races?

Athletes may enter any race they like wearing their TMGT jersey, however we only provide coaching at ESC races. 

• What is the Eastern States Cup?

The ESC is a race series based in the Northeast that hosts Enduro and Downhill races for people of all ages.

• Does the Thunder Mountain Gravity Team race cross country? 

No

• Should I tip my child's coach?

If you feel like your child's coach did an exceptional job, it is appropriate to tip them at the end of the season.