FAQs

FAQs

Got a question? You’re not alone. Check out our FAQs for our most commonly sought-after race info. If what you need isn’t here, shoot us an email at community@clippedinforlife.org.

• What is a grom?

  Grom (noun): The shortened form of grommet, also describing a young mountain biker who tears it up on the trails.

• What kind of bike does my Grom need to race?

  Our races take place on all dirt tracks (no pavement), so having a bike with knobby tires (or at least grooved, cut-in tread) is necessary to make sure they have traction to ride safely. They don’t need gears, but having them does help with the climbs. We strongly recommend a bike with hand brakes, which allows for more control while coasting on a downhill, but we do see some K-1 Groms navigating the course with coaster-brake bikes as well.

  If you’re on your bike, there’s a helmet on your head! Helmets are required for all racers at the Folsom Grom Race Series.

• How do Race Credits work?

  All racers must register online before their first race. You will register for the Folsom Grom Race Series by purchasing Race Credits.

  Race Credits are a flexible system that allow you to register for races without committing to a specific date. Think of it like a virtual punch card: Decide how many races your Grom wants to do, and purchase that many race credits. When your Grom comes out to a race, we will automatically deduct a Race Credit from your account. You do not need to tell us which dates you are coming to.

  Once you’ve picked up your Grom’s race plate, you do not need to check in again as long as you’ve purchased Race Credits online. Your Grom can head straight to the start line each week and we will automatically deduct a credit from their account when they race.

  You can purchase additional Race Credits throughout the season here.

• Tell me about the race courses. How long are they?

  We’ve custom built “XC Flow” race courses at Lakeside Church and District Church just for the Folsom Grom Race Series! Courses are up to 1 mile in length, and we create varied courses each week to keep things interesting for Groms. These courses are designed to be fun for all ages and abilities! Racers will do as many laps as they can of the course in 25 minutes.

  Lakeside Church Course Preview

  District Church Course Preview
• Can I ride with my grom?

  Parents are welcome to join Groms on a pre-ride, which is intended for Groms to scout out the course and learn where it goes. Only registered Groms are allowed on the course during the race.

• It's my grom's first race. What do we need to know?

  Please review the pre-race info email sent to all pre-registered racers. This email has almost everything you need to know before coming out to a race. If you didn’t receive the email, reach out to community@clippedinforlife.org to let us know!

  Here are the important bullets from that email:

  • Packet pickup opens at 3:30pm at the Clipped In Races registration tent.
  • No check-in required if you already have your Grom’s number plate & you have purchased race credits.
  • Double check the schedule for your Grom’s race time.
  • Pre-riding is allowed before 4:30pm and in between races.
  • Results will be posted online here.
  • Stick around after your Grom’s race for our weekly podium ceremony!

  Parent Supply Checklist: Don’t forget to grab these items before you head out the door!

  • Bike & helmet for your Grom
  • Race plate – it’s $5 to replace if you forget/lose it!
  • Water & water bottle
  • Sunscreen & bug spray
  • Camp chair & cowbell

  If you’re on your bike, there’s a helmet on your head! Helmets are required for all racers at the Folsom Grom Race Series.

• What is the balance bike course?

  Get your little ones rolling with our free balance bike obstacle course at select Folsom Grom Races. Visit the Schedule page for dates.

  The balance bike obstacle course is designed to help kids learn balance and control – fundamental to riding a bike – in a fun, social environment.

  Fun obstacles including a bubble wrap “rock garden,” pool noodle wall, and mini rumble strips will keep kids smiling lap after lap.

  Parents, register your little ones onsite by signing a waiver (no pre-registration). Balance bikes and helmets available to borrow.

• Do you guys need help out at the races?

  Yes! This series would not be possible without volunteer support.

  Volunteer opportunities include track maintenance, course building, setup, racer check-in, course marshaling, and tear down. Click here to sign up or email us at community@clippedinforlife.org to learn more!

• How does the series scoring and points system work?

  Stick around after your Grom’s race for our weekly podium ceremony! Groms get a 1st-10th place sticker for their race plate each week they’re in the top 10 for their category. Podium ceremonies are held approximately 30 minutes after your Grom’s race finishes (just after we start the next race).

  Racers will accumulate points at each race they attend:
  1st Place = 1 point
  2nd Place = 9 points
  3rd Place = 13 points
  4th Place = 17 points
  5th Place = 19 points
  6th Place = 21 points
  7th Place = 23 points
  8th Place = 25 points
  9th Place = 26 points
  10th Place+ = 27 points+
  Did Not Start (DNS) = 55 points
  Disqualified (DSQ) = 60 points

  Series Awards:
  Series podiums are awarded to the top five in each category based on your Grom’s best five out of six races. Series Champions will be crowned at the last race of the season. Your Grom must do at least 4 races to be eligible for the series podium.

• What's your refund policy?

  Any grom interested in racing should register online for one race credit and pre-ride a lap. If (s)he does not feel comfortable racing at this point, we will happily refund the entry fee. Please note, series registrations (all 6 races at once) are not eligible for a refund for any reason.

  We have a no-refunds policy (see Clipped In for Life refund policy) including but not limited to cancellation/postponement, injury, family/business emergency, medical emergency, or unexpected travel. No deferrals or rollovers to a future season.

  Transfers: Transfers are only available to siblings. Transfers must be requested via email to community@clippedinforlife.org by 11:59 PM on the Tuesday before your desired race date.

  Backup Date: In the case one of our races is cancelled due to venue issues or weather (i.e. rain, wind, heat, smoke), we have a backup race date of Thursday, May 15, 2025 at District Church. No refunds will be given in the case of a cancellation due to venue issues or weather.