National Interscholastic Cycling Association

NICA's staff is 100% behind the mission - smart, driven, and absolutely amazing people. It is an honor to work with them.

NICA is a great organization. I've volunteered in several roles here in the Wisconsin chapter and had a great time. My family and I have made new friends and enjoy the community that the Wisconsin NICA chapter has built.

I rode with NICA all four years of my high school experience. I still use the skills I learned riding with NICA today! I developed a love of mountain biking, a sport which remains my primary exercise outlet and overall favorite hobby (16 years later!!!). The races were such amazing team building experiences that also showed me just how hard I could push myself. I’m currently training for my first mountain bike race since my NICA career :) Thank you NICA!!!

I was a NICA athlete in the early days of this organization back in 2009. Though I'm sure it has continued to grow and adapt over the years since I was racing, I look back on my time as a NICA athlete with tremendous pride and satisfaction. Having spent many years on competitive soccer teams, I was surprised to find a profound sense of community among athletes, coaches, parents, and NICA volunteers -- even amidst a sport which centers individual achievement on the bike. Not only that, NICA taught me SO much about my own sense of independence, adventure, environmental responsibility, and enduring confidence in my body & it's capabilities. It thrills me to see how many athletes and families have come after me and have been similarly impacted by this organization. 5 stars for NICA!!!

I’ve had two kids in this program and it’s life changing for so many kids. Super happy about the program and can’t recommend it enough.

NICA has provided a niche for the kids that don't really fit into other sports. So many parents tell me they wish NICA was around when they were in school. Also, I have seen girls and boys grow in confidence and heal from prior experiences in sports. The community created at races and on teams astounds most parents who witness it for the first time. Finally, I have been so grateful to have a positive place by which I can translate all the hours I spent on myself for racing to spending time working with kids and sharing the incredible sport of mountain biking.

As our kid grew up we found he wanted to be involved in something that wasn't the traditional team sport. He didn't want the try outs, the sitting on the bench, the hard and fast rules. He wanted to just be himself while doing a sport. So we started mountain biking together. TOGETHER. AS A FAMILY. Fast forward as our son heads off to college and we still ride together. NICA helped make this happen. Using the structure and coach support NICA provides we created a team that welcomed anyone that wanted to be there. The races are a nice addition but getting to go outside multiple times per week to go hang out with positive, inclusive and happy people is what NICA is really about. There are always bumps along the way but the path NICA gives us really makes the sport amazing.

NICA has been the best youth sports experience for my son. He didn't find a place for himself in other youth sports. He loves the social aspect of his NICA team and the league events. He loves how his goals matter and are respected. His coaches are well-trained and create a positive and inclusive environment.

NICA is exactly the kind of organization our youth need. Research shows that the best youth sports programs are that way because of well-trained coaches. NICA does not take any shortcuts when it comes to training coaches to deliver top-notch programming. The work that the national organization does to grow leagues and provide excellent support to each of the leagues makes a huge impact. I often see sad stories of kids being left out of youth sports, but that doesn't happen with NICA. The focus on inclusivity and equity for all means that every kid gets a chance to learn and grow through cycling!

While NICA has a good and noble mission on paper, their actual execution is very poor. There is very little in the way of actual leadership at the national level. It’s staffed by a bunch of former school teachers and people who have done nothing other than work at NICA. There is little business sense. They tend to tolerate bad behavior, since no one wants to “offend”. Bullies love how this organization runs, as they have carte blanche to behave badly, with little to no consequences. No one will call them out. Ever.

As a result, NICA has very little control and influence on state leagues. Some of the league staff are chock full of egos and bullies. If those individuals are money makers or influential to NICA in any way, NICA will turn a blind eye. Their very model encourages this behavior, as NICA does not wish to address or acknowledge that there is negativity or bad apples in the real world of mountain biking. There is no consistency with how this is addressed, and sometimes they just don’t address it purely from an avoidance standpoint. You see, it’s hard to be positive and upbeat all the time if there are real life issues to be dealt with. And there are.

I think this head-in-the-sand behavior hurts the organization greatly, and I would not be surprised if a very large lawsuit hits them between the eyes due to the lack of control and oversight of the leagues. It’s really NOT about “more kids on bikes”, it’s really more about propping up the people who benefit NICA the most.

As a NICA alum to a NICA coach, I am wholeheartedly filled with admiration for this organization. It's difficult to put into words just how profoundly NICA has impacted my life, but I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today with the same values if it wasn't for this org. From freshman year in high school, to senior year, this organization changed my life. I was a moody teenager with a million reasons to hate my parents and to complain about life, and transformed into a girl that now wanted to be outside and ride my bike. I finally had something that my parents and I enjoyed together. It gave me a reason to love nature, meet friends with common interests and build a community of my own. It also gave me a reason to care about my trails and led to my interest in mountain bike stewardship. Once my senior year ended, I was still not done with NICA and went on to coach with my league. I can attest to NICA building stronger minds, bodies, character and community because it did all 4 for me.

NICA is an incredible and passionate youth development organization across the United States, that gets more kids outside and on bikes. The level of stoke at the NICA events I've been to is completely off the charts! These kids find and nurture camaraderie with their teammates and coaches, as well as athletes from other teams they're competing against. NICA's values, with an emphasis on "no try-outs, no bench", ensure that everyone who's interested gets the chance to 'play'.

NICA is an amazing organization filled with passionate, caring people who are committed to pursuing excellence in their mission to support positive youth development through mountain biking.

Everyone involved with NICA is aligned with the core organization values of fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community. These values guide all aspects of NICA programming, including race weekends, GRiT (Girls Riding Together), Adventure, Teen Trail Corps, and top-level coach education.

I have been involved with NICA since 2012 when my fourteen-year old son started mountain biking with the Tennessee league. As I have progressed from mountain-biking mom to team coach and to Coach Supporter and the league GRiT Coordinator working to empower girls and women in biking, NICA has given me amazing opportunities to share my love of biking and passion for empowering others with a huge community of like-minded people of all ages.

What inspires me the most is seeing so many kids having fun on bikes, overcoming challenges, and growing skills and confidence in themselves. Knowing that I can help provide those opportunities for kids and their families through NICA is truly meaningful. Being part of the NICA community has transformed my life and inspires me to share my experience with others so that we can all be awesome together!

NICA preaches team spirit and sportsmanship, but stands up teams and leagues that are all about winning no matter who they hurt - teams poaching top riders from other teams, bullying that goes unpunished, what they allow to happen on their watch is pretty brazen and will eventually bring a lawsuit. They don't enforce their own rules and guidelines and this is definitely NOT an inclusive space. If you're hoping to donate to a group of inclusive outdoorsy people, look elsewhere.

Excellent organization that spreads positivity and health throughout countless communities.

I am honored to be a part of an organization that is making a positive impact on youth mountain biking and trail advocacy. I am constantly inspired by the impact NICA is making on the lives of student-athletes, coaches, and the broader mountain biking community.

NICA has empowered thousands of student-athletes and coaches to discover their potential, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. It's also been instrumental in advocating for sustainable trails and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors. These efforts have not only benefited our community but also created a ripple effect across the entire mountain biking industry.

The event atmosphere is always so inviting and FUN! The staff do a fantastic job of putting on well-organized and safe events.

I just started coaching with my local NICA chapter this season and it's been incredible to see the camaraderie, growth, and determination of these kids. From the youngest just getting into mountain biking and pushing themselves beyond their perceived boundaries, to the high schoolers who are continually striving to compete at a higher level - it has been truly inspiring to be a part of. The organization has also helped the local mountain biking community with donated work/time and also through increased visibility.

On a selfish note, helping others work on their fundamentals has also made me a better mountain biker too. Win/win!

I love seeing all the kids out on their bikes! We have multiple teams in town, and it does mean there are more folks on the trails some nights, but the kids are having a great time, making friends and building confidence. Keep on rolling!

Nica has given my son a love of biking and given him a huge confidence boost. Thanks for making mtb a sport for all skill levels!

NICA is changing youth sports for the better - it is a wholistic, thoughtful, and inclusive organization. Kids come out of their NICA programs equipped not only with the skills to pursue a lifelong outdoor sport, but with the character to be kind humans who are part of a great community. Everything from the events to the volunteer training and support are intentionally created to make sure that #morekidsonbikes isn't just a hashtag...NICA is a hugely positive paradigm-shift in kids' sports/youth development!

Taught me leadership and how to be a part of a team. I made friends that will last a lifetime. Couldn’t ask for a better experience!

NICA has been a part of my life as a student and coach for the past decade. Not only have they made mountain biking safe, accessible, and achievable for thousands of kids and teens, but they have done it in such a way that has created lifelong cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

By allowing any student to participate, no matter their experience or skill level, NICA has invited kids to sport who may have otherwise never been able to have the experience of middle/high school athletics. I've experienced first-hand the positive influence it can have on a student, both as a student-athlete myself and then as a coach.

The students who come through NICA programs come out the other side having learned something about themselves. Every student's story is unique, but I feel strongly that without the years of advocacy, program-building, and dedication of NICA, youth cycling participation would be only a fraction of what it has become today.

I look forward to seeing where NICA grows in the future, and I'm invested in being a part of it.

NICA has lost its way. It requires a new business model and a new BOD. They have alienated their core customer, League Directors. Their BOD and president have proven to be capricious, mean spirited and out of touch with its "customers.
It pains me to write this. But I strongly recommend you give your hard earned dollars directly to the individual leagues rather than the national organization.

Been a volunteer coach for 10 years and have seen so many amazing improvements and growth happen during those years within NICA. Thank you for leading the charge to get more youth riding bikes, and building the foundation for a welcoming inclusive environment. Keep up the good work!

NICA was once the premier youth cycling organization. Now I think it's mostly a shell of itself and has lost it's way.

From some of the posts the national director has posted in regards to SOCAL leaving and threatening coaches with losing credentials and discounts it seems more intent on being vindictive.

NICA has now stood up multiple leagues in a matter of weeks in states that left NICA. The previous leagues went through a long and arduous vetting process. Is it safe to spin up a new league that fast? Can the culture be engrained that quickly or is this just money grab?

Why are all these leagues leaving in the first place? These questions and more need to be asked and answered before I give another dollar to NICA.

Which leagues have left NICA? CO, GA, AL, AZ, MN, WA, SOCAL...NC was going to and they removed the director and are paying someone in order to keep them...UT, NV next?

I didn't expect NICA to be an organization with more than just biking. They do a great job making sure that you are comfortable and you love the experience.

I joined my mountain bike team as a junior in high school. Through NICA I was able to meet so many new people and learn a new skill of mountain biking! It also helped me to gain confidence in myself and helped me realize that I could do hard things and I could do a lot more than I thought I could. Being a part of NICA literally changed my life and I’m really thankful for it.

My son started riding with NICA last year and I started coaching. It has been a fantastic experience for both of us. Never have I felt such an open, inclusive, welcoming sports environment, where cheering on your teammates, supporting others, and exhibiting good character overall is more highly valued than performance in a race. As a volunteer coach, I've also been tremendously impressed with the training and support that NICA provides. Their coach licensing program is amazing, and it's designed to keep kids safe and ensure that everyone has a good experience. Boy Scouts and other organizations could really benefit from a similar approach. After going through NICA's training, I feel very competent as a coach, and thus am really enjoying myself. Fabulous organization--really encourage others to get involved as a volunteer, a coach, a rider, or a donor!

NICA is he most rewarding experience that I have been a part of outside on being a parent. I have been involved with NICA since 2014 and plan to continue for as long as I can. NICA changes the lives of kids, families, and communities.

NICA events are unreal! The community, encouragement and support that fuel NICA races has to be seen to be believed. Seeing student-athletes feeling empowered as they overcome personal challenges, especially those outside of racing, has to be the biggest inspiration. The effort and time put in by race crew, coaches and volunteers make it all happen! Huge shoutout to the NICA community!

Our daughter went from inpatient to motivated athlete after a failed suicide attempt this past summer. We are so grateful for the opportunities and community that has been helping us to heal after a seriously rough season.

I've had 3 kids go thru the NICA program and they have all had amazing experiences. They've learned they are stronger then they ever thought they were.

NICA has made a huge impact on our family. Our son was tired of racing BMX and we were fortunate to find mountain biking and NICA through a friend. We've been participating in NICA events for 2 years and it inspired my husband to start mountain biking and now he's a coach. They are both hooked and it's great father-son time, being active in the outdoors! We're grateful for NICA!

I coach a NICA team. It is so fun to watch our athletes improve throughout the season, both with their skills, fitness level and sense of camaraderie. One female middle school athlete told me the other day, while we were climbing a hill, "This used to be hard, but now it's easy." Our athletes love riding their bikes. They get together outside of practice to ride and have fun. It is such a healthy habit to instill in our community's children. We are so happy to have NICA in our community.

The amount of organization and helpful staff members and volunteers far exceeds expectations.

NICA has been a big benefit to both of my children, organizing a safe and fun league to keep them active - and outdoors. Other sports haven't held their interest like mountain biking, NICA is a great organization.

We unfortunately had a very heartbreaking experience through NICA. I wonder if they will share this! My son was a new student freshman year of High School in a new town we just moved in but had always lived not too far from so knew many people (bikers especially since my husband has raced cross country for years) . Anywho… we were under the misguidance that NICA was there to promote High School inclusion of the sport and so were many others who tried to get a High School team going. My son was very excited, had spoken to the principal, school board, had a petition going to get mountain biking as a sport, a teacher who worked there was also an avid cross country mountain bike racer, the town itself is known for having some of the best mountain biking in Northern NJ, the perfect scenario right! Wrong!!! The NICA team in the area was more interested in building a super team, and was opposed to having a high school team created, even though we supposedly had gone through all the right channels with both the school, school board, town, and NICA!! Little did we know, sabotaged from the inside out. NIca students whose parents ran the nica team already in existence on our area were bad mouthing and telling potential HS students not to join the newly forming one, but to get on board with the existing one since it would be made up of better riders and better coaches. Nice.. very nice. I did mention my son was new to the district, but had gotten the word out , lots of interest built, but with what the other kids were saying, they hesitated or joined the existing one instead. So, when my son came home very upset and found out his “friends” from NICA were telling kids not to join this new Nica team, it will be all the worst slowest bikers, etc.. .. i spoke with the head person in NJ, he was worse! He said and i quote” I knew I should not have trusted a freshman with this undertaking. “ we are avid bikers. We didn’t need NIca thankfully. Thankfully my son was not put off mountain biking because of this experience! We just concentrated on our local race series and now he’s even winning triathlons too. Never again with Nica though. Sad they seem nice from afar, but actually try and work with them and put in a lot of work and effort, they are not whom they say, and not really there to hopefully have mountain biking as a recognized sport in HS or middle school. Sad really. Maybe someday it will happen .

NICA has really enhanced the lives of my twin daughters who raced as seniors last year. I had always tried to get them interested in MTB but it wasn't until the first daughter signed up to be on the team that they really got interested. I think this will be the start of a lifelong love of cycling for them.

Nica sucks, I have been a rider and racer for nica for 4 years and had to quit because of it. Its biggest problem is the faliure to teach necessary on bike skills yo kids instead of teaching them how to go uphill fast. On my team some of the best riders dont even know how to ride a 1 foot drop without going over the bars. Nica needs to rwthink its values and focus more on bike handling.

Incredible movement happening with high and middle schoolers across the USA....they’re renewing and/or discovering their love of riding a bicycle! I have never been so impressed witnessing student athletes cheering for their teammates like this. I’ve never seen so many student athletes feel confident and genuinely excited about being on a bicycle. It is truly a lifelong activity they are engaging in and it is so positive. Bravo to the founders of NICA!!

As a parent and volunteer of a PICL team member, i am so thankful for the NICA league. Our son joined the team last year. I've witnessed an incredible transformation in his being. He is more focused and positive. His team has been supportive and encouraging, qualities that are enforced by the entire league. He has grown as an individual, improving both himself and being motivated to help others. The family created by the league is an invaluable asset to the youth of our country. I'm so proud to be a part of this inspirational community.

We're a family in Flagstaff, AZ, and since NICA launched it's activities through our school, it's been a great opportunity to join in a group of bike-loving friends and parents! The teenager son who would rather facebook than ride has turned into an addict for biking, both during weekday and race events. The best part for me as a parent, is that I can be involved as a Level 1 coach, and yet not impose too much on his space.. ideal for both of us! Thank you NICA for making this possible.

NICA has provided a safe and supportive environment for our son to find his passion and feel comfortable building skills in a new sport. The organization has always provided the tools and training needed to give youth the opportunity to thrive in ways you can not find in some typical youth sports.

NICA is changing lives for the better. I have seen teens go from antisocial couch potatoes to outgoing, fun, active kids. My own family has been richly blessed by participating as parent volunteers, coaches, and team members. Cycling is something we can all do together. We LOVE NICA!

I’ve been an athlete for nearly 50 years and this is the best combination of sport and community I’ve been involved with. Going to the races is like going to a family reunion.

NICA is an amazing organization that gets kids excited to be on bikes and puts on amazing events that are fun for all riders. Oregon's race crew is amazing. Both of my children have had great experiences as new racers.

My son has been involved in NICA for 5 years now. From the beginning, I knew NICA was something special and amazing. The atmosphere is supportive and fun without being one of the "everyone gets a medal" sports. My son loves his team and has grown as a rider, racer and teammate over the years. Originally I stayed away from coaching because of the time commitment and other factors but last year I became a coach and I have zero regrets. I love riding with our team and find it super rewarding. I recently completed Level II coach training and I am so impressed with the NICA coaching program. It, like NICA's athlete program, is top notch.

Our son is going into his third season as a NICA athlete. We had always heard good things about the program, and his freshman year, it all proved to be true. The focus on creating a fun, positive environment is inspiring.
For his second year, we helped his school start their own team (they had been part of a composite in previous years) and my wife and I also became Level 2 coaches. Being directly involved and seeing the amount of work that goes into the league is amazing.
This year we will double the number of riders on our team and I've gotten my Level 3 certification.
This program is so important for giving kids an alternate sports option, since most of them are not the typical 'ball sports' kids. You can watch their self confidence grow as the season progresses. We have everything from national level athletes to first timers on our team, and they all support each other. I wish NICA was around when I was in school!

It's a supportive environment.
I'm a 1st year Level 1 Coach, so at practice I would typically be with the "C" group riders. These kids try hard and it's exciting to see their improvement week to week.

At the 2020 Swazy Redding Race, one of my riders told me of how he gave a "Good Job" to a couple of riders of a different team (our crosstown rivals) as they were riding past him.

The other team riders responded back with a pair of complements and encouraging words for our rider.

This dang near brings a tear to my eye to hear and show the positive spirit of the NICA organization.

NICA is all about Ride your Best and Encourage others no matter who is the stronger rider.
Let's all get safely to the FINISH LINE!

I am a 52-year-old mountain biker, my “ credentials are. certified better ride coach in 2009, professional trail builder, former BMX track operator, former cycling retail store owner Who has educated himself on the sociology and psychology of mountain biking, and this is what I see. Remember, this is my opinion take it as you will, but please consider my credentials before you judge my Review ratingand my comments.
The NICA Program is definitely boosting mountain biking popularity, In the 20 years I have been involved professionally I have seen it grow, but in the last five years exponentially.
A lot because of what the NICA program has done.
As a professional trail builder at a mtb venue I am involved with our first Scholastic race, and what I am seeing is this,

Coaches and students and parents complaining about trail conditions, like for instants, corners. It seems you are Creating the mindset that corners need to be mountain bike specific, if anyone who is reading this knows anything about the progression of mountain Biking, corners have always been a learned skill that could win or lose races.
And somewhere called switchbacks!
It starts with parents complaining how tight the corners are, these are not professional riders making a judgment on something they know little about, it turns into students hearing these comments and taking them is true. Then the worst thing, it turns into a coachs belief that the corner needs to be mountain bike specific, as a trail builder this is very concerning, we are creating a very insecure mountain bike community, a corner, is a corner is a corner when it comes to trail riding, if it is a slop style or a dirt jump line or a race track Etc. etc
Then a corner Has to be specific.
People now are coming up to corners with less gumption, and a whole lot of criticism.
Another thing, trail conditions.
The nica league is bringing the soccer moms and NASCAR dad’s into the community, the soccer moms are saying the trails are too dusty is there something we can do about! our trail system is decomposed granite, and dirt, the slopes are at the angle of repose,or more dirt and decompose granite do not have the fractured surface to lock together So compaction does not work, and the amount of silt in the soil relates to the amount of water it would take to soak a section of trail just to have it duff up again because of the soil type.therefore slopes And a trail of design are very important To maintain a low maintenance status.
Another problem, debris on the side of the trail, either from construction or natural circumstances, it is a common part of mountain biking all across the world! These nica coaches are Grouping parents and Rider’s alike to clean debris off of the side of the trail, if you are on aware of the dangers of pointing out the hazards that are on the side of the trail to your students then you should not be coaching, I have two words, Object fixation!
Now these kids are aware of the things I can stab them on the side of the trail, it is FOOLISH to bring young riders into a trail system and have them focus what is not on the trail, this is out of our control worldwide. There might be situations we can control as we get rid of fallen trees, it is our obligation to take care of the potential hazards of the trees we are working on beside the trail, but it is an overwhelming situation to think we have to look for this all over our trail system never mind across the world.
Your coaches are convincing students that corners have to be mountain bike specific to work, they are excepting feedback From unprofessional riders like soccer moms and NASCAR dad’s about dust conditions and your coaches are pointing out hazardous objects with no concern to object fixation!
The one coach I had the displeasure of conversing with was very abrupt To the young kids, when we grouped up, I had a simple question for everybody. Who is into cross country!?
Who is into Enduro!?
That coach. Spoke up to the students saying, we are a cross country team you better raise your hand for that. That is a narrow minded aspect of any coach, not sure how they’re getting their credentials to call themselves coaches whenever they cannot see that all aspects of cycling works with all aspects of cycling, another words a downhill racer will train on a road bike, a dirt jumper will train on an Enduro bike, it is all crossing over very well and as a coach, if you Do you not see that, again you should not be coaching, at one point that very same coach asked. Me to tell the rest of the volunteer group of kids dads and moms to hurry up and get their asses up here.!

You are changing the mountain biking mindset from a lot of gumption, to a lot of criticizing.
Regards.

My son started on the high school mountain bike team last fall and I immediately saw the amazing things these leagues do and how they create strong minds & bodies through cycling. The events here in Colorado support every single rider regardless of their abilities and strive to be inclusive and welcoming. The races give me shivers they're so positive and just such a great vibe.

I was introduced to this organization via the Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League (FKA Arizona High School Cycling League). The AZ chapter of NICA leadership is incredible and professional. The mtb races are extremely well organized and the kids are all having a blast. The mission is not solely promoting mountain bike racing, it is all about building strong mind, body and spirit. All aspects of the events very focused on inclusivity.

NICA has a lasting and life changing impact on our youth. The NICA program is all inclusive and builds character and a sense of accomplishment in all the kids that participate. It's also the building blocks for an active lifestyle and for America's future Olympic and World Cup Cyclists.

NICA is an amazing organization. I have watched it's growth since it's inception and have seen it change kids lives for the better in so many ways. NICA isn't just about #gettingmorekidsonbikes , it teaches kids camaraderie, competition and gives kids another outlet to gain confidence while growing up in the challenging high school years.
I was a professional cyclist for over twenty years and NICA is by far the coolest thing I've seen and been a part of through out my career. I helped with the 2018 NICA Colorado High School State Championship in my hometown of Durango, CO and will again be helping with the promotion of the race this year. Thank you NICA for everything you do.

Excited to be a new Board Member for NICA and seeing the great things our organization does to get more kids on bikes! Was very excited to recently be involved with locally supporting a team in Fort Mill, South Carolina where they will be very excited to participate in their own league very soon!

Serving as a member of the board of NICA has been an incredibly valuable way to contribute to the education and enrichment of the lives of young adults and kids learning to get out and adventure in a competitive and supportive environment.

This organization touches so many lives. I'm delighted to have had an opportunity to assist this organization.

NICA is getting thousands of young people onto bikes and into a lifelong activity through its wonderful high school mountain bike racing program. Organized bike racing has always been difficult for schools and young people to get involved with, but NICA has found the winning formula that is getting more and more schools competing and enjoying mountain biking. The program is designed to reward participation and teamwork while encouraging and developing athletes at the highest level. I have nothing but admiration and awe for what NICA has achieved.

This is our first season with NICA in Alabama. Everything about this organization has been top notch - great use of our funds, great race experience, great staff, great mission. Seriously - this has been the most positive youth sports experience I have ever been involved in. I am so thankful Alabama has become part of NICA and I look forward to many more years of being a part of this organization.

After my first year with NICA, I am very impressed. The ability of parents to participate and receive training is a great feature. The coaches were super and very supportive. The events were well organized. My only wish is that the season was all year long. My son and I are looking forward to restarting in the winter and improving our skills all summer long. Best sport program I have experienced.

This was our first year with NICA, as our 14 year old son has only biked casually in the past. This has been the best sporting experience we have ever had, and we can't wait for next year. Truly a great organization and nonprofit.

BikeFlights.com is thrilled to support NICA through our Buck Up For Bikes program. The money we raise every year helps get more middle and high school students riding bikes as part of school. What a positive impact NICA chapters bring to those communities!

My first experience with NICA was when the Berkeley High School team rode by my youngster and I while we were resting on our ride in Redwood Park. The student athletes were all incredibly supportive of my son. That just made his day.

I knew the coach of the Berkeley High School team at the time and got involved as an assistant coach. I could tell right away this sport was instrumental in building stronger minds and bodies of students who likely wouldn't otherwise be involved in sports. And they were enjoying the outdoors and gaining an appreciation of nature. The team helped turn around several struggling students and helped them graduate from high school.

Based on this excellent experience, I then joined the NorCal league board of directors. I worked first hand to get more kids riding bikes -- whether or not they wanted to race. Getting more kids on bikes has shown to get significantly more adults and families on bikes as well. The benefits of stronger minds and healthy bodies spreads, as does the love of nature.

Now I am back to being an assistant coach with Galena High School in the NV league. Both my middle and high school boys (young men!) ride with the team and experience considerable benefits, along with many student athletes from our community and many of their parents.

NICA is really a unique non profit. It engages students and families in healthy and beneficial activity beyond what many sports do. We could really use your help! I suggest contacting your local NICA league, or simply NICA HQ if you aren't sure where to begin.

I became involved with NICA in NC when it first started in the state last year as Team Director, coach and parent. Beginning that first year, we have had student athletes ranging from true beginners to those that have been racing for years. NICA, the NC league and all the coaches make sure everyone belongs. I have met many fellow coaches and parents through NICA that share a passion for biking and for helping kids become well-rounded individuals through biking. As a composite team made up of athletes from many different schools, my kids have become friends and riding buddies with people they would never have met otherwise. It has been a great experience for all of us and one we intend to continue with for years to come.

The folks at NICA are super dedicated to getting #morekidsonbikes. Along with thousands of volunteers around the country, they've created a movement that I'm grateful to be a part of.

I've seen the results in North Carolina. The Student-Athletes that I've had the honor of working with have developed a love of the sport that will last them a lifetime - and for those for whom traditional sports aren't a fit, they've found an identity that builds confidence and character.

As a former Board member, coach, and most importantly a parent of three athletes who each participated all four of their high school years it was a high school sports experience like no other. Too many happy contradictions to count. Fiercely competitive yet warm and welcoming to every kid and every family whether an elite competitor or timid beginner. Kids and families on opposing teams form lifelong friendships and cheer for every rider. The commitment to the long season of training and racing while balancing academics is a huge and transforming experience for kids who need that kind of life lesson in responsibility and time management before leaving for college or entering the workforce. I can't think of another high school sport where parents have so many opportunities to participate right along with their kids whether in training or race-day support. What a great whole-family experience!

Our son has participated in a local NICA chapter in Chapel Hill, NC for the past two years. To say he was a beginner last year would be an understatement! After the first practice we were sure he would throw his hands up and never get on his mountain bike again. But through the dedicating coaches and team members, he felt encouraged to keep trying and was probably the most improved kid on the team last year. He willingly signed up to participate again this year and has truly enjoyed the experience. He loves nature and being out in the woods on his bike has become one of his favorite activities. He has also gained confidence about riding around town with friends and trying new things that are at first challenging for him. I can't say enough wonderful things about the dedicated coaches for our local NICA group--they encourage him to push himself and remind him of how far he has come. And we love the emphasis on being students first, and athletes second. I honestly think he concentrates better on his school work after a ride! NICA is an amazing group of professionals who take biking seriously but keep it super fun for the kids.

I am a member of the NICA community in a variety of ways. First 2 of my 3 children have been NICA student-athletes with the third one planning on becoming a student-athlete next year. I have had the benefit of being a volunteer member of the North Carolina NICA League which ultimately led to a position with NICA National. I feel for student-athletes and adults alike NICA is building Strong Mind, Body and Character throughout US communities.

Where to start? This was my son's first season with NICA in Alabama. He's never been a "team sport" kid, but mountain biking captured his attention and he never looked back. The events have been great and well attended and the coaching and mentoring has been top notch. We're really looking forward to next season.

This was my son’s first year of mountain biking and we thouroghly enjoyed it. Each event was run in a professional manner and the student athletes all supported one another. The coaches and volunteers are top notch.

I’ve been a coach and volunteer with the Alabama league since it’s first year, four years ago. I’ve watched the coaches and core staff from across the state change lives of hundreds of kids. If it weren’t for NICA and the Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League, a lot of kids would’ve not had the opportunity to get outside and experience something new and find a niche where they do fit. Kudos to the entire NICA staff, Alabama core staff, and all coaches.

I've been involved with NICA since 2015, as a volunteer and board member. I've seen firsthand -- and had many grateful parents attest to (sometimes tearfully) -- the transformative power of NICA's programs on youth, their families and their communities. Mastering a new skill, setting and achieving goals, and having the opportunity to participate in a team sport are just a few of the benefits that NICA student-athletes experience. In addition, participating youth not only are more active and spend more time outdoors, but they also learn to appreciate our outdoor spaces and the need to build and protect them. Finally, our programs are stimulating economic development in cities and towns across the 23 (and growing!) states in which we operate. I feel fortunate to be involved with this organization, and am grateful to the thousands of volunteers, parents, youth and staff that make NICA the amazing nonprofit that it is!

As a coach and parent I've seen the transformative impacts for the youth at our school. The mountain biking team allows participation for both athletes and non-athletes; racers and adventures, and everyone in between. I especially enjoy hearing the buzz and excitement from the team about their accomplishments, experiences, and looking forward to the next challenge!

I first got involved with NICA as a coach, working to build the women's program for the Berkeley High Team. Such an amazing experience! Their programs help student-athletes gain self-confidence and learn a sport they can continue throughout their lifetime. Their values of inclusivity, equality, strong mind, body and character are clearly visible throughout their programs!