NICA is not just about bikes…
NICA is about creating lifelong cyclists and redefining youth sports. By fostering inclusivity and empowerment, NICA transforms how kids grow and perceive the world. We're building a community where everyone rides... cultivating resilience, confidence, and passion.
Discover how NICA is revolutionizing youth sports and shaping the future »
Who We Are
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.
Coach With NICA
NICA coaches are role models and teachers who are open to learning the best practices of youth mountain bike coaching and actively work to hone their leadership skills on and off the bike.
Find Your League
Leagues fulfill NICA's mission, improving the lives of teens and positively impacting communities by providing a high-quality, safe and fun interscholastic mountain bike program.
NICA exists because of the generous support of our founding partners, national partners, and donors like you. If the interscholastic cycling movement moves you, please consider donating and help get one more kid on a bike!
NICA is More Than Racing...
NICA began as a race organization. Over the years, NICA has expanded to be inclusive of many stories: from trail stewardship, to girls riding together, to adventure by bike, our programs showcase the depth of our community and initiatives.
FEATURED PROGRAM:
NICA GRiT - Girls Riding Together
GRiT recognizes the need to get more girls on bikes. GRiT's goal is to empower female student-athlete's to make their mark, on or off the bike. All NICA leagues have an individual GRiT Coordinator to implement programming from the NICA GRiT Tool box and events at the league level.
NICA Social Media
Sea Otter is often called the ultimate bike family reunion...this year, we *definitely* felt the love as exhibitors! 🎉
We kicked things off with our awesome friends at @tcscreenprinting, who brought ALL the good vibes (and the best NICA gear!). 🕺 🪩
Throughout the week, we connected with our rad NICA partners, caught up with old friends, made some new ones, and had countless inspiring convos with NICA athletes, coaches, and parents. Our hearts are full and we’re already counting down the days ‘til next year! 🌟
Huge thanks to @lifetime.life & @lifetime.foundation for making it possible for us to be part of events like this. And an extra shout-out to our amazing partners who helped us bring the NICA spirit to life:
- @tcscreenprinting for leveling up the merch game and creating an inviting hub for connection
- @trekbikes, @trekdriftless, and @haleyhuntersmith for hosting an inspiring chat on riding, goal-setting, and finding balance as an athlete
- @thehannahotto for carving out time during a packed weekend to meet with athletes one-on-one
- @norcalleague for leading a beautiful pre-ride on the Fuego XC course exclusively for NICA athletes
And of course, THANK YOU to all our incredible partners who joined our SEA OTTER SIDE QUEST and displayed their NICA pride during the festival!
@trekbikes @srammtb @shimanomtb @rideshimano @iamspecialized @iamspecialized_mtb @sarisofficial @yakimaracks @rudyprojectna @crankbrothers @competitivecyclist @feedbacksports @chargelusa @velocirax @bikeflights @bikesonline.usa
Join us in celebrating Abbey and Will, this year’s recipients of the @trekbikes Extraordinary Character Award. 💥
Their resilience, leadership, and compassion embody the very best of our NICA community. We’re so proud of you both! 💛
We’re Hiring! 🚴♂️ 🎉
NICA is looking for a VP of Development to help us take our mission to the next level: empowering youth through cycling and building stronger, more connected communities. 🤝
We`re seeking a strategic, visionary leader to grow our fundraising, partnerships, marketing, and communications efforts—and help us reach 100,000 student-athletes by 2033. 💥
If you’re passionate about youth development, cycling, and building something that truly matters, this could be your ride. 🌟
📍 Fully remote
💼 Senior leadership role
💬 Reports to the President
🛠 Leads Fundraising, Partnerships, Marketing, Comms and Tech
Learn more and apply at nationalmtb.org/nica-careers or click the link in bio 🔗
📸: Katie Sox
2024 NICA Community Impact Award: Ann & Paul Miers & Pearson Bruhns 🏅
Ann and Paul Miers have transformed mountain biking in Northern Nevada. From founding the Galena MTB Team to helping launch the league and mentoring coaches and athletes, their impact is unmatched. 🤯
Joining them in receiving this year’s award is Pearson Bruhns from Pennsylvania, a student-athlete whose journey shows the power of passion and perseverance. 🌟
From earning his Eagle Scout rank by building a bike repair stand to leading team rides and founding the PICL Junior Advisory Representatives Committee, Pearson’s leadership and heart have made a lasting impact on the Pennsylvania league and beyond. 💥
As Pearson says:
“The community is amazing… I’ve found some of my best friends from the sport.”
Congratulations Ann, Paul, and Pearson! Your dedication has made the NICA community stronger, more welcoming, and full of stoke. ❤️🔥
Race prep hustle never stops! 🤘 Texas Co-League Director Kim Topp is always on the move race prepping, planning, and making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s a nonstop job, but she makes it look like a good time! Best job ever?? 🚴♂️🔥
Why is NICA different? 💥🚴♀️
Many traditional youth sports follow a pyramid model, where only a select few make it to the top. This system leaves many young athletes behind, whether due to late development, financial or access barriers, or ability level. 😞
At NICA, we embrace a model that creates lifelong athletes at all levels. Instead of a narrow path to elite competition, we strive to build a broad foundation of physical literacy and offer recreational, competitive, and elite opportunities for everyone. 🌎💪
No tryouts. No cuts. Just more kids on bikes, for life. 🌟
📊: Adapted from The Aspen Institute & Project Play
NICA Stories
Click here to read more stories from our blog!
December 5, 2024
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