We are pleased to announce the sixth  annual NICA Awards to recognize and celebrate NICA’s outstanding student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate volunteer community that support the high school mountain biking revolution. This year, NICA will be honoring 16 individuals in 11 different award categories. We proudly invite you to this stellar event to learn more about the impact NICA is having.

Benefit Ride

2013 NICA Awards Benefit Ride
2014 NICA Awards Benefit Ride. Photo by Karl Nielsen

 

The festivities will begin with an optional guided mountain bike ride with Todd Wells and Lucas Euser. Come to meet and ride with student athletes, coaches, volunteers, and NICA staff from across the country!

 

UPDATE: Due to major soil saturation on Tilden Park trails, the ride has moved to:

Deer Park Villa

367 Bolinas Road

Fairfax, CA 94930

  • About the Ride

    Weather- While California Winter weather is more moderate than most, we are expecting temperatures 40 – 60 Degrees Fahrenheit and light rain. The trails we plan to ride hold-up very well in wet weather, so will will still ride if it is raining lightly. If the weather forecast changes due to heavy rain or other weather,  you will receive an e-mail with the adjusted plan by Friday at 12:00 PM PST. This webpage will be updated as well.

  • Packing- We recommend knee or leg warmers, arm-warmers and rain jackets in additional to the rest of your school team bike kit and, if applicable, leaders jersey for the photo shoot. We also recommend warm clothes to change into.

  • Bike- Please confirm your name is on the bike list

  • Ride Schedule:

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM Reserved demo bikes set-up and light breakfast

9:15 AM All rider meeting

9:30 AM Ride rolls-out

12:00 PM Lunch

Awards Banquet

The NICA Awards Banquet will be held at Clif Bar and Company, 1451 66th Street, Emeryville, CA, and will get underway at 5:00 pm.  Enjoy fine food and beverages with the people leading the high school mountain biking revolution. Master of Ceremonies Lucas Euser will lead a mulit-media presentation of awards. An additional highlight of the evening will be an inspiring interview with Olympian and cycling superstar Todd Wells chronicling his incredible career.

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2015 NICA Awards Master of Ceremonies Lucas Euser has raced professionally all over the world. Producing consistent results both domestically and internationally. Lucas represented Team USA two times in the World Championships. Lucas defines the pinnacle of his career not by results but receiving the 2014 Jack Kelly Fair Play Award from the US Olympics.
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NICA Awards Special Guest Todd Wells has won fifteen National Championships across multiple disciplines, won the Leadville 100 twice as well as represented the U.S. in three Olympics. When he isn’t racing around the world you can find him hanging out with his family in either Durango or Tucson.
  “If it wasn’t for the NorCal High School mountain bike league, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. NICA is one of the most thriving organizations in our sport today. It was a stepping stone to my collegiate career and then again for my professional career. I’m excited to come back and host the (annual event), providing the same opportunities I had to future generations.”
– Lucas Euser

“I am humbled to be named as a guest of honor at NICA’s annual awards banquet for 2016. I have been involved and inspired by NICA since it blossomed out of the NorCal league seven years ago. The tireless and selfless work by everyone involved is nothing short of amazing, more kids on bikes, what more can you say.”

– Todd Wells

2015 NICA Awards
2014 NICA Awards Recipients. Photo by Karl Nielsen.

Event registration here.

Can’t Attend?

That’s OK! The evening will be streaming LIVE on Periscope, be sure to follow us on Twitter to get in on all the action!

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Awards Banquet Info:

When: January 30, 2016, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where:  Clif Bar and Company, 1451 66th Street, Emeryville, CA,

Parking: There is parking on the street, and over at the Glaushaus Garage on the corner of 65th and Hollis Streets.  Parking is not available in the Clif parking garage.

Air Transportation: The closest airport in Oakland is the Oakland Airport.

Lodging: We recommend Courtyard by Marriott in Emeryville, CA.  They are offering discounted rooms under the NICA group reservation. This location is just one mile from Clif Bar and Company.

Benefit Ride Info

When: January 30, 2016, 9:00AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Deer Park Villa

Parking: Directions to be provided.