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
Join us in celebrating Abbey and Will, this yearβs recipients of the @trekbikes Extraordinary Character Award. π₯
Their resilience, leadership, and compassion embody the very best of our NICA community. Weβre so proud of you both! π
Weβre Hiring! π΄ββοΈ π
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. π€
We`re seeking a strategic, visionary leader to grow our fundraising, partnerships, marketing, and communications effortsβand help us reach 100,000 student-athletes by 2033. π₯
If youβre passionate about youth development, cycling, and building something that truly matters, this could be your ride. π
π Fully remote
πΌ Senior leadership role
π¬ Reports to the President
π Leads Fundraising, Partnerships, Marketing, Comms and Tech
Learn more and apply at nationalmtb.org/nica-careers or click the link in bio π
πΈ: Katie Sox
2024 NICA Community Impact Award: Ann & Paul Miers & Pearson Bruhns π
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. π€―
Joining them in receiving this yearβs award is Pearson Bruhns from Pennsylvania, a student-athlete whose journey shows the power of passion and perseverance. π
From earning his Eagle Scout rank by building a bike repair stand to leading team rides and founding the PICL Junior Advisory Representatives Committee, Pearsonβs leadership and heart have made a lasting impact on the Pennsylvania league and beyond. π₯
As Pearson says:
βThe community is amazingβ¦ Iβve found some of my best friends from the sport.β
Congratulations Ann, Paul, and Pearson! Your dedication has made the NICA community stronger, more welcoming, and full of stoke. β€οΈπ₯
Race prep hustle never stops! π€ Texas Co-League Director Kim Topp is always on the move race prepping, planning, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Itβs a nonstop job, but she makes it look like a good time! Best job ever?? π΄ββοΈπ₯
Why is NICA different? π₯π΄ββοΈ
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. π
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. ππͺ
No tryouts. No cuts. Just more kids on bikes, for life. π
π: Adapted from The Aspen Institute & Project Play
LAST CALL: There`s less than one week left to apply for She Sends x NICA GRiT Grants! Applications Close April 15! π¨
Calling all NICA teams and leagues! This is your chance to grow your GRiT community. The She Sends x NICA GRiT Grant is here to help fund events that:
β
Recruit new female student-athletes and coaches
β
Retain current female riders and coaches through skill-building and community
β
Develop female coach leadership and create more opportunities for women in NICA
Got a great idea for a recruitment ride, skills clinic, or leadership event? Apply before April 15! Letβs keep getting more girls on bikes and more women leading the way. π
Apply now! Link in bio π
NICA Stories
Click here to read more stories from our blog!
December 5, 2024
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The NICA Effect: How 2.9 Miles of Trail Transformed a Community
October 16, 2024
Moms Just Wanna Have Fun(damentals)
October 10, 2024
Finley Scott + IICL mental health campaign: How NICA student-athletes are changing the narrative surrounding mental health
August 16, 2024
A Community That Cares: Brodenβs Story
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