Join us on November 10-12, 2023, as we gather at the beautiful Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, Maryland, for an extraordinary celebration of youth mountain biking!
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and eleven NICA leagues proudly present our first-ever regional championships and youth mountain biking festival, bringing together NICA programs from across the eastern seaboard.
We get kids on bikes. We are outside going places. We are stoking a life-long passion for riding. The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.
An Unforgettable Experience Awaits!
Get ready for a weekend filled with unforgettable moments. Our festival aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment, encouraging young riders to revel in the thrill of mountain biking and connect with their peers. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:
Racing
In NICA’s first regional race, this invitation-only event brings together riders from across the East Coast, allowing them to test their abilities against the region’s best.
Invitations are granted by leagues based on riders' outstanding performances in previous races. Qualifying high school students will receive invitations to register from their league. Students from the 11 participating leagues are invited as follows:
- All HS Girls – automatic qualification
- All Varsity racers – automatic qualification
- Top 15 Freshman/Sophomore/JV male racers from each participating league
Qualifying riders must register to race, using the information provided by their league, in order to compete. Race registration includes access to all Adventure, GRiT and non-racing activities.

Adventure Rides
Immerse yourself in the spirit of NICA! Any current NICA athlete (from any league), as well as any interested 6th-12th graders, can join guided rides on the beautiful trails surrounding the venue. No matter their skill level, speed, or experience, students will get to enjoy the outdoors on two-wheels, with a few pit stops for fun activities and games.
To register, click below and register in one of the general admission categories.
Note: Adventure participation is included with any race registration–you do not need a general admission registration if you are racing.

GRiT (Girls Riding Together) Ride and Activities
Join us for the largest GRiT ride ever! Open to all female NICA athletes and coaches, as well as any interested women and 6th-12th grade girls, our GRiT ride will be a fun, inclusive and welcoming space for all female-identifying riders to explore the trails and get more girls on bikes! The weekend’s GRiT activities will also include female-only clinics and fun off-the-bike activities.
To register, click below and register in one of the general admission categories.
Note: GRiT participation is included with any race registration–you do not need a general admission registration if you are racing.
Trek Hype Zone–Fun for the Entire Family!
Anyone, whether or not they are current NICA athletes or coaches, are invited to join us for our on and off the bike games, skills courses, and clinics, centered in the Trek Hype Zone! Bring your bikes or grab a demo, and try out the pump track and mini skills course. Sign up for a skills clinic led by top coaches. Enjoy some friendly (and ridiculous) competitions, like a mini-bike challenge.
And There's More...
Vendor Expo
Join us for our weekend-long expo, where your favorite local and national brands are holding exciting events, offering swag, and hyping us up for rides! Your favorite professional athletes will also be hanging here, signing autographs and sharing their expertise.
Are you or your company interested in exhibiting at this event? Please contact us at partnerships@nationalmtb.org for more information!
Camping & Entertainment
There’s nothing quite like the energy of our community bonding beneath the stars! Experience the camaraderie of NICA by camping at the venue. Tents and RV’s are permitted.
In addition to staying onsite, all attendees will enjoy food trucks, music, and a festive atmosphere unlike any other.
Click here to register for a camping spot.
Support This Event!
Exhibit in Our Expo
Whether you’d like to exhibit, or sponsor this one-of-a-kind event, we’d love to work with you! Please contact us at partnerships@nationalmtb.org for more information!
Volunteer with NICA
Do you want to help make this event possible? Anyone is welcome to join us as a volunteer! Whether you are a local cyclist, a parent, or just a community member looking to make an impact, volunteering with NICA is a great way to get #MoreKidsOnBikes!
Mark Your Calendar!
Don't miss out on this landmark event in the world of youth mountain biking. Save the date for November 10-12, 2023, and join us at Fair Hill, Maryland, for a weekend that promises thrills, camaraderie, and endless fun.
Stay tuned for more updates and registration information, coming soon!
Gear up, get excited, and prepare for an unforgettable NICA regional championship and celebration like no other! See you on the trails!