Ann Miers here from the beautiful state of Nevada (North) where we are still restricted in what we can do, no more than 50 people gathering and 25 people per day in a park, but you can go to a casino (makes zero sense)… It’s been a super big challenge for our league this season and sadly Nevada remains one of five states where youth have not gone “back to play.”
Vanessa Hauswald signed on as the very first League Director for NICA and has been the Director for The NorCal League for over 10 years now. She has seen NICA grow to 31 leagues and has been an incredible influencer in NICA’s growth and success. She is an inspiring leader, empowering organizer, and courageous cancer survivor. Her infectious optimism and joy for “just riding around on dirt” will inspire you.
Meg Fisher won Paralympic gold, silver and Bronze medals in the Rio 2016 and London 2012 games and ten world championships and is a NICA Coach for the Montana League. Meg’s road to success has not been easy. At 19 years old she was involved in a tragic car accident that nearly killed her. She survived a coma and lost the lower portion of her left leg. Meg worked hard to heal and move beyond her new physical limitations. Today, she is dedicated to helping erase limits, change lives, and demonstrate the capacity of the human body and spirit.
Shimano Live Host and Pro CX Racer Andrew Juiliano speaks with NICA President Steve Matous about getting more kids on bikes even during this exceptional time. While the huge race campouts, where thousands of student athletes and their families gather for weekends of two wheeled fun, garner much of the attention, NICA is about more than just race days. From adventure rides to trail work weekends, the organization aims to use cycling to build character and community while fostering lifelong friendships and a love for an active lifestyle.
In honor of Father’s Day this month – we caught up with Texas’s new League Director, Adam Finck. This father of two has been involved with the Texas League since it was launched in 2012, first as a head coach for the Lubbock Bombers and now as the new Texas League Director.
As we head toward what in any other year would be spring league championships, proms, senior pranks and graduation, our hearts go out to our Class of 2020 Seniors. We are proud of what you’ve accomplished as students, athletes, role models and mentors throughout your time with NICA and are thankful that you chose to make NICA part of your middle and high school career. From across the country – here are some snapshots and spotlights on some of our awesome Class of 2020.
When the recent COVID-19 restrictions put a sudden halt to NICA’s spring 2020 in-person activities, that didn’t deter Bella Hyser with the Alabama League from continuing to ride and connect with her fellow student-athletes while still staying safe.
In celebration of Women’s History Month – we’re proud to highlight female student-athletes and coaches across NICA who are making a positive impact to our community. Coaches Cathy Witt and Becky Redett from the Maryland League formed an all-female team last year to introduce Baltimore City youth to the sport of mountain biking. Partnering with a local middle school, Commodore John Rodgers and the nearby Julie Community Center, the team practiced at Patterson Park, a historic 295 acre park located in the heart of Baltimore city. Thus, the Patterson Park Mountain Bike team was created!
Around the same time NICA was being formed on the west coast, Craig Dodson formed the Richmond Cycling Corps on the east coast. Now under the direction of Matt Kuhn, we caught up with Matt to find out how the Richmond Cycling Corps is changing lives and empowering Richmond’s urban youth through cycling.
As part of our 2019 Share the Ride Campaign – Western Spirit Cycling Adventures donated a trip to one lucky NICA Sustainer! NICA Sustainers are individuals who have committed to helping us get #morekidsonbikes and are impacting the future of cycling through continued annual giving.