Celebrating NICA Seniors

by Web AdminGRiT, Leagues, Racing, Student-Athletes, TeamsPosted on Comments are Disabled

June is a great time to get out for a ride! With the weather warming and summer vacations being booked to mountain bike hotspots, NICA families have lots to look forward to.It’s also time for graduation. Teams across the country are celebrating their beloved senior riders. Whether moving on to a collegiate team, signing up to coach, or just commuting around town, NICA’s newest alumni are entering the next stage of their lives with their bikes and their communities by their side.

Shred for your Head

by Web AdminCoaching, Leagues, Student-Athletes, TeamsPosted on Comments are Disabled

With May bringing a focus on mental health awareness, we want to feature one of our coaches who recognizes and teaches the interdependence of physical and mental health. This coach’s message of “shred for your head” is a powerful one that emphasizes the importance of mental health in the context of sports and physical activity. By promoting balance in training, the coach is setting student-athletes up for success, both on and off the bike.

Pedaling Forward: How Buying a Bike Shop Ignited Community Passion and Empowered Local Cycling Culture

by Web AdminLeagues, Racing, Student-Athletes, TeamsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Through their efforts, Deanna and her husband have not only saved a struggling business but have also brought people together around a shared interest, creating a sense of belonging and support within their local community. This serves as a testament to the power of community-building and the impact that NICA has in bringing people together.

A Utah Coach with GRiT

by Web AdminCoaching, GRiT, Leadership, Leagues, Racing, Student-Athletes, TeamsPosted on Comments are Disabled

NICA coaches are trained to emphasize values like teamwork, sportsmanship, and mutual respect, and to create an environment where athletes feel supported and encouraged to take risks and push themselves to achieve their goals. This includes recognizing and celebrating the achievements of all athletes, regardless of their level of ability or performance, and encouraging athletes to support each other through both successes and setbacks.

Mountain Bikers Should Be Environmental Stewards

by Web AdminLeagues, Student-Athletes, Teen Trail CorpsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Senior Molly Kaplan recently won the Teen Trail Corps Captain award for her work in the Pennsylvania NICA league. She went from knowing absolutely nothing about mountain biking to becoming a passionate biker and advocate for trail maintenance. She led her team on several trail clean ups, and passed along her newfound knowledge with the hope of inspiring others to care for the trails and environment as
much as she does.

Cycling is a Place for All

by Web AdminCoaching, Leagues, Student-Athletes, TeamsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Coach John Buchanan welcomed two new riders to the Linganore Mountain Bike Team in Maryland in September. A pair of siblings moved from Texas with their family so that their father and older brother could receive medical care for severe illnesses. Although it has been a very difficult time for everyone involved, Coach John shares how he has seen joy expand throughout the family since they joined NICA.