Written by: Gabby Huffman
For the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, trail stewardship is more than just a service activity. It is a core part of what it means to be a mountain biker. Through the Teen Trail Corps program, student-athletes across the state are discovering that taking care of trails is meaningful, empowering, and fun.
This season, the North Carolina NICA League set a bold goal to log 6,000 hours of trail work. Despite major challenges, including access restrictions in the wake of Hurricane Helene, student-athletes and coaches still contributed over 4,000 hours of trail work across the state. That effort translates to nearly $140,000 in volunteer-value invested back into the communities where these athletes live and ride. According to League Director Brian Russell, this investment is one of the key reasons North Carolina communities welcome NICA events and support new teams.
A big part of the program’s success has come from elevating student leadership. This season, the league expanded its TTC Ambassador program from three student leaders to twelve. In these positions, students guide and mentor their peers in trail projects and safety practices.
“I enjoy working on a trail, then asking other riders what they think of it,” said TTC Ambassador Elias Droke. These student leaders are creating a positive ripple effect across the league, inspiring others to get involved and take pride in their work.
Trail Week was another major highlight of the season. North Carolina set out to complete 1,000 hours of trail work in just one week, finishing the project with 1,009 hours logged. Every student who participated received a custom sticker and badge, and the top team earned a recognition flag! These types of acknowledgements go a long way in reinforcing the value of giving back, but Programs Director Chelle Frost emphasized that this program is not just about prizes“Our TTC recognition is less about competition and more about collectively inspiring each other to make a significant impact,” she shared.
The story of student-athlete Andrew Boccolucci captures this spirit perfectly. Andrew worked hard all season with the goal of making it to the top of the TTC podium, an honor earned by the student with the most TTC hours. When he earned it, the pride felt across the league was electric.
His accomplishment is a testament to the inclusive and empowering environment that TTC creates, where every student has the chance to lead, grow, and be recognized.
North Carolina’s approach to Teen Trail Corps is a model for what is possible when trail work is fully integrated into youth mountain biking. The league has shown that with the right structure, support, and culture, stewardship can be one of the most powerful and rewarding parts of the NICA experience.
On this National Trails Day, we celebrate the North Carolina League and every student-athlete who picked up a tool, gave their time, and made our trails better for everyone!
When you support NICA, you support life-changing moments, an inclusive community, and a re-imagined youth sports experience.
Check Out More Stories!
Marion’s Story: from NICA Parent to Lifelong Mountain Biker and Community Advocate
National Trails Day: North Carolina League’s Trailblazing TTC Impact
Generations of Trail Stewards: Building Community, One Trail at a Time
From the Racecourse to Retail: NICA Student Athletes Launch RideLens Sunglasses
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