Crossing into uncharted territory requires vision, endurance, stamina and resources. A NICA Trailblazer is an essential spoke in the wheel of the organization, and individuals who step forward and share their resources and financial support strengthen and propel the organization forward. Bringing high school mountain biking coast to coast by 2020 will take the combined effort of many people, and our Trailblazer donors demonstrate their commitment to NICA’s staff, national sponsors, student athletes, coaches and volunteers.

NICA is gaining momentum, and is appreciative of its current Trailblazer team. Please consider joining this highly regarded group today by contacting Rachael Lopes for details on supporting our efforts or click here to donate now. NICA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Russell Hirsch, 2011

Russell is an avid cyclist who picked up the sport to help stay balanced, healthy and connected with the outdoors. With the birth of his son, Russell’s desire to make a positive difference in the lives of kids was ignited. Since then Russell has generously supported programs focused on cycling to improve youth wellness through fitness, nutrition and character building.

Russell is a Managing Director of Prospect Venture Partners. He co-founded Prospect Venture Partners II and III, as dedicated life science funds. Russell holds an M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UCSF and a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Chicago.

Charlie Moore, 2010

Charlie Moore is a native San Franciscan, and loves bike racing of all stripes. He’s a third generation CEO of McGuire Real Estate, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and mother.

Son of shipbuilding industrialist Charles E. Moore, Charlie, 61, is an avid cyclist, is enjoying the progressive growth of high school mountain bike racing on the West Coast, and has been an instrumental financial supporter of the NorCal Racing League since 2007. He is also the founder of the McGuire Professional Cycling Team.

“Most parents and high school children themselves love mountain biking. The sport is growing with such a high adoption rate that in five years most states will have competitive mountain bike racing in their schools. I wish I had the opportunity to race a bike when I was in high school; regrettably no such programs existed back then. I played football (tight end) in high school. I was mostly a bench warmer but I had fun.”

R. Scott Tedro, 2010

R. Scott Tedro founded Sho-Air International, a southern California-based airfreight company specializing in tradeshows and expos in 1985. A relative newcomer to mountain biking in 2004, Tedro, 46, began getting serious about mountain biking, sponsoring a large club before forming a professional team.

“I support organized high school mountain biking for several reasons. The strength of mountain biking is that it can be a healthy, life long hobby. In addition, high school mountain bike racing can offer an alternative to those that prefer cycling or are not confident with the traditional high school sports offered. With organized high school mountain biking, youth can have an active lifestyle in an individual sport that allows all participants of various fitness levels to participate in and enjoy.”