National Interscholastic Cycling Association

At NICA, we believe that mountain biking is more than just a sport – it’s a way to build friendships, develop skills, and have a ton of fun! Our community is welcoming to riders of all levels and backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels included and supported. 🌟 From practice rides to team events, NICA is where a love for riding meets a sense of belonging. Join us and experience the joy, camaraderie, and adventure that makes NICA so special. 🤗 📸: Anthony James #NICA #Community #NICAFamily

🎉 Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🎉 We're seeking a passionate and driven Development Manager to join our dynamic team! Reporting to our VP of Development, this full-time role is perfect for someone ready to lead fundraising campaigns, manage systems and databases, and contribute to grant writing and administration. Visit: https://bit.ly/48Q1Nyj for details

Feast your eyes on this gorgeous piece of art! This collaboration with Trek Bicycle to celebrate NICA was custom-painted by the fine folks at @airtrix (yep, they’re responsible of some of your favorite rider’s custom helmets 🐂). The design is inspired by NICA riders who are making waves across all levels of our sport, spreading NICA’s core values of fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community. See it in action again TOMORROW when Madigan takes on the U23 XCO race in Les Gets, France. 🚵♀️ #MoreKidsOnBikes 🎥 @wearepeny #TrekBikes #NICA #TrekFactoryRacing

NICA values = what it's all about. ✨ Madigan Munro started riding bikes as a kid with her local NICA team…and now she’s traveling the world to shred singletrack and share podiums with the fastest women in the world. And while speed is the name of the game on the World Cup track, Madigan also shines with her energy, positivity, and humor, embodying NICA’s core values of fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community. 🏆 To honor Maddie’s roots, we’ve teamed up with Trek Bicycle Factory Racing to create a one-of-a-kind collaboration for Madigan to wear in Les Gets, France this weekend…and you can win a helmet with the same design! 🤗 Now through July 26, you can enter to win this once-in-a-lifetime custom helmet. 🔥 Enter to win and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gFPunu_s 🎥 @wearepeny #NICA #TrekBikes #TrekFactoryRacing

Alumni Highlight: Bailey Cioppa 🌟 🚲 Team/League: Colorado NICA League / Durango High School ⏰ Years Involved: 4 years 📍 Current Endeavors: Bailey is living in Durango, Colorado, attending Fort Lewis College, and studying biology. She races for Bear National Team, focusing on major UCI races in the US and some world cups, and competes for the Fort Lewis collegiate program in the fall! 💭 How NICA Has Impacted Bailey: Bailey's journey with NICA began without podium finishes, teaching her to trust the process and keep showing up. These early lessons in perseverance and dedication have shaped her current approach to racing, where competing against some of the best in the world often means not being on the podium. Yet, Bailey continues to work hard, knowing that her efforts will pay off someday. Bailey's story is a testament to the values NICA instills: resilience, determination, and the importance of showing up. We're proud to have her as one of our Alumni Network founding members, inspiring future generations of cyclists. To learn more about the Alumni Network, click here: https://lnkd.in/gc8bradZ 📸: courtesy of Bailey #NICAAlumni #CyclingJourney #NICAAlumniNetwork

Congratulations to NICA Outstanding Team Award Winners, The South City Composite Otters! 🌟 South City Composite Otters are from St. Louis, MO and despite being an urban team far from mountain bike trails, they thrive on fun, inclusivity, and community. Their diverse team reflects their vibrant city, and they are dedicated to making mountain biking accessible to traditionally underrepresented groups. Congratulations, again Otters! 👏 📸: courtesy of Sarah Pointer #NICA #Missouri #NICAAwards

Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness 🧠 More conversations are happening about the importance of mental wellness for student-athletes. Communities, schools, trainers, parents, and coaches play a vital role in this effort. Dr. Jennifer Royer, Senior Director of TrueSport, highlights that healthy systems are essential for healthy athletes. Research shows that sport can protect mental health, but athletes need resources and supportive relationships to thrive. Prioritizing mental wellbeing and creating a supportive sport culture is crucial. At NICA, we are committed to supporting the mental health of our athletes through a strong community network. 🔗 Click here to read the full article: https://shorturl.at/LM9VG 📸: Joshua Grow #MentalWellness #NICA #MentalHealthMatters

Reflecting on an inspiring week at the NICA National Conference! 🌟 Keynotes by Danny Twilley, John O’Sullivan, Marley Blonsky, and insights from David Van Dyck, Kim Topp, Pat Sullivan, Amanda Carey, Dallen Atack, Em Meier, Emily Green, Mike McGarry, and Sean Pantellere. From coach development to inclusive cycling and impactful storytelling, we explored it all. With NICA staff leading the way, leaders from leagues across the country united for a powerful weekend of growth and collaboration. Together, we’re shaping the future of youth cycling. Thank you to: Trek Bicycle, SRAM, LLC, Borah Teamwear, TC Screen Printing, University of Arkansas, Experience Fayetteville, AR, & Squirt Cycling Products Canada 📸: Flannery Allison #NICAConference2024 #LeadershipInAction #YouthCycling

Summer Family Cycling Guide! Here are some mountain biking tips for the whole family to keep the mountain bike fun going all summer long 🤩 💨 Start Slow: Gradually increase the length and difficulty of rides. ➡️ Skills Practice: Spend time practicing basic skills like braking and turning 🌲 Encourage Independence: Allow kids to lead or choose the route occasionally. 👏 Positive Reinforcement: Praise efforts and progress to build confidence. 👩👩👧👧: Set family challenges to foster teamwork and motivation. 📸: DH Photography #Summer #CyclingTips #NICA

NICA's Coach Education team is growing in 2024! 🎊 Meet Diana Allen, Jessica Harmening, and Mike McGarry, who bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles. Diana, with her background in coaching and education, is dedicated to making mountain biking accessible for all. Jessica's journey from educator to NICA Coach of the Year to Coach Education Manager showcases her commitment to building positive team cultures. And Mike's infectious positivity and coaching expertise make him a vital asset to NICA's mission. Together, they're empowering coaches nationwide to be the best they can be. 💪 #NICA #CoachEducation #NICAStaff