Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than spending time on bikes with NICA student-athletes and their coaches during team practices! However, with the spring leagues approaching their respective state championships, I can tell you that all participants' fitness levels are peaking and carrying on conversations while riding is not easy!

It was great to spend time with many of our supporters and to see so many NICA alums and current student-athletes competing at the Sea Otter Classic. The future of cycling is looking brighter by the day as our efforts continue to expand across the country while we simultaneously build stronger partnerships with like-minded organizations committed to getting #morekidsonbikes.

Ride safely and thanks for your involvement! Sincerely, Austin

PS. Maybe time for a new NICA kit, league specific t-shirt, or pair of limited-edition socks for the summer?

NICA Visits Colorado In June

Let the drums roll for NICA’s Annual Conference! At the end of June, leaders of the national interscholastic mountain bike movement (like your League Director!) will meet to raise the roof, inspire and collaborate to get more kids on bikes. But wait, it gets better!...You get to participate via live videos and chats that will be posted during the conference. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get in on all the action!

Who do you want recognized at the next NICA Awards?

The time is now to recognize outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers in your own league! Don’t miss out! NICA Annual Award nominations are due June 1st for Spring Leagues, Fall Leagues will also have the opportunity to nominate; stay tuned for this deadline.

Submit a nomination

Read about the 2015 recipients and watch their acceptance speeches

How to Have an Unforgettable Sea Otter Experience

This year’s Sea Otter Classic was one for the record books! Get a behind-the-scenes look at a student-athlete’s race experience, learn a record-breaking statistic about the LUNA Chix Pro Team, find out who received some major love from Feedback Sports, and discover which pros were spotted playing the #NICAsockgame!<-

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May’s Point of View: Jesús

Every few months we tell a story from within our NICA family that exemplifies the meaningful impact our programs have for all involved. We want to hear your stories!

Send us an email at content@nationalmtb.org with the subject: “Point of View.”

This month’s story comes from Jesús, a sophomore on NorCal’s Oakland Composite High School Mountain Bike Team / Skyline High School team. Last year was his first year learning to ride a bike and racing – on one of the team’s loaner bikes. Last year his goal was to finish every race he started. And he did – he finished every single race in last place. But he never quit...

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Meet The Spring League Directors: Vanessa Hauswald, NorCal League

Vanessa has directed the NorCal League since 2010, and has also served as a volunteer, board member and coach for the organization.

A native Californian, she spent many years as a high school teacher before taking over as League Director, when the NorCal model burgeoned into a national movement. Vanessa is a proud cancer survivor, and Juliana Bicycles ambassador, and uses her role and life experience to eagerly support the growth and development of the sport.

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NICA & Little Bellas Want #MoreGirlsOnBikes

All bikes have two wheels. Likewise, great collaborations enable more momentum. Little Bellas shares a common goal with NICA. That goal is #MoreGirlsOnBikes, and together, we will work to build the sport of mountain biking among young women while co-promoting each organization.

“We are excited to partner with NICA to create more competitive opportunities for our growing Little Bellas and create mentoring opportunities for both NICA coaches and student-athletes. We feel this partnership will create more competitive and noncompetitive options for female riders of all ages and ultimately grow female participation in the sport.“
– Sabra Davison, Director

Learn more about Little Bellas

New Foundation for Kids with ADHD Launched

Specialized Bicycles has created a new program "Riding for Focus" to introduce students to cycling's positive effects on health, wellbeing, and academic performance, with a particular focus on students with learning differences like ADHD. Participants will receive extensive support, including equipment and training, with the aim of building a lasting program that makes cycling an integral part of the school day.

Learn more about how to get involved