December 21st, 2018
In this issue:

Greetings Friends and Family,

Happy winter solstice, and warm holiday wishes to you and your families. Thank you for being a part of our community!

Reflecting on all we have accomplished together in 2018 I can't help but feel a sense of pride. What began as a small group of incredibly dedicated cycling enthusiasts has blossomed into a vibrant and engaged community. Our staff has been greatly increased and our reach is expanding to all corners of the state.

We closed the 2018 season with nearly 450 registered students, over 250 coaches, and 21 teams. We welcomed our very first public school team in Clearview Regional, and saw the Don Bosco High School Team receive approval to adopt mountain biking as an official school sport. We offered more coaches training, and trained staff from leagues around the country at our events.

Through these accomplishments and more, we have proven that NICA is here to stay in New Jersey, and our future looks so bright. We are expanding opportunities on many fronts, and increasing the value that we provide to our community.

Speaking of community, please take some time over the holiday break, or after the New Year celebrations, to stop in to visit your local bike shop. Did you know that 9 of our teams were either founded by, or are currently managed by bicycle shop employees and/or owners? Each of our other teams is also heavily supported by their local shops.

Now more than ever, they need your support.

Establishing a relationship with your local shop is a wonderful way to expand your circle of friends and community, gain valuable knowledge, and expand your cycling horizons.

2019 is sure to be our best year yet! We have already exceeded registration numbers compared to this time last year. We are working with schools and new potential composite team directors to expand availability statewide. We have brought a new race venue on board in Camden County College. We will offer multiple camp opportunities, and implement many new programs. Stay tuned as we continue to deliver NJ's #mountainbikerevolution!

On behalf of the entire NJICL Staff, please have a wonderful holiday season, and a happy and healthy new year in 2019. Thank you!

Happy trails,

Ken Seebeck
League Director

Attention students! The league's Rules Committee is seeking 2 student volunteers to represent our most important customers, you!

We are looking for two High School student athletes, one male and one female. The rules committee will meet in mid-January and monthly thereafter to review NJ League-specific rules and policies, and if needed make recommendations for change.

This is a wonderful opportunity for student's to help drive the future vision of NICA competition in NJ. Interested students should speak to their head coach and parents about the position, then email info@newjerseymtb.org with "Rules Committee" in the subject line.

Thank you!

Subject to final venue approvals. If anything changes we will post immediately!

We are starting in the south this year and working our way north!

▪ April 14th - Race #1 - The Cruiser at Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ
▪ April 28th - Race #2 - Camp Edge Classic, Alloway, NJ
▪ May 5th - Race #3 - Lewis Morris Mania, Morristown, NJ
▪ May 19th - Race #4 - Chester Challenge, Chester, NJ
▪ June 2nd - Race #5 - Quick Slick Six, Somerset, NJ

▪ June 9th - Season rain reschedule date (if needed). Tentative venue: Six Mile Run

Each year NICA recognizes student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, individuals and partners that have made outstanding contributions to the youth mountain biking movement across the country.

Awards are given out for contributions to the NICA Community, outstanding coaching, student-athlete leadership, athleticism and for those showing courage and contributing to NICA's legacy. Nominations will be accepted through 12/31/2018.

For more information on the individual awards and on the nomination submission process, please click HERE.

If you are interested in furthering the NJICL mission and playing a strategic role in the development of youth mountain biking in New Jersey, we would love to speak with you about joining our Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board meets four times per year and provides program support, fiduciary oversight, and strategic direction to the League Director. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for youth development and embrace the NJICL mission, vision, and values.

Please contact JoAnne Kruse via email for additional information.

Please support your local bicycle shop, which is the hub of our cycling community, and our amazing league and national sponsors, who make all of this possible!