While many of us are still digging out from winter storms - the 2020 NICA season is well underway with the Texas League kicking off their season the last weekend in January, the Alabama League’s first weekend event was late February and we are excited to see the Florida League launch and the Nevada South Region start their second season this coming weekend.

Visiting our many leagues and communities is giving me a great opportunity to connect with coaches, parents, student-athletes and volunteers, and gain a better understanding of the individuals that make up the NICA community. It has been extremely energizing to see that our community is reflective of our values - a community of people who are fun, inclusive, and respectful.

As we celebrate African American History Month in February, I’d like to focus on our values of inclusivity, equity and the individuals who exemplify those values. NICA’s values of inclusivity, where everyone is welcomed, respected and supported, and equity, for which we are committed to fair treatment, equal access, and opportunity is creating a community that strives to welcome and encourage participation by all. Later on we’ll introduce you to the Richmond Cycling Corps - a cycling program for urban youth in Richmond, Virginia that uses the bike as a tool to enact social change. The team did not participate in races at first, but upon connecting with our Virginia League they have become an integral part of that league’s community.

NICA events and programs are more than racing and training - they serve to create communities and foster environments that are for anyone who wants to experience the joy of riding a mountain bike where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate. As we continue to grow across the country, I look forward to seeing our values not just evident at NICA events, but also ingrained in the broad community of which NICA is an integral part.

Best Regards,
Steve

Spring Season Kickoff

Spring race season is here! Texas kicked off the 2020 NICA season January 26th at the Tangle in Troy with nearly 550 student-athletes participating. Alabama started their season with a Prologue Time Trial at the Black Creek Trails on February 23rd and we are looking to the Florida League’s Inaugural Race on February 29th as well as the Nevada League’s South Region starting their second season on February 29th as well.

Can't Stop. Won't Stop. Richmond Cycling Corps

In celebration of African American History Month - we caught up with Matt Kuhn, Director of the Richmond Cycling Corps to learn more about the program and how the Richmond Cycling Corps is changing lives and empowering Richmond Virginia’s urban youth through cycling. Read more HERE.

NICA Attends FrostBike

In early February NICA was invited to attend FrostBike, Quality Bicycle Product’s (QBP) annual dealer and partner event in Denver, Colorado. NICA President, Steve Matous, Vice President of Development and Partnerships, Kristine Urritia, Partnerships Coordinator, Ricardo Mejia and Development Manager, Nic Sims were in attendance. Throughout the conference the team met with industry professionals, bike shop owners, and members of the NICA community.

Thank you to those who attended and shared their NICA experience with us. It was so awesome to hear stories of the NICA magic happening in communities throughout the U.S. Lastly THANK YOU to QBP for the invitation and hospitality, we were super stoked to be invited!