What Is NICA Mountain Biking?

NICA mountain biking is a growing sport that is gaining popularity across the United States and beyond. NICA stands for National Interscholastic Cycling Association, and its mission is to get more kids on bikes by creating an organized racing series for middle-school and high-school aged athletes.

NICA mountain biking races are typically held on trails in parks or other natural areas, such as state forests or conservation areas. Races can include short loops that are timed, longer endurance events, or even shorter skills challenges with obstacles such as logs, rocks and bridges. The courses can be easy to navigate for beginners, but also offer plenty of technical challenges for more advanced riders.

Races are typically held in divisions based on gender, grade level and age group. This allows each rider to compete against others of similar experience and ability levels. NICA also offers a variety of ways to get involved in the sport beyond simply racing; coaches, mentors and volunteers help support the organization’s mission of introducing mountain biking to young riders.

In addition to providing an organized racing series for young athletes, NICA also works to promote mountain biking safety by educating riders about proper riding technique and safety equipment. Helmets are mandatory at all NICA events, and riders must also take a safety course before competing in their first race.

What Is NICA Mountain Biking?

NICA mountain biking is an organized sporting event that allows middle-school and high-school aged athletes to compete against each other in races held on trails in parks or other natural areas. It is designed to promote mountain biking safety through education while offering a fun and competitive way for young riders to get involved with the sport. By providing an organized racing series as well as mentorships and volunteer opportunities, NICA strives to make mountain biking accessible to everyone while encouraging youth participation in this growing sport.