About
National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Youth Mountain Biking Leagues focus on mountain biking through events, racing, and team practices. The program also includes NICA Coach Education, Teen Trail Corps, NICA GRiT, NICA Adventure, and trail stewardship activities. NICA uses mountain bikes as a tool to build strong minds, bodies, character, and community, and believes bikes are powerful tools to build strength, resilience, and character within a supportive community.
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) started in Berkeley, California, USA in 2009. NICA supports a network of over 25,000 young riders and 15,000 adult coaches, and its 33 leagues provide infrastructure, services, events, and leadership for 1,055 teams across the country. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, NICA relies on supporters and donations.
NICA states that there are no selections and no sidelines, and that everyone rides and trains together in an inclusive “challenge by choice” supportive team environment. NICA’s programs avoid virtual formats and focus on getting kids off screens, outside, active, and connected to each other and to their own mind, body, and confidence. NICA identifies inclusivity as a core value and rejects the “up or out” approach common in many youth sports. The program also highlights “No tryouts. No bench. #EveryoneRides.”
NICA’s mission explains that through local teams, trained coaches, and world-class events, NICA helps young people thrive both on and off the bike, building confidence, leadership, friendships, and making the world a better place. Community involvement includes trail stewardship and initiatives to get more girls and women on bikes, and NICA notes that its programs meet kids where they are.
Leadership roles include NICA President Amanda Carey and New League Inquiries contact Melissa Davies. League leaders include, among others, NorCal High School Cycling League Executive Director Vanessa Hauswald, Utah High School Cycling League Executive Director Dallen Atack, Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League Executive Director Renee Griswold, Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League League Director Jen Harrelson, and Florida Interscholastic Cycling League League Director Maxwell Gledhill.
Parent and community testimonials describe individual experiences with the program. One parent reports that being on a NICA team has boosted their son’s confidence and given him joy, and that biking has been one of the best things their family has done. Another testimonial from Oregon League photographer and NICA supporter Katie Sox states that NICA is doing a favor to the cycling industry, youth sports, and society, that the program creates a space where lifelong cyclists are born and personal growth is fostered, and that participants can take part at the level that suits them, including student-athletes, coaches, and families.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) started in Berkeley, California, USA in 2009. NICA supports a network of over 25,000 young riders and 15,000 adult coaches, and its 33 leagues provide infrastructure, services, events, and leadership for 1,055 teams across the country. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, NICA relies on supporters and donations.
NICA states that there are no selections and no sidelines, and that everyone rides and trains together in an inclusive “challenge by choice” supportive team environment. NICA’s programs avoid virtual formats and focus on getting kids off screens, outside, active, and connected to each other and to their own mind, body, and confidence. NICA identifies inclusivity as a core value and rejects the “up or out” approach common in many youth sports. The program also highlights “No tryouts. No bench. #EveryoneRides.”
NICA’s mission explains that through local teams, trained coaches, and world-class events, NICA helps young people thrive both on and off the bike, building confidence, leadership, friendships, and making the world a better place. Community involvement includes trail stewardship and initiatives to get more girls and women on bikes, and NICA notes that its programs meet kids where they are.
Leadership roles include NICA President Amanda Carey and New League Inquiries contact Melissa Davies. League leaders include, among others, NorCal High School Cycling League Executive Director Vanessa Hauswald, Utah High School Cycling League Executive Director Dallen Atack, Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League Executive Director Renee Griswold, Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League League Director Jen Harrelson, and Florida Interscholastic Cycling League League Director Maxwell Gledhill.
Parent and community testimonials describe individual experiences with the program. One parent reports that being on a NICA team has boosted their son’s confidence and given him joy, and that biking has been one of the best things their family has done. Another testimonial from Oregon League photographer and NICA supporter Katie Sox states that NICA is doing a favor to the cycling industry, youth sports, and society, that the program creates a space where lifelong cyclists are born and personal growth is fostered, and that participants can take part at the level that suits them, including student-athletes, coaches, and families.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
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