Single Track Times – October
Season XIV is here! Are you and your student-athlete are ready to hit the trails? We’ve got some updates to be sure you are ready for the official start of the regular season on November 1.
Are You Practice Ready?
Practice Ready in Pit Zone
Are you Practice Ready in Pit Zone? This means all of your team fees have been paid and your registration is complete. You’ll know you are practice ready if your rider profile in Pit Zone has a green check-mark and says, “2025 season registration is complete and payment has been received.” You need to have this check mark in your profile before you can ride with your team. If you need help determining whether or not you are practice ready in Pit Zone, talk to your Head Coach or Team Director.
Practice Ready on the Bike
- Is your bike in working order? If it needs a tune-up, make an appointment with your local shop ASAP. PRO TIP: All local Trek stores offer NICA discounts!
- Is your bike clean? Give your bike a good wash. Be sure to thoroughly clean and lube your chain!
- Do your bike clothes still fit? If your riding shorts, jersey, helmet, or gloves are a little too snug, consider replacing them before practice starts. PRO TIP: Rudy Project offers mtb helmets to NICA athletes at up to 50% off!
- Are you stocked up on hydration and snacks? Plan to come to each practice with at least one full water bottle (or two if it’s very warm and/or for longer practice days) and at least one snack (like some form of nutrition bar or other calorie-dense snack). PRO TIP: Our partners at The Feed offer sponsorships to all NICA student athletes. Activate your sponsorship here.
- Do you have a kit of tools, tubes, and other bike gear? You should always carry a bicycle multi-tool, a spare tube (appropriately sized for your bike), tire levers, and a mini-pump in case you have to fix your tire on the trail.
NEW: TX NICA Kit Closet
Need gear for the season? The Texas NICA Kit Closet is here to help. Thanks to generous partners, we have new cycling clothing available for any student-athlete without a practice kit for the season. We have various items in assorted sizes. If your student-athlete needs new gear, reach out to us at info@texasmtb.org with the student’s size and any specific needs. We will send as much gear as we have for a small $10 shipping fee.
Subject to availability. Not all items are available in all sizes.
Scholarship and Aid
We want every interested student to be able to participate in the League and we have numerous resources available to student and coaches.
Need-based Scholarships
Thanks to generous donors and partners, families can apply for scholarships to cover a portion of student-athletes’ league registration and NICA membership fees. The process is confidential and there is an open application timeline for as long as funds are available.
Loaner Bike Program
The loaner bike program allows teams to borrow bikes for new and potential student-athletes (and sometimes even coaches!) who don’t have a quality mountain bike of their own. The fleet of bikes can also be used for recruiting and try-it-out rides.
Have a need not covered by one of these resources? Let us know at info@texasmtb.org and we will find a way for your student-athletes to participate.
Student Advisory Cabinet
Applications are now OPEN!
The Texas League Director’s Student Advisory Cabinet is a collaborative, engaged, and diverse group of current student-athletes who are ready to take on leadership roles and advise the league on the students’ perspective. Cabinet members help shape the future of the league, advise on current issues, and advocate for the interests of all students.
Visit the website to learn about the responsibilities of cabinet members and the selection criteria.
