2026 Season Opener – Troy | N+S
2026 Season Opener – Troy | N+S
January 31, 2026 @ 8:00 am – February 1, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
Location: Sacket Ranch, Troy
950 CR 459
Troy, Texas
Google Map Link
This event guide is the ultimate tool for helping riders, families, and coaches make the most of their time at NICA events. It provides a clear overview of schedules, venue maps, and race-day logistics, so participants know exactly where to be and when.
Beyond logistics, this guide highlights special activities, GRiT and adventure activities, and volunteer opportunities—ensuring no one misses out on the full experience. You can use it to plan ahead, stay organized, and discover all the unique aspects of the event, from racing to community-building moments. By keeping this guide handy, you can reduce stress, stay informed, and focus on what matters most: enjoying the ride and celebrating the spirit of NICA.
Contents
Venue and Event Info
Welcome!
Get ready for one of our most spectator friendly races! Hosted at the private Sacket Family Ranch, we’re honored to get to ride these trails that feature fast flowing sections mixed with punchy climbs, roots, and berms.
Venue Gate Hours
Friday: 3 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m. –
Directions & parking
Sacket Ranch
950 CR 459 Troy, Texas
Google Map Link
If coming from 452, DO NOT turn down county road 459. Keep going straight on 452 and it will come to a T and you’ll go left. County road 459 is rough.
Parking Logistics:
- When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by volunteers who will check waivers and collect venue fees. They can also assist you with questions about where to park and camp.
- Review the venue map for the most up-to-date information
- Follow the directions of all on-site parking volunteers, staff and signs
Venue Waiver
The league will be using a digital waiver again this year that race attendees will be required to sign once and will cover all venues throughout the 2026 season. Everyone who enters the venue is required to complete the waiver even those who are not competing.
Venue Fees – CASH ONLY
$15.00 per person if arriving Friday or Saturday.
$10.00 per person for Sunday only.
Children under 6 free.
Venue Rules
- No dogs (No Exceptions – you will be asked to leave the venue immediately).
- No drones.
- All bodies of water are off limits. No swimming, wading, or fishing.
Camping
Camping is included in the $15.00 venue fee.
- Tent camping, RVs and camper vans are allowed, but there are no hookups available – generators must be turned off by 10 p.m. unless parked in the generator zone.
- Porta-Johns will be available in the venue.
- There are 2 on-site showers.
- There is NO potable water. Please pack plenty for your use.
- There are NO electric, water, or sewer hook-ups.
You may not arrive or select your camping area before 3 p.m. Friday unless you are a registered event crew or volunteer.
Note: dogs are not allowed at this venue.
Venue Map
Study the venue map prior to race weekend. Camping is allowed in designated areas only.
Mobile #protip: use the square in the upper right corner of the map to open Google Maps and have an interactive view of the map, including your present location.
Pit ZoneS
Pit Zones are designated team areas located within the League’s infield—near the start/finish line and registration—placing teams closer to the heart of the action than standard team campsites. Pit Zones serve as each team’s event-day home base: a place to gather, relax between races, keep riders fueled and hydrated, make quick adjustments, and support teammates throughout the day.
NEW THIS SEASON! Pit Zone locations will be determined by the league. Pit Zone regions will be found on the venue map. Specific team locations will be marked on the ground with orange paint.
Pit Zone assignments coming soon
Pit Zone Rules & Guidelines
To ensure safety and smooth traffic flow for everyone, please follow these important guidelines:
- Pit Zone access is only allowed during the designated drop-off and pick-up times.
- Parking is limited to 15 minutes in the Pit Zone or in drop-off lanes at any time.
- All pit zone spaces are 15×30 in size. The league will re-evaluate the standard size after the first race.
Drop-Off Times
- Friday: 5:00–7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00–10:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00–8:30 AM
Pick-Up Time
- Sunday: After racing concludes (estimated around 3:00 PM)
Drop-Off Process
- Unload equipment quickly and safely.
- Move your vehicle immediately to a designated parking area.
- Return on foot to the Pit Zone to finish setting up your space.
Thank you for helping keep the Pit Zone safe, efficient, and accessible for all teams and families!
Weekend schedule & activities
*The schedule is subject to change.
Friday
3:00 p.m. Venue gates open. Check-in at infield/registration. Staff and volunteers will be setting up course. For the safety of our course setters, no pre-ride is available at this time.
9:00 p.m. Venue gates close.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. Venue Gates Open
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Team packet pick-up at the registration tent. Send one coach per team to get athlete and coach plates.
10:00 a.m. Coaches Only Pre-ride. This is a time for coaches to learn the course and provide feedback to the event crew before pre-rides begin. Radio feedback (cows on course, bee hives, freshly fallen tree, etc.) to channel 6(6).
11:00 a.m. Course is open for scheduled pre-rides.
- Coach or number plates must be attached to your bike during pre-ride.
- Ride groups must maintain NICA ratios – students may NOT ride alone.
- Pre-ride is for course preview, only, and should be ridden at a responsible pace. Pre-ride is NOT a hot lap.
- Ride groups must proceed with caution and yield to event staff and other park users at all times.
- Teams may start their pre-ride anytime within their designated hour (e.g., a 1:00PM slot means a team could start their pre-ride at 1:15PM).
- Scheduled times help us distribute the number of riders on course throughout the day to enhance your ride experience.
- Starting outside your assigned time requires permission from the race director; email kimt@texasmtb.org for exceptions.
- The course is open at the end of the day for athletes who missed their team’s pre-ride or for athletes and coaches looking for more laps.
Mobile #protip: tap the spreadsheet then scroll to find your pre-ride time.
Pre-ride schedule coming soon!
*All racers should pre-ride the course during their appointed time. Riders must adhere to all course restrictions and follow the directions of staff on the course.
1:30-2:30 p.m. GRiT Tent activities
2:45 p.m. GRiT Ride @ NICA GRiT Tent. Wheels down at 3:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m. Venue Gates Close.
Sunday
7:00 a.m. Venue Gates Open
7:30 a.m. *Course Open to for Pre-Ride
8:00 a.m. Course Marshal Meeting, Volunteer Shifts Begin
8:15 a.m. Head Coaches Meeting @ Registration Tent
This meeting is mandatory. If a team does not have a coach represented, a penalty may be assessed.
8:30 a.m. Pre-Ride Closed, Race Sweep Meeting
9:00 a.m. Racing Begins – Race-day updates will be communicated through the League channel 6(6) on your radios.
Start/Staging times coming soon!
Volunteer with us!
Volunteering is a fun way to support our student-athletes and families while being part of the race-day energy.
When you sign up, please plan to check in at the Volunteer Tent before the start of your scheduled shift and bring any personal items you may need (such as your bike and helmet, if applicable).
If your plans change, you’ll be able to cancel or adjust your volunteer shift at any time by logging back into SignUp.com.
For questions or additional information, please contact us at volunteers@texasmtb.org
Volunteer Positions
You don’t need to be a mountain bike expert to be a great volunteer! Volunteers can help set up the course, work road and course crossings, keep an eye on students on the course (course marshals), assist with scoring and so much more.
Sign Up
Getting involved with the race is a rewarding experience and a great way to be part of the action!
Volunteer Home Teams
Each race weekend features designated Home/Host Teams—teams that help power the event behind the scenes and show what league spirit is all about. Serving as a Home Team is a chance to lead, give back, and play a key role in creating an incredible race experience for riders and families.
We ask Home Teams to rally as many volunteers as possible for their assigned weekend, knowing that schedules and travel vary. Every volunteer shift—big or small—makes a real impact.
Troy (N+S)
HoT/Midway
T-Hawks
Steiner Ranch
Hays County
Hill Country Collective
Bridgeport (N)
Fort Worth Flyers
Amarillo
Abilene
Sugar Land (S)
Fort Bend Armadillos
Pearland Coyotes
Houston Composite
29 Pines (N)
Rose City Cycling
ETX Piney Woods
Millican (S)
Brazos Valley
Woodlands
Austin High
RPR (N+S)
South Metro Cyclones
Jesuit
Classical Dallas
Lake Travis
Westlake
Bulldogs
4R Ranch (N)
HP Scots
North Texas (NTX) Composite
Mesquite
TBD (S)
Two10
Lopez Middle
Alamo City Femmes
Alamo Heights
Reagan
San Marcos
Additional Race Details
Race Plates
Race Plate Pick-up
Coaches will pick up all race plates at the first race. Riders will receive one plate to be used for all races and event weekend activities. Plates have chips on the back and require care to avoid damage. Each athlete will also receive a back number that must be adhered to their jersey during races. There is a $10 fee to replace lost, stolen, or forgotten plates. If you need a replacement, go to the registration tent.
No unregistered parents or siblings allowed on course
To be on the course or in the adventure zone at any time during event weekends, riders (Students and Coaches) must be fully practice ready in Pit Zone and have their number plates on their bike.
GRiT ride participants should sign a waiver at the GRiT tent
Season Scoring
Race Series Rules
Texas offers a conference race series for each conference (North and South) followed by a joint conference State Championship race. Teams can only attend races offering categories for their conference. Some conference races may host both conferences, but each conference will have separate podiums for each category. The League will offer five regular season races for each conference and may have one or more predetermined rain dates in case of weather cancellations.
Please refer to Chapter 5 in the TX NICA League Handbook for details scoring, structure and categories..
Race Duration Guidelines
SECTION 5.2 — NICA course length
The number of laps raced in each category is determined according to riders’ ability to complete the race within a specific time. Event times will be:
- Not to exceed 45 minutes for 5th-8th Grade categories
- Not to exceed 75 minutes for JV2, JV3, and JV4 categories
- Not to exceed 90 minutes for JV1 categories
- Not to exceed 105 minutes for Varsity
Student athletes are expected to be able to safely complete the course within the designated time limit. Athletes may be asked to withdraw and exit the course after cut-off time limits have been reached. Racers who do not make the time limit cut-off will still be scored and ranked.
League and race officials reserve the right to determine these time limits and alter them at any time. Time limits may be imposed or altered for reasons that include, but are not limited to, safety, heat, cold, rain, and muddy conditions.
Chip Timing
All riders will receive a permanent number plate with a chip timing transponder on the backside. Riders use the same plate for the entire race series. Please remove this number plate before transporting bikes to prevent loss.
Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $10.00.
Category Placement
SECTION 5.12 — League structure and categories
Race categories will be evaluated and assigned in Pit Zone. Petitions should be submitted to the Texas League Rules Committee using the petition form by Friday at 11:59 PM, one week before the race weekend.
No race day petitions will be accepted
Weather and Refund Policy
Weather Policy
The League’s primary considerations in assessing inclement weather plans are the safety of riders, staff and spectators, as well as the potential for damage to the venue and trails. Decisions regarding canceling, postponing or altering race start times, lap lengths, number of laps, etc. will be made jointly by league staff and the land manager. If inclement weather is predicted, we will make a decision about weather related cancellations by Thursday at 5:00 p.m. For more details about our inclement weather thresholds and cancellations, see the Weather Policy.
Refund Policy
We realize that mountain biking is a new sport for many, and parents may be concerned that their child may not stick with it. The Texas Interscholastic Cycling League strives to put on world-class events and provide all of our student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers with the best resources possible at practices throughout the season. With this goal in mind, we make a financial investment to cover insurance, training, and planning activities. Those expenses are continuously incurred. In order to maintain the sustainability of the League, it is necessary we implement a NO REFUND policy with limited exceptions only for illness, injury, or family emergencies.
Refunds for injured athletes
The Texas League fee may be partially refundable for season-ending illnesses, injuries, or family emergencies that prohibit athletes from participating in practices and races. A doctor’s note must be provided for illness or injuey. There is a minimum $100 non-refundable fee to cover NICA fees, insurance, and registration. Refunds cannot be made after the second race. League leadership will review refund requests and make a determination.
NICA Handbook: Rules and Guidelines
All participants are required to read, understand and abide by all league policies, rules and protocols while attending any league event.
The handbook details important rules that should be followed at all races as well as any associated penalties or disciplinary actions that can be assessed against riders or teams for violations of the rules.
LEAGUE RULES COMMITTEE PETITION FORM COMING SOON (Form will be available soon – Do not use this form for category placement petitions)