Prepare for a new type of school sport
What is Mountain Biking?
We are dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of mountain biking and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. NICA’s programs emphasize personal growth, teamwork, and community, helping young riders develop skills and confidence that extend beyond the trail.
Cross-country mountain biking (XC MTB) is a thrilling sport that combines speed, endurance, and technical skill. Riders navigate courses that feature a mix of single-track trails and double-track sections, offering a variety of terrains from smooth, flowy paths to challenging technical segments. Each course is unique, providing a fresh experience every time. Races start with all riders together in a “mass start,” and participants complete a set number of laps based on their grade level (for middle schoolers) or skill level (for high schoolers). The first rider to cross the finish line wins, but every participant enjoys the excitement and fun of the race.
Mountain biking as a sport extends far beyond NICA. Since becoming a professional sport in 1990, cross-country mountain biking has reached new heights with events like the UCI Mountain Biking World Cup, where the world’s top riders compete on some of the most demanding courses globally.
Additionally, many colleges and universities now offer cycling scholarships, providing opportunities for young athletes to continue their passion for mountain biking while pursuing higher education.
What does the TX NICA season look like?
Off-season
May-August
Ideal time to plan for your season, fundraise and recruit.
Pre-season
September-October
Team Registration opens September 1. The annual coaches summit is held in September or October. Athlete Registration opens October 1.
Teams can hold up to six activities with students in the pre-season. These activities often include recruitment events, information sessions, equipment checks and try-it-out rides.
Practice-season
October-January
Teams can begin holding regular practices for all athletes fully registered in Pit Zone.
Race-season
February-May
The first race is in early February. The six race series wraps up in late April or early May.
Need assistance getting a bike or equipment
What does a race weekend look like?
Each race has its own informational page with details for each event. Make sure to check these regularly and read them carefully – they often have rules about camping, whether or not you can bring your dog, or any weather updates.
Weekend camping is not required. Many families travel to and from home or stay in hotels.
Who can race?
Any rider who is fully registered in NICA’s PitZone, barring coach discretion (i.e. rider lacks safe riding skills/safe equipment) can participate in Texas League races.
What do you mean by “race weekend?” Is a race really that long?
Race events take place over a full weekend (see below for detailed schedules) but the race itself takes place on Sunday.
How long is each race?
Each race course is approximately five miles of mixed terrain. Depending on a rider’s ability typical event times are:
- Middle School categories: Not to exceed 45 minutes.
- High School categories: Not to exceed 75 minutes.
- Varsity categories: Not to exceed 90 minutes.
My rider isn’t sure that they want to race. Should we register?
We strongly encourage all team members to attend as many NICA races as they can, even if they don’t personally choose to race. If your rider wants to experience the course without the competition, they can enjoy a Saturday packed with activities, including pre-riding the race course, hang out with their teammates, and cheer/provide team support. Additionally, each race weekend hosts a GRiT (Girls Riding Together) ride, which is open to all female riders, regardless of their race status. If your rider is new to the sport, come to one of the early-season races to experience the fun. A lot of the time, the energy and excitement of the race is enough to motivate even the most timid riders to jump into the mix!
How do I register an athlete for a race?
Go to Pit Zone and sign in. Click on the button that says “Register [RIDER NAME] for Events”. Select the race(s) you want to register for by placing a checkmark on that row, and click on the “update order and continue” button.
What are the racing categories/age groups?
Riders are categorized by grade for middle schoolers and ability for high schoolers. Rider categories are: Middle School – Grade 5, 6, 7, or 8. High School – Varsity, JV1, JV2, JV3, JV4 (single lap). There are separate male and female sub-categories for the aforementioned categories. Riders may petition to move categories (i.e. a fast, experienced riders may petition the league to enter the Varsity category).
Friday
League staff and volunteers come out early to set up the venue/course! This can include putting out course tape, setting up infield and even doing a bit of trail maintenance.
Many teams start showing up on Friday to get their campsites.
Saturday
Your student’s team will have a pre-determined pre-ride time. This is where the coaches take the students out to preview the course.
There are numerous non-race related activities throughout Saturday including a GRiT ride where any female interested in trying out the sport can join in for a lap!
Many teams coordinate group meals for the weekend. Look for communications from your team on what that might look like for you.
Sunday
Racing starts early and runs throughout the day. The league does its best to keep our races spectator friendly so you can see your student in action!
There are numerous volunteer opportunities that include being out on course (course marshaling) or helping at the finish line.
Podiums/awards happen after all of the infield is taken down! The more hands on deck we have to help, the sooner we can have awards.
Where do riders stay during race weekends that are far from home?
NICA race venues offer a unique lodging opportunity for athletes and their families: camping! Camping is often recognized as one of the highlights of NICA race weekends by riders and families alike. The Texas League provides information for camping at each race venue. Those who wish to camp are responsible for knowing all of the rules and regulations associated with camping.
Access to the race venues is $15 per person for the entire weekend which also includes camping for the full weekend. (CASH is required for entry fees) or $10 for a single day. Some team members usually arrive Friday evening and mark out our team camping area. The location of the team campsite will be communicated through TeamSnap.
Of course, sleeping in a tent or RV might not be everyone’s cup of tea – in that case, many families opt to find lodging at local hotels or via AirBnB, etc. – or, riders may choose to attend only one day of the race weekend and drive to/from the venue without adding lodging logistics.
It should be noted that NICA races are surprisingly large – several thousand people usually attend the events, which can cause a lodging shortage. Families are encouraged to plan ahead early in the season as lodging options will likely book up quickly. ONE TIME VENUE WAIVER (fill out once for the season)
What should I pack?
Riders are expected to be self-sufficient during their race weekend. Athletes need to be prepared for the weather (bring lots of clothing options!), possible mechanical issues (spare tires/tubes, CO2, bike levers, multi-tools, etc!), and changing course conditions.
IMPORTANT: Don’t forget your race kit (jersey) and race plate (given out at the first race)!!
Can we spectate, cheer, and take photos?
Absolutely! Spectators can get pretty serious about their cheering duties at NICA races – everything from cowbells to costumes are encouraged. Positive sporting attitude and enthusiasm are required! Spectating is different on each course – if you’re not sure where to go, ask a veteran NICA family, or watch to see where other fans are flocking to cheer. It is important to be aware of the course/where you spectate at all times during the weekend, so that everyone stays safe. You are not allowed on the course at any time!
Are parents required to participate?
Required is a strong term… but yes, parents are expected to participate by volunteering with your team and/or with the league at each race. Quite literally: we cannot do it without you! There are a wide variety of roles to help out with and more details will come closer to each race.
Program Fee
The Texas Interscholastic Mountain Bike League program fee for student-athletes is $350.
The program fee covers a full season of participation including the following (with an approximate value of each):
- NICA National Membership ($50)
- Texas League Membership ($60)
- Insurance Coverage for Each Participant ($30+)
- Six Months of Mountain Bike Instruction from Licensed Coaches
- Six Professionally Produced Event Weekends ($300+)
- Competitive and Non-Competitive Activities
- USAC Points
- NEW: NICA Self-Paced Challenge ($100)
- Skills Clinics ($100+)
- Specialized Programming: GRiT, TTC, Adventure, Loaner Bikes & Equipment
- Discounts from NICA partners (Up to 50% off)
- The TX NICA experience of FUN, friends, and community!
Students will need to pay the season registration fee when registering for a team to be able to practice with the team for the entire season from October – May. The Season Registration Fee is non-refundable.
Beyond Racing
The Teen Trail Corps Program teaches student-athletes to give back to their sport by helping to maintain trails and develop relationships with land owners. Athletes can earn badges for stewarding or advocating for mountain biking in different ways.
NICA Adventure programming helps students discover the joy of biking and outdoor adventures. We use games and experiential education to help students challenge themselves at their own pace and develop a lifelong love of cycling.
Girls Riding Together, a.k.a GRiT Texas is an outreach program focused on recruiting, developing, and retaining female athletes, coaches, ride leaders, and volunteers. GRiT Texas is part of the NICA National GRiT outreach program.