Over the last 9 years, I have had the unique opportunity to race in the Southern California High School Mountain Bike League and the privilege of working with the Utah High School Mountain Bike League as well. I have seen high school mountain bike racing change the lives of hundreds of student-athletes as well as my own. Things ranging from riders finding the self-confidence to take on the challenges life presents in the teenage years to riders receiving league scholarships allowing them to become the first member of their family to attend college. Click here for a long form description of the way high school mountain biking.
There are leagues like the one in Pennsylvania that are emerging and not established enough to be financially self-sufficient. NICA does support these new leagues so that the races will happen but they can not provide for every aspect needed to get America's youth outside and on bikes. This fundraiser provides funds to comp entry fees for high schoolers who can't afford to or to support individuals who volunteer their time with the league.
For those who are not familiar with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
NICA Mission
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (“NICA”) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for regional leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through interscholastic cycling.
NICA Vision
NICA sees a future where every American youth has the opportunity to build strong body, mind and character through interscholastic cycling. To this end, NICA will continue to work diligently to:
- Promote athlete skills development, excellence, teamwork, professionalism and respect for the community and the environment;
- Promote the sport of mountain biking and the benefits of mountain biking as a healthy, low impact, outdoor recreational lifestyle;
- Provide national leadership and governance through comprehensive policies, rules and guidelines to establish fair rules of play and codes of conduct;
- Provide comprehensive Coaches Training and Licensing program to establish and maintain national standards and best practices;
- Provide comprehensive risk management guidelines for mountain bike programming to establish and maintain national standards and best practices;
- Provide technical assistance and support for League formation, team formation, races, camps and special events;
- Provide successful models of League development, sustainable fiscal growth, and corporate and individual donor development; and
- Advocate for the environmental conservation of natural areas and parklands, mountain bike trail access, and the development of sustainable trail systems.
The PA League and all other NICA Leagues share 5 Core Principles:
Inclusivity
Equality
Strong Body
Strong Mind
Strong Character
These are the key elements to our effort. This league is open to any student in 6th-12th grade. Everyone is welcome to take part. Everyone counts. No one "sits the bench."
Our primary focus is for our participants to experience the fun of this sport and the benefits it conveys to mind, body and character for life. Additionally, community service through trail advocacy will be a key component of the PA League effort state-wide.
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League is a non-profit 501(c)3 NICA Project League. The league as one of the largest first year leagues in NICA history with close to 300 riders participating in our first season. Our goal is to provide fun, safe, and competitive mountain biking opportunities for middle & high school students in the Commonwealth. The league also provides structured training programs for prospective coaches, riders, and school officials.
With the cooperation of our staff, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and you we will continue to grow and expand this educational, character building, and fun mountain bike experience throughout our state.
The Outdoor Experience Organization and Trans-Sylvania Epic are proud to support the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League. Net proceeds from the fundraising effort will be donated to the PA League by the OEO.