The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League is a fall league. This means practice begins July 1 and last practice can be held 2 weeks after the last official PICL season event. In past years this has been the end of October. Pre-season try-it events start in spring. Season registration typically starts the first week of April.
If you are a Middle or High School Student in the Lehigh Valley, you are eligible to join our team. Our team welcomes girls and boys who are interested in mountain biking, from any school district in the Lehigh Valley.
We accept riders of all skill levels. If you can ride a bike, we can work with you towards your goal, whether that’s an adventure rider or being prepared for races.
The goals of the team are to have fun, improve mountain biking skills, and compete in the PA league events.
This is a no-drop sport which means no one sits on the bench.
The goals of the team are to have fun, improve mountain biking skills, and compete in the PA league events.
This is a no-drop sport which means no one sits on the bench.
A mountain bike with at least front suspension is recommended. The bike needs to be in safe operational state. A helmet is required for every practice and race. In late fall, a bike light is recommended. If you do not currently own a mountain bike, feel free to reach out to us for assistance. Teens grow quickly and well taken care of used gear is a great option for budget conscious riders. Some bike shops also offer discounts to NICA members. Let’s talk how we can help get you on a safe bike!
Our main practice location is at Jordan Creek Single Track park in Allentown. We practice three times a week on Tuesday & Thursday evening at Jordan Creek and Jacobsburg, plus Saturday mornings at alternating locations like Trexler Mountain Bike trails, Nockamixon, West End Regional Park among other trails in the area.
Absolutely not. You can opt to join us as an adventure rider, simply to gain experience and new skills as well as improve your fitness level. There are adventure ride options at every race venue, clearly marked trails that are great fun for new riders. This allows you to get to experience a race day & support your team without entering a race. Since there is an a la carte option for races, students can decide to enter a race at any point in the season even if they previously thought they were not ready to race.
No, the athlete has to be registered for each individual race by Wednesday evening before a race day. There are 6 races per season and you may opt to only race in one race to try it out but are encouraged to participate in all races to help score for the overall team standing.
Our team is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling league, and as such; races take place in various locations across Pennsylvania. Past year’s races have taken place in Gettysburg, Johnstown, Pittsburg, Raystown and right across PA state lines in Fair Hill, MD. We are now adding Blue Mountain and many local dirt options to expand our opportunities to ride new trails and race.
Some of the races are within 1-2 hour driving distance and same day attendance is possible. Be prepared to arrive early to get a course pre-ride in, to familiarize yourself with the race course and terrain. Typically hotels or campground accommodations are recommended to allow for a pre-ride the day prior to the race.
There are multiple expected costs for riders and coaches (see coach section for required training and fees).
Each rider must submit the registration form and team fee of $100. There is an average of $50 in costs for team jerseys which must be worn at races. Students can get their team fee with Lehigh Valley Composite waived if they help fundraise through team sponsorships.
There are additional PICL & NICA season fees. These fees will be paid upon registration in PitZone. More details on this year’s fee structure can be found on the PICL Website.
MUD, SWEAT, CUTS & SCRAPES, NEWFOUND CONFIDENCE, SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, NEW FRIENDS – FREE OF CHARGE!
Each rider must submit the registration form and team fee of $100. There is an average of $50 in costs for team jerseys which must be worn at races. Students can get their team fee with Lehigh Valley Composite waived if they help fundraise through team sponsorships.
There are additional PICL & NICA season fees. These fees will be paid upon registration in PitZone. More details on this year’s fee structure can be found on the PICL Website.
MUD, SWEAT, CUTS & SCRAPES, NEWFOUND CONFIDENCE, SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, NEW FRIENDS – FREE OF CHARGE!
Racing is never a requirement to be part of our team. NICA offers adventure activities at race venues which can be selected in PitZone for each event.
