Thinking About Starting a Team? Start Here.
This page is your starting point. We know you’ll have questions — and we’re here for all of them. Reach out anytime at info@kentuckymtb.org, and a real person will help you find your way forward. Helpful links are also available below.
Who Can Start a Team?
Anyone! Administrators, teachers, parents, students, and community members are all welcome to start a NICA mountain bike team at a local school or in their community. Extensive cycling experience is not required — just a desire to get kids on bikes and out on the trail. Once you decide to take the leap, KY NICA will help you get up and running.
What Does a Team Look Like?
Most mountain bike teams start small and grow quickly — it’s a challenge, but one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Teams are open to riders in grades 5–12 and can be any size, as long as coach-to-student-athlete ratios are followed. You can form a school-based team or a composite team made up of riders from multiple schools. Each team type has its own guidelines — check out page 28 of our handbook for the full breakdown.
Where Can Teams Be Based?
The Kentucky League covers the entire state of Kentucky. Riders from neighboring states are also welcome to participate if there is no NICA league in their state.
More Than a Race Series — We’re a Youth Development League
Once your team is up and running, here’s what you’re joining. The Kentucky Interscholastic Cycling League is built on one simple belief: bikes change kids’ lives. Racing is part of our story, but it’s only one chapter. KICL offers a full season of programming designed to build strong minds, strong bodies, strong character, and community — on the trail and off.
Pedal For the Roses Race Series
KICL runs a fall sport-based race series for student-athletes in grades 5–12. No tryouts. No bench. Every rider has the option to participate. Our race series celebrates personal growth, camaraderie, and the joy of riding — with competition as the backdrop, not the whole story.
GRiT | Girls Riding Together
GRiT is all about making new friends, riding new trails, and building community. Our GRiT programming is dedicated to recruiting, developing, and retaining female athletes, coaches, and ride leaders — creating a space where every girl knows she belongs on the trail.
NICA Adventure
KICL Adventure programming helps students discover the joy of biking and outdoor adventures, using games and experiential education to help students challenge themselves at their own pace and develop a lifelong love of cycling. Think trail quests, team challenges, and good mischief — all on two wheels.
Teen Trail Corps (TTC)
The Teen Trail Corps program teaches student-athletes to give back to their sport by helping maintain trails, developing relationships with landowners, advocating for their community, and stewardship of outdoor spaces. It’s leadership in action — leaving the trails better than they found them.
Coaching & Volunteering
KICL provides all the NICA risk management and best practice training you’ll need to jump right in and start coaching a team — including online webinars, On The Bike (OTB) skills clinics, and an annual Coach Retreat. Whether you want to lead a team, volunteer at events, or just show up and support, there’s a place for you here.
Season at a Glance
| Window | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| March 1 April 1 | Coach & Team Registration Opens Student-Athlete Registration Opens |
| April 1 – June 30 | Pre-season (up to 6 approved team activities) |
| July 1 – November 7 | Official season — training & full programming |
All activities outside approved limits are not sanctioned NICA team activities and are not covered under KY NICA League insurance. Full details available in the 📄 Rulebook.
How Do I Get Started?
Your first stop is NICA’s Team Starter Kit [link] — a collection of guides and resources that walk you through starting your new team step by step, including contact information for mentoring and support along the way.
When you’re ready to make it official, email info@kentuckymtb.org to request an invitation to register your team in our PitZone. Include your full name, contact information, and team name, and we’ll get you set up.
Once your team is registered and fees are paid, you’ll be ready to invite your coaches and riders to register under your team in PitZone — and just like that, you’re officially part of the KICL family. 🎉
Ready to Get Rolling?
Reach out to Denile Hill, KY NICA Executive Director at denile@kentuckymtb.org — we’d love to help you find your place in our KY community. 🚵