Frequently asked questions

What equipment is required?

To get the most out of every ride — and keep everyone safe — student-athletes should come to each practice with all required gear. Our Safety First / Ready to Practice policy helps ensure every rider is prepared for a great experience. If you’re missing essential equipment, you’ll need to sit out until you’re ready to ride — so check your gear before you roll out!

A mountain bike in good working condition (26”–29” wheels, knobby tires at least 1.75” wide)
A properly fitted helmet – worn at all times when on the bike
Water bottle or hydration pack to stay fueled and hydrated
Appropriate clothing for the conditions (rain jacket when rainy, warm jacket when cold, etc)
Close-toed shoes (no flip-flops, slippers, crocks, etc)
Necessary personal medical gear (e.g. Epi pen, Benadryl, insulin)
Spare tire tube that fits their tires
A positive attitude – ready to learn, ride, and support your teammates
Current NICA registration completed before participating in practices or events

In addition, the following items are recommended:

Snack
Eyewear (safety glass, sunglasses, etc.)
Multi-tool
Tire repair kit (patch kit and tire levers)
Hand pump or CO2 kit
Cycling gloves
Sunscreen and insect repellant

NOTE: Please speak with a coach PRIOR to purchasing items. We may be able to assist with some items. Do NOT purchase a bike until you speak with a head coach.

Where do we practice?

Our riders get to experience some of the best trails Southwest Florida has to offer:

Caloosahatchee Regional Park – Alva
Flowing singletrack, scenic river views, and technical sections for every skill level.
Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area – Punta Gorda
Remote, winding trails through pine flatwoods and wildlife-rich landscapes.
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park – North Port
Shaded, twisty singletrack weaving through lush Florida forest and creek crossings.

And thanks to NICA’s Adventure Program, we also venture out to explore other amazing trail systems across the state during the season

Can I just try it?

Absolutely! Anyone interested in joining as a student-athlete or coach can take a one-time “test ride” after completing a liability waiver. Continued participation will require registering with the team as either a student-athlete or a coach.

When does official practice begin?

Casual recruiting and informational fun rides will be held October to December during the pre-season. The season and practice officially begin on December 1st.

Who can join the team?

Males and females in grades 6-12 who live in Southwest Florida may join our team

When does the season start and end?

The action starts with pre-season events in October, leading into the regular season from December to May.

What if I have never ridden on off road bike trails?

Our licensed NICA coaches are trained in teaching kids the skills to ride off road. We begin on flat surfaces and work up to more difficult terrain. We encourage kids to walk any section of trail when they are not comfortable riding. There is a common phrase in mountain biking “if you’re not hiking, you’re not biking!” We will have different ride groups set according to ability and fitness levels.

Can I ride a cross bike or gravel bike?

No. To participate on a NICA team, the proper equipment is required for safety. A mountain bike with knobby tires, well tuned gears, and properly working brakes is required. The wheel size should be 26, 37.5, or 39 inches in diameter with a minimum width of 1.75. If at any time a coach deems a bike to be unsafe, the athlete will be asked to have the bike repaired by a qualified shop mechanic prior to rejoining practice. No kickstands or “toe clip cages” are allowed on bikes. We will have tools at practice to assist with removing these when needed.

What kind of helmet can I wear?

Athletes should wear a properly sized bicycle helmet that meets one of the following criteria:

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z90.4.Snell Memorial Foundation Standard “B” or “N” series
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F-1447
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets
European Committee for Standardization (CE EN1078) standard for bicycle helmets

What if I can’t afford the dues or don’t have a bike?

The NICA values are based on inclusivity and we invite everyone to participate. Please speak privately with team leaders to inquire about the availability of loaner bicycles and/or scholarships. “Trek has partnered with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to grow diversity in the sport of cycling and provide better access for people of color (POC). The Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship will again provide selected student-athletes with a Trek Marlin mountain bike, helmet, shoes, accessories, as well as a stipend for NICA league and entry fees for the season.”

What training do the coaches have?

There are three “levels” of licensed coaches. All coaches have annual training in risk management, the NICA coaching philosophy, concussion protocols, and submit to an annual background check. All coaches also receive biennial training on athlete abuse awareness.

In addition to the above, Level 2 Coaches also have first aid and CPR certifications, NICA On-The-Bike Skills training, required field work, and continuing education requirements.

Level 3 Coaches have higher levels of first aid training, higher levels of risk management training, additional field work requirements, continuing education requirements, and have attended a NICA Leaders’ Summit.

You can learn more about Coach Licensing Requirements here.

Is mountain biking safe?

Mountain biking comes with its share of adventure—and with that, a certain amount of inherent risk. While challenging terrain and a few bumps along the way are part of the sport, safety is always our highest priority. We work hard to create the safest possible environment for our student-athletes and coaches. Minor scrapes or bruises can be expected from time to time, but serious injuries such as sprains, concussions, or broken bones are rare.

Can I ride with my son/daughter?

Parents are invited to join a ride and “give it a try” after completing a one-time liability waiver. To continue riding with the team, you’ll need to register as a Level 1 Coach, serving as a general volunteer and ride supporter.