FAQ

A mountain bike and helmet. The mountain bike needs to have knobby tires (vs slick tires like a road bike) and cannot have bar ends. It is also important to have a water bottle and water bottle cage on the bike and/or hydration pack so the student-athlete can stay hydrated. Lastly, we require a strong front light for winter practices. If you need a recommendation on a light, please let us know.  We encourage that the light be a minimum of 500 lumens.

The 2026 league fee will cover all membership dues and race registrations. All who plan to race will need a team jersey, which we will order in early 2026. The jerseys typically cost around $60.

Absolutely. We (and the league) never want fees and/or the cost of equipment to be barriers to participating with the team. There is always a way for your child to participate. Just contact one of the primary coaches to confidentially discuss. 

You may also complete this scholarship application through NCICL.

No problem! We have athletes ranging from those that are brand new to trail riding to those that race competitively. While we often introduce/work on skills as a group, we also break up by ability whenever necessary so that all athletes are coached to their skill level and endurance. This is particularly true on the weekend trail rides.

Yes!  Everyone is welcome on the team, regardless of whether they race or not.  The primary focus of the organization is youth development, not winning. While the majority of our athletes raced at least once last year, we had several who chose not to or were not able to race. Everyone is valued as a team member, whether they race or not.

Yes! We offer two pre-season interest rides for you to check it out. Make plans to join us at Rob Wallace Park (Midland) on October 26 at 2:00 or Fisher Farm Park (Davidson) on November 16 at 2:00. During these pre-season rides your child can meet some coaches and team members, ride the trails, play some games, and learn more about our program. This is a great way to see if your child likes riding the trails and can picture themselves on our team! Everyone who attends a pre-season ride, including parents, will need to complete a waiver to ride.

Once our season begins in December you may complete the waiver and attend one practice. The waiver may be found here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/GUoBgIVw. 

Absolutely! The more coaches we have available, the more individualized attention we can provide our student-athletes.  Volunteering as a coach also gives you something to do while your athlete is on the trails and gives you a workout too!  All coaches are required to register with the league, obtain a background check, and take online courses in both concussion training and risk management. Learn more here.

Yes! Just as we have student-athletes of varying abilities and strengths, so too do the coaches. We are happy to share resources with you as well.

Of course!  We have many places you can help:

•  Manage social media 

• Obtain sponsors

• Team photographer

• Organize team dinners

• Provide food items on race weekends

Yes! We are always looking for team sponsors. We have various levels of team sponsorship available with corresponding recognition. Last year our jerseys were all paid for through sponsorships!

We also gratefully accept offers to sponsor students in need of help with fees and/or equipment.

We are excited to have your student-athlete join our team! 

1. Please reach out to one of the coaches in person or by email. They will notify the Team Director, who will send you access to Pitzone. Pitzone is the NICA platform for registration for both student-athletes and coaches. 

2. Once you have registered on Pitzone you will receive access to TeamSnap, an app that is used by all NCICL teams for communication within their teams. You will use TeamSnap weekly to communicate with team members, RSVP for all practices and events, share photos, and more.