Frequently Asked Questions

NICA is open to all kids 6th through 12th grade.  Our team supports high school and middle school student athletes zoned to Austin High School.  Students zoned to other AISD schools, private schools, or those who are home schooled can join our team as long as their high school does not have a NICA team. 5th graders can join, but have some additional requirements. Reach out to us regarding your 5th grader

That’s ok!  All levels are welcome. 

Yes. For your own safety and enjoyment, a solid, performance cross-country mountain bike is recommended. Please review the bikes section of our Equipment page. Our coaches can help you figure out what you need or whether the bike you already have is suitable.  Everyone completes a bike and equipment check before hitting the trails. If you don't have a suitable bike let us know, we're working on adding some loaner bikes to the team's equipment.

Review our Equipment page. A fastened helmet is required whenever you’re on your bike.  This is for our riders' safety and is a strict NICA rule.  We require all helmets be less than three years old and meet NICA specs.  Eye protection is also required. Optional equipment includes gloves, clip-in cycling shoes, padded bike shorts, a camelback - lots of possibilities!  Team members get access to discounts at local bike shops, including the Trek store on Lamar.

While practices aren’t required, they are strongly recommended. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be on your bike and the more fun you’ll have!  If you do not attend practices regularly or do not participate fully in practices and find yourself unable to keep up with the group you will either need to enlist a parent to become a Level 1 coach to chaperone you or you will not be allowed to continue to attend practices until you are able to keep up with the group. Ideally our riders attend at least two practices a week during the racing season, staring November 1st.  Coaches may split practices into smaller groups based on the skills and speed of attendees. 

We practice three days a week, weather permitting, starting in December.  After school Tuesday and Thursday practices meet on the pedestrian bridge under MOPAC, with wheels down (leaving) at 4:50pm.  We’re fortunate to be close to the Barton Creek greenbelt trails for weekday rides.  Saturday rides usually leave at 10am, and we use the weekend to explore nearby trails like Walnut Creek or Lakeway.  A coach always sweeps the rear so no riders are left behind. NICA allows a limited number of official team rides in October and November to help kids get used to group rides.

Check out our current practice schedule here.

We welcome parent participation.  Per NICA rules, a non-NICA rider can join once (only once) by signing a waiver. For subsequent rides, adult/non-NICA riders need to complete an online Level 1 (L1) Coaching certification, which mainly covers rider safety. We strongly encourage interested parents complete their L1 certification so they have the freedom to join all our rides, including pre-rides of the spring race courses.

No, racing is not required. Riders can still have a great time even if they don’t race.  All riders and families are welcome to join the team for race weekend campouts even if they’re not competing. NICA does a fantastic job designing race courses that all levels can complete. 

Check our Races page for the latest. 

Racing begins at the end of January, 2023.  You can find the latest NICA schedule here.

NICA takes control (and responsibility) of a race venue from Friday afternoon's course marking through Sunday afternoon's final podium. During the time NICA has control of the venue, the following rules apply: 

• On the marked race course, any rider must have a valid, current NICA race plate (Coach, Staff, Athletes). 

• During the GRiT ride on Saturday, all riders must either have a plate (as above) or sign the waiver for that day at the GRiT tent and get a GRiT plate for the ride. 

• Around the camping area, the rules can be more fluid. 

  • For example, the Sackett Ranch in Troy Texas does not allow anyone without a plate to put a leg over the bike. 

  • However, at Sugar Land the venue is a city park and non-NICA riders are allowed to ride around camp. 

  • Most venues allow siblings to ride bikes as long as they comply with the venue's ruleset (helmets, safe speed, under control, etc.)

The most important thing to know is that only NICA coaches, staff, and athletes are protected under the NICA insurance umbrella. All other riders are responsible for themselves in that regard. When in doubt, ask well in advance before you bring sibling or parent bikes to a venue where you are not able to ride. 

The team is run entirely by volunteers.  Coaches undergo a background check and online and in-person training to provide a safe and fun experience.  If you’re interested in coaching or helping with team administration, please let us know.  We can’t do it without help from our parents.  

Check out our coaches' profiles here.

We sure do. The latest version is here

AHS team fees for the 24-25 season are $275 per family.  These fees cover our NICA team registration, coaches training, t-shirts and jerseys, basic first aid and bike supplies, and more. 

NICA fees for the 24-25 season are $350 per rider.  These fees cover things like number plates, chip timing, and course rental and setup. 

The total you will pay to these 2 organizations will be $625 for one rider, with an additional $350 + ~$70 for a jersey for each additional rider in your family. 

We don't want finances to be an impediment to participation.  If you need help with fees, please let us know.

We're working on 24-25 sponsors!  Know a small business interested in sponsoring our team?  Please let us know!  Check out our Sponsor information here.

Please review the 'Join' page.

PitZone opens to coaches September 15 and to athletes October 15.  Athletes receive an invitation directly from PitZone once they've paid AHS for the team.  Please contact us if you need information.

We are entirely volunteer-run!  New coaches are always welcome.  Not a cyclist?  That’s ok!  We also need help with administration:  treasurer, race coordinator, sponsor lead, equipment manager, end-of-year celebration coordinator.  Even if you can’t commit to a year-long role, we’d appreciate any time and talent you can offer.  Please let us know if you'd like to help.