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. 

No. We are only able to ride as a team, officially, from November 1st  through ~ May 15. Gatherings as a NICA entity outside those date are strictly prohibited. We do offer recommendations for Off Season Riding, Training, and Racing. 

Yes. NICA offers a waiver for any child who is old enough to participate in NICA to try out any NICA team 3 times, but only 3 times (not 3 tries per team). AHS begins our practice season around October 15th, using the 6 pre-season dates to have 6 practices in October. Try-it-out riders are welcome on those 6 practices with AHS. If you are zoned to a Austin High, you will ride for AHS. If you are zoned to another AHS school that doesn't have a team, you can also ride for AHS (or any other team in the area). If that is the case, we STRONGLY encourage you to try our not only AHS but the other AHS zoned team (Bowie Bulldogs) or any of the nearby teams (Westlake, Lake Travis, Hayes Stingers, T-hawks, Steiner) to make sure the team fits your rider's vibe. Some riders are looking for a race team, some for a chill team, some for more boys/girls, some for more middle school or high school riders.  Sign the waiver here.

Review our Equipment page. 

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 practice. 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. See the practices page.

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. 

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.  

We sure do. The latest version is here

AHS team fees for the 25-26 season are $295 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 25-26 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 25-26 sponsors!  Know a small business interested in sponsoring our team?  Please let us know!