FAQs

We are a mountain bike team that is part of the National Intercollegiate Cycling Association (NICA) in their Utah League.  We focus on the NICA core values of:

• Fun - NICA inspires friendship, joy, and adventure

• Inclusivity - NICA believes everyone should be able to participate in our programs and feel welcomed, respected and supported

• Equity - NICA is committed to fair treatment, equal access, opportunity, advancement and elimination of barriers to encourage participation for all

• Respect - NICA expects consideration for all others, oneself, and the outdoors

• Community - NICA unites diverse people, families and communities through cycling by creating fun and welcoming experience

We are a recognized club at Woods Cross High School, and we work hard to be beneficial to all in our Woods Cross community on and off the trails.

NICA is a cross country (XC) league.  What that means is we ride on single track trails and dirt roads.  XC is about endurance and bike handling skills rather than big jumps and downhill courses.

Our races are held at various locations around the state.  From ski resort or alpine terrain to desert terrain, we ride it all.

All skill levels, from a brand new beginner up to a very skilled and fast mountain biker, has a place on the team.  We break the large team into riding groups of 6-8 riders depending on skills and expertise.  With at least two volunteer coaches, each group works on skills and endurance that the group needs to be able to enjoy the ride and compete on race day.

NICA's rulebook for 2023 can be referenced here.

The Utah League handbook is here.

Woods Cross MTB Team rules are here.

There are two different registration deadlines - one for the team, the other for the league.

• Team Registration: March - mid-April

• League Registration: March 1 - June 1

Within 48 hours of registration, an invitation will be sent for League registration (after April 1). Registration for the team closes so that we can order and receive the kits and equipment that is needed for race season.

2024 Registration fees are the following.  Add the fees (Team, league, and uniforms) for total cost.

• Team Fee - $150 for HS, $120 for Junior Devo

• League and Race Fees

  • Junior Devo (grades 7-8) - $300

  • High School (grades 9-12) - $360

• Uniforms - $60+ (team jersey is required to race

Scholarships through NICA, the Utah League (will open April 1), and WX MTB are available based on needs.  Please use the contact form to request more information and ask specific questions.

For all the riding that we do as a team, as well as at races, a quality bike will be needed to withstand the usage. We recommend bikes that are found at local bike shops.

As a NICA rider, the student athlete and any volunteer ride leaders or coaches are eligible for discounts ranging from 5% to 25% MSRP. Shops sometimes have sales that beat the MSRP. Discounts are available from Trek, Specialized, Jive, and Canyon.

Recommendations include a bike with the following:

• Hardtail or full suspension

• Carbon or aluminum frame

• 29"- or 27.5"-wheel size

• 80mm-120mm suspension travel

• Disc brakes

• 1x drivetrain (single shifter for rear - 10-12 speeds in rear)

• Dropper post (not required, but makes it nice)

• No bar ends, kickstands or other unnecessary accessories

• Bell

You may buy used bicycles of similar quality (does not need to be new). There is even a Facebook group for Utah NICA riders to buy/sell their used bikes.

The coaches can provide guidance based on the budget and what type of riding you do.

Preseason events can begin on April 1 and ends May 31. We are allowed to have a total of 8 events - we are not allowed to do usual group rides.  We will have most of these events in May.  These events range from 1-2 hours.

Season starts on June 1. During the season, most practices will be 2 hours long.  Monday mornings are shorter to allow ride leaders to participate and still be on time for work.

High School (grades 9-12) will have the following practices:

• Monday 6am - 7:30am - local trails (6pm during school)

• Wednesday 6am - 8am (optional) - local trails

• Thursday 6pm - 8pm - travel

• Saturday 8am - 11am (monthly) - travel

Junior Devo (grades 7-8) will have the following practices:

• Monday 6pm - 8pm - travel

• Thursday 6pm - 8pm - travel

• Saturday 8am - 11am (monthly) - travel

The team plans to ride various trails throughout the season to provide different experiences to our athletes. Local trails (Mueller Park, BST, Tunnel Springs, Wild Rose) will be ridden when time and weather are restricted. The team will plan practices as far away as Park City to Snow Basin to Eagle Mountain. Saturday rides may be further away, especially if we pre-ride racecourses that are throughout the state. We use TeamSnap to communicate the exact schedule well in advance; this also allows everyone to carpool whenever possible.

This is a volunteer-run organization. All coaches, ride leaders, and other team volunteers are all parents of the student athletes. It is expected of all parents to volunteer with the team by filling a volunteer position.  Additionally, the league requires parents to volunteer at one of the races.

All ride leaders and coaches need to take online classes and pay a registration fee and concussion course ($36). More details can be found on the Utah League website (www.utahmtb.org).  Your first step is to register as a coach with the team here.