The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) produces programming for middle and high school mountain biking programs in communities and schools in 29 states across the country. In Maryland, the Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL) is beginning their fourth season as a NICA league, and has grown to include nearly 700 student-athletes and 370 volunteer coaches around the state.

NICA is different in many ways from traditional school sports – for starters there are no cuts, there is no bench, and everyone rides. School-based teams practice and ride together from Summer through Fall, building confidence, fitness, and friendships along the way.