Youth Development
on a Bike
We build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling.
Empower every youth as part of a thriving and engaged cycling community.
Upper Valley Cycling
The Biting Goats!
Our cross country mountain bike team is for 6th-12th grade students in Madison & Fremont Counties. We’re part of the Idaho League of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
Everyone is welcome to join our team no matter their ability and skill level. We have no tryouts, no bench, and everybody rides! Racing is optional and not required to join the team.
Who's This For?
The Madison Team is for students who will be in 6th-12th grades at Madison schools during the fall race season.
The Upper Valley Composite Team is for 6th-12th grades students from Sugar Salem, South Fremont or North Fremont schools.
Any student that attends Public or Home School may be part of the Mountain Bike Team if you live in Madison or Freemont Counties.
If you’re interested in learning more, peruse this website.
If you’re interested in joining the team as a student-athlete or a volunteer coach, contact our team director.
All you need to do is know how to ride a bike. Everyone can participate at personal interest and ability level.
Pre-Season Events
NICA allows each team to host six pre-season events between April 1 and June 30 each year.
They usually include Basic Skills Clinics, Fun Rides, and some Trail Maintenance.
We also do some optional work projects so students can earn money towards their registration costs.
Registration with the team and with NICA must be completed before a student or coach participates in the second on-bike event.
Practices
In the Idaho League, we’re allowed to start practices beginning July 1 each year. Our team practices on Mondays at various parks in town and on Wednesdays on local trails. We carpool together whenever possible.
Practices run through the end of race season–mid-October.
Races
This is a Cross Country Bike Team. The races are 3-5 miles laps that include both uphill and downhill on dirt roads and single track trails. Students complete a certain number of laps specific to their race category (determined by age and ability). NICA has specific requirements for race venues to help reduce risk, allow for passing zones, a feed zone, etc. More information can be found in the NICA Rulebook.
The Idaho League hosts six races across the state in the Fall. Each team participates in five of those races. Students can participate in as many or as few of those five races as they choose.
Our team is run 100% by volunteers. No one is paid. In fact, all coaches must be registered and background checked and pay for it themselves ($38 first year and $11 in subsequent years). Why do they do it? Because they love biking, love NICA and the team, want to bike with their child, or just want to be part of this great community.
Testimonials
2022 Sponsors
2021 Sponsors
We aim to develop youth potential
The NICA program offers great opportunities for youth to build strong relationships with peers and mentors, work to achieve something great, and develop strength of body, mind, and character.
