This is the second article of a two-part series on creating and using practice plans with NICA teams. Following up on a piece about plan benefits and roles, this installment delves into what to include when creating your own.

The GRiT Coach Lead helps organize GRiT recruitment events, connects with the league’s GRiT Coordinator, and makes it easier for new girls and female coaches to find their place in NICA. It’s a simple role with an outsized impact, and every team benefits from having someone in this position.

It happens all the time. A girl puts a foot down on a climb and says “sorry” to the rider behind her. She takes her time sessioning a rock garden and apologizes to the group. She drops back on a long climb and says she’s sorry for slowing everyone down. […]

Did you know your specific role from beginning of practice to end? Or did you and your team just show up and “ride bikes?” While there’s nothing wrong with unstructured time on the bike, that’s something student-athletes can and should be doing on their own.

Meet Nevyn Brandel, Idaho League rider and team captain who’s grown from a sixth-grade racer into a GRiT mentor and leader inspiring the next generation of riders.

Minefield helps improve bike skills such as balance, spatial awareness, and slow-speed maneuvering. Riders practice looking where they want to go rather than where they don’t, which is crucial for safe and confident riding.

Hold on to your helmets! This month, we’ve got a double dose of NICA community as we highlight two teams in our Meet the Team feature — Highlands Composite Racing and Ramapo-Indian Hills MTB.

NICA coaches and league directors help shape the future of biking in their communities. This virtual training by PeopleForBikes gives you the tools to advocate for safe, connected, and accessible places to ride. Learn how to support grassroots efforts and use PeopleForBikes’ resources to make a real difference.

Although you’re ready to go as you are, NICA recommends you (and your student-athletes) wear gloves and glasses on your rides. It’s not just to make you look rad, either. Today, we’re teaming up with NICA Partner Rudy Project to explore just how important eye protection is for mountain biking.