Introducing: the Trailhead
With the launch of NICA’s new Trailhead site, we are stoked to share more stories, best practices, pro-tips, and proud moments from our NICA coach community. Share an idea today!
Building Team Culture during the start of your season
Teams take time to form and build. Coaches need to respect that building process and help guide athletes through the process. The start of each season is a great way to invite new athletes into your team culture and remind returning athletes why they love being a part of your team.
Celebrate National Trails Day
National Trails Day is coming up on June 3rd! Find out how you can get your team involved and give back to your local singletrack.
Meet the Coach: Heather Weirich
“NICA is a community that cheers each other on. No matter where you come from, no matter what team jersey you wear, people will cheer for you! It’s a community that believes in one another. Whether a student-athlete sets their heart at racing or their soul prefers discovering new trails and adventuring, there’s a place for all.”
Love Your Bike: Wash your bike like a pro!
Our LOVE YOUR BIKE series provides tips from our partners, and practical resources that coaches can share with student-athletes. Check out how having a clean bike makes a BIG difference!
Why we do hard things: Lessons for coaches & Athletes
Next time you’re faced with a challenge, here are a few things to think about why the harder route might actually be the BEST route. Read more in this GUEST POST from our Idaho League…
People Bingo
A game to get to know each other: use People Bingo to learn something new about your riders and fellow coaches!
On-The-Bike 101 has been updated!
Coaches! We’ve updated the On-the-Bike 101 materials for 2023. Check out the revised 101 manual and stay tuned for a new field guide!
Coeus Education: Let’s discuss Burnout
We want the next generation of riders to enjoy our sport as much as we do! So how can we prevent burnout in our athletes and ourselves?
How e-bikes are changing the coaching landscape
“Without my e-bike, there is no way I could coach at every practice. Having an e-bike allows me to lead rides when other coaches aren’t familiar with trail systems, or sweep when I want to spend time coaching the newer kids. And, outside of NICA, I ride with my husband and a women’s group weekly. It makes it much more enjoyable to ride multiple times each week.”
Tim’s Training TIps: Plan your season like a pro
You probably know a team that functions like a well-oiled machine. They get team rides started on time and without any drama while also somehow incorporating training components, skill development and team building…all in the same ride!
These teams inspire dreams of being a part of a group that functions seamlessly at such a high level, though we may not know exactly how to make it happen. The secret is surprisingly simple: focus on meaningful planning.