“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.”
“I became a NICA coach because I was asked to help out with a team who just needed more volunteers…I stayed because helping kids build strong bodies, minds, and character with bikes is one of the most rewarding pieces of my life.”
This grassroots day of recognition is a time for women to gather and share their stoke for riding. It can involve anything from an informal group shred to an organized, stoke-filled event. IMBA, the International Mountain Biking Association, wants NICA teams to join in the fun across the country…
Great teammate pledges or “team constitutions” give clear pathways for positive behavior, and allow athletes to share their voice as soon as they join your team.
Bike body separation, friendly competition, and a catchy bit of music make for a memorable team game. How low can you go? Have two coaches hold a long thin object such as a pool noodle, webbing, broom handle, or a rod of bamboo (for authenticity). Riders form a line and try to ride under the object one at a time.
The beginning of the preseason is fast-approaching, and recruitment of new student-athletes is a priority. Here are a few practical resources and ideas to use to structure and host your recruiting efforts.
Tennessee’s Beth Pride Ford shares her experience with growing a GRiT program from the ground up, and the challenges – and joy – that can crop up along the way.
For our spring leagues in the midst of race season, a scavenger hunt can be a great mid-week change to your practice routine. It can make a trail system that you’ve ridden dozens of times feel like a new experience. A scavenger hunt or full-team on-trail game can break up race prep or help your athletes take a rest after a weekend of racing.
Coeus offers a growing library of on-demand CEU courses built specifically for NICA coaches. As proud NICA educational partners, we work hard to provide valuable content appropriate for all coaching levels.
