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.

Late autumn and early spring are our sport’s “shoulder seasons.” Not too far from winter, they can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. Every coach expects to have to cancel practice now and then, but when early snow or ice closes the trails for a week or two, cabin fever sets in.