Amanda Carey (front and center) coaching an Idaho League GRiT camp. Photo: Idaho League
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Dear Team NICA –
First and foremost, happy 2022! Pedaling into a new year, we are looking forward to exciting opportunities and fresh adventures here at NICA. We’re incredibly grateful that you’ll be joining us on the journey.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you who contributed to our annual Share the Ride Campaign. We raised funds to support both our national-level programs and local leagues through your generosity. As a volunteer-driven organization, NICA is humbled by the ongoing service of our volunteers. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously remarked, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Our many volunteers honor Dr. King’s legacy throughout the year by supporting #morekidsonbikes in their local communities. Volunteers like you coach teams, improve trails, run NICA event weekends, and spend their time and resources to grow as individuals while rooting themselves in making mountain biking more accessible and inclusive. We can never thank all of you enough for your service!
Even though 2021 had its pandemic-related challenges, we are still experiencing explosive growth. NICA ended 2021 with nearly 27,000 student-athletes and over 14,000 coaches, and our spring registrations are at 39% growth over last year. We’ve also seen a significant increase in participation in NICA’s newer programs such as Teen Trail Corps, Adventure, and GRiT, our Girls Riding Together program.
We are looking forward to 2022! The NICA spring season has begun with the Texas League holding its first event in January. We are looking forward to a full return to race weekends for Alabama, Florida, Kansas, New York, New Jersey, Nevada-South, NorCal, North Carolina, and SoCal. Good luck to all our spring leagues. My sincerest wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year and keep enjoying the ride!
With gratitude,
Amanda
