Minooka Race Report

September 12, 2021 – NICA Race #1 Minooka Park

NICA racing has returned to Wisconsin!

The first race of the 2021 NICA season took place in Waukesha’s Minooka Park on Sunday, Sept. 12.  Riders from all over the state of Wisconsin (and a few from Michigan and Illinois) traveled to south eastern Wisconsin for the league’s first race since October 2019.

The conditions were typical of an early season race: warm, dry and a little dusty.  Paying attention to hydration and conditions were a must to perform well at the first race.  More than 900 racers competed in 16 categories in the day’s mountain bike races (race results). 

The course loop started off with a medium size climb and some double track.  Single track sections followed, with lots of turns and a few rock gardens.  Then riders bombed back down the hill and rode full gas on a flat double track to the finish.

The spectators took to the county park with enthusiasm.  Bells, Horns, and bicycle components turned percussion instruments filled the air with each race start and again in the woods with each passing racer.

Minooka, like other NICA venues, is a great spot for camping.  Over 600 hearty souls spent the night at the trailhead.

With the first race in the books, our student athletes now turn their sights toward race 2 at Lowes Creek on Sept. 26.