Wautoma
Mountain Biking
The wautoma mountain bike team IS open to student athletes entering 6th through 12th grade. The season runs from July to October with practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The league also hosts five optional festival weekends in September and October which include racing and much more. Click the links below for more information about NICA and the Wisconsin League.
Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support!
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are practices?
- Most practices will be at the Nordic Mountain trail system. We may occasionally schedule a practice at another local trail system like Hartman Creek or Standing Rocks.
- Practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting July 9th from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Starting in September when we start to lose daylight, practice times will be moved up to 5:30 and eventually 5:00pm.
- Families are responsible for transporting their student athletes to and from practices.
Who can participate?
- Wautoma students entering 6th through 12th grade for the race season are eligible to participate.
- We also have the potential to add a composite team and allow participation of students from other area districts. Please email for more information about this.
Why mountain biking and NICA?
- Life-Long Fitness and Community: Mountain biking is a sport you can do for most of your life, whether you like to race or just ride for fun. Anywhere you find trails you’ll also find a welcoming community of off-road cyclists.
- Inclusivity: NICA is open to all genders and ability levels, no one rides the bench!
- Challenge By Choice: We have racing and a high level of competition for those who want it, but racing is optional. 30-40% of student athletes who participate in NICA never choose to race and we have lots of other great programming for kids who just want to ride and have fun.
Is mountain biking a school or club sport?
- We are a school affiliated team in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League, NICA and the Wisconsin League are not part of the WIAA. We are also organized as a school club for fundraising, promotion, and off season activities.
What kind of bike do you need?
- Having the right bike is important for student athlete safety and success. An appropriate mountain bike will be designed for off-road use*, in good mechanical condition, and fit the rider. Some things to look for are: hydraulic disc brakes, 1X drivetrain (only one front chainring), 29" wheels, and 2.25" or wider tires.
- * Not all bikes that look like mountain bikes are designed for off-road use. If you aren’t sure about a bike you have, or what to purchase, please contact us so that we can look at your bike or help you find an appropriate bike.
- The Wisconsin League has a rental bike program you can find out more about by clicking here.
- Trek and Specialized both offer a 25% discount on new bikes for NICA student athletes and coaches.
What is the cost to participate?
- The registration cost for student athletes in 2024 is $125
- Participation in festival weekends (which races are part of) is $75 per weekend or $300 for the “Season Pass” including all five weekends + the adventure weekend at Nordic. The discounted “Season Pass” must be purchased before the first weekend in September.
- If fees are a barrier to participation, please click here to learn more about the scholarship program. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League is committed to making our league accessible to everyone to the best of our ability, regardless of their financial situation.
What do I need besides a bike?
- Student athletes need a helmet, appropriate closed-toed shoes, and comfortable athletic clothes to ride in.
- Student athletes also need a water bottle and cage or hydration backpack to carry water.
- Bike specific clothes and shoes are nice, but not necessary. Cycling gloves and eye protection (clear cycling glasses or safety glasses) are highly recommended.
- Team jerseys are required only if racing. Jersey orders will be made during the preseason and the cost is $55-$65.
Can adults ride too?
- Yes! Adults can sign up as a “Level 1 Coach” and ride along with the team.
- No off-road cycling experience is necessary, you can learn along with the kids.
- Level 1 Coaches are not responsible for leadership or instruction, their job is just to ride along at the back of the group and be another set of eyes for safety.
- Learn more about the NICA coach training program here.
Do I have to race?
- No! We think everyone should try it out at least once, but racing is 100% optional. Many student athletes just want to ride and have fun, and that’s ok.
Do I have to be good at biking?
- Not at all, our program is designed to teach mountain bike skills to riders of all levels. Student athletes should already know how to ride a bike, but no off-road experience is necessary.
Festival weekends - racing and more!
August 30-September 2 CABLE CONQUEST FESTIVAL
Mt Telemark Village, Cable
September 6-8 CRUSH THE CREEK FESTIVAL
Lowes Creek, Eau Claire
September 27-29 ENGLEWOOD EPIC FESTIVAL
Englewood Grass Farm, Fall River
October 4-6 HODAG HUSTLE FESTIVAL
Camp Tesomas, Rhinelander
October 12-13 Nordic Mountain Adventure Ride
Nordic Mountain, Wild Rose
Adventure Ride & Camping Saturday night only
October 18-20 RED BARN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FESTIVAL
Trek Trails, Waterloo
Register your rider at https://pitzone.nationalmtb.org/
Contact Coach Jeremy at coach@jeremyalbright.com
with questions or for more information. If you are interested supporting youth cycling by becomming a sponsor, our community sponsorship letter can be found here.
