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NICA Aus FAQs

Check out our list of frequently asked questions.

Still need more info? Contact us!

Almost anyone can start a NICA team! You need a passion for riding and the desire to pass that passion on to kids. You don’t have to be an accomplished mountain biker or have prior coaching experience. NICA’s coach licensing and leadership program will equip you with the tools and skills needed to successfully lead your team. We’ll help you get started in five easy steps:

  • Register with NICA Australia (click here to make it happen!)
  • Get your coach license in our world-class youth development training program
  • Organise your team using our suite of NICA team leadership resources
  • Plan your season using our practice plans/guides
  • RIDE!

The NICA season currently runs from October to April. Keep these dates in mind for our calendar each year:

  • Registration for teams, coaches, and athletes opens late spring
  • League-wide events (races, adventure rides, etc.) begin in autumn
  • The season officially mid-autumn

Specific dates to be announced. Sign up for our newsletter to get details!

Registration for NICA happens through your local team. First, find a team in your area, then reach out to the head coach or team director. They’ll send you an invitation to the NICA Pit Zone, where you can complete your registration.

No team in your area? Consider starting one!

Coaching with NICA is one of the most rewarding parts of our program! We invite any adult who is interested in being a positive mentor and role model to join our programs as a coach. All skill levels are welcome – from brand-new beginners to experienced riders. We can help to teach new riders the skills they need to effectively coach fundamental skills (and you’ll learn along the way, too!) 

Learn more about coaching and get started.

*Note: All NICA coaches are required to complete NICA’s Coach Education Program (Level 1, 2, or 3) and hold a current Working with Children Check.

It is easier than you think! Here are some great places to meet new potential athletes and coaches for your team:

  • At school 
  • Via your local bike club
  • Through your local bike shop
  • Your friends and your kids’ friends!
  • On the trail (pop a few of our business-card sized info cards in your pack — they’re handy to share with riders you meet along the way.)

Contact us to get access to a set of pre-made flyer and handout templates you can use to promote your local team. If you’re already registered as a coach with us, check out our coach resources to find these templates.

You don’t need the fanciest or most advanced gear to participate in NICA and have a great time. All you need are the essentials to keep you comfortable, safe, and having fun on the trail.

Absolutely. We’ll schedule regular “Give it a Go” events each year, and you can even attend a practice* with your local team to give it a shot before you register. We do limit the number of events a rider can attend before registering, so keep that in mind!

* You must complete our one-time waiver to join a local team practice before registering.

Pit Zone is NICA’s Registration system where all teams, coaches, and athletes register for the season and NICA events.

The NICA Coach Education Centre is our online learning platform for adult volunteers. It provides world-class training and resources to support coaching, team management, outreach, and more. Coaches can access the Coach Ed Centre directly via a button in the Pit Zone.

Because it’s awesome. We regularly hear that NICA is the best youth sports experience that families have ever had. There’s just something about riding bikes with friends, having fun, and being outside that makes it super special. We’d love to have you join us.