Frequently Asked Questions
Most common questions we get regarding the team:
- What is NICA?
NICA is the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. It is a national organization that promotes the life long love of cycling through youth mountain biking. NICA's core values include Fun, Inclusivity, Equity, Respect, and Community. NICA has leagues throughout the United States.
- What is SCICL?
SCICL is the South Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League. SCICL is a state league within the NICA organization and is made of up of 19 teams throughout South Carolina. SCICL is a NICA Fall league.
- What is Charleston Composite?
Charleston Composite is our local youth mountain bike team. We have team members throughout the tri-county area and beyond. We serve the Lowcountry area of South Carolina.
- Who can participate?
Boys and girls who are rising 6th graders through rising 12th graders.
- What are the costs?
There is a $350 fee to join the team. This includes:
$40 national registration fee - paid at the time of registration
$260 SCICL race fees - paid at the time of registration
$50 843 Ranger fee - collected separately after your athlete is registered
- Are there any other costs?
You are required to purchase a team jersey and you are responsible for transportation and accomodations for race weekends.
- When does the season start?
Our season starts on July 1 and ends in mid-November. Races start in September and end in mid-November. See the Events section for dates.
- When are practices?
We are still working on our 2024 practice schedule, but based on our 2023 season we anticipate a weekday practice on Thursday in Mount Pleasant (6:30pm to 8pm), a Wednesday practice at Biggin Creek (6:30pm to 8pm), and a Sunday practice at Biggin Creek (3pm to 5pm).
- Do I have to attend all practices?
No. We ask that you attend the Sunday practice and try to make the week day practice that is closest to you if possible.
- What are the race weekend logistics?
Athletes can arrive for the race weekend on Friday night or Saturday morning. There is a course preview on Saturday that starts around noon and ends at 5pm. All races are on Sunday. The race time is roughly 8:30am to 3pm.
- Do I have to camp out for the races?
No. There are camping or hotel options. We have team members that do both.
- How do I sign up?
Send your contact information to chsnica@gmail.com and we will send you an invite through the NICA Pitzone app so you can register your athlete. Please include the following in your email: Parent name, Parent email, Athlete Name.
- What is the NICA Pitzone app?
NICA has a website where all athletes and coaches register. You cannot join the team without first registering on the Pitzone. You can't access the Pitzone unless we send you an invite.
- If I join the team how will communications be handled?
We use an app called Stack Team App. This is how we communicate throughout the season. You will be given access to this app once your athlete is registered on the Pitzone and practice ready.
- Do I need a mountain bike to participate?
Yes, a mountain bike will be needed to participate on the team. If your athlete does not have a mountain bike please contact our team directors at chsnica@gmail.com to discuss the situation.