What is nica?

WHAT IS NICA? 

NICA is the National Interscholastic Cycling Association - a youth mountain biking league.  We participate in the SCICL – the South Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, which is our state’s NICA league.

We teach student athletes mountain biking skills and compete in 5 cross country mountain bike races per season.

HOW BIG IS SCICL?

There are approximately 20 composite and high school teams with over 350 athletes from across the South Carolina. 

WHAT IS A COMPOSITE TEAM AND WHO ARE THE 843 RANGERS AND WANDO WARRIORS? 

Composite teams are made up of student athletes from a regional area that go to different local schools.  When a composite team grows large enough and we have enough student athletes that attend an individual school we split to form new high school team.  These teams compete separately though we train and operate collectively.  We currently have two teams:  The 843 Rangers (Charleston Composite) and the Wando Warriors.  We had approximately 45 student athletes on our local teams in the 2026 season. 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? 

Male and female riders in 5th thru 12th grade. Rising 5th graders can participate since the league starts between school years.  Home schooled student athletes are also welcome to join as long as they meet the age requirements. 

WHEN IS THE NICA SEASON?  

Our season is July through November. 

• Sign up – April 1 – June 30th.  By invitation only to the NICA Pitzone.

• Practice begins - July 1

• Races - September thru November

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

It costs $325 to join the team.  This covers the cost of running the league and all 5 races.  Additional costs include:

• Mountain bike

• bike maintenance

• Team jersey & short (required)

• Travel to races

• Race weekend accommodations.

WHERE DO WE TRAIN AND RACE? 

We practice at local trail systems, like the Biggin Creek trail in Moncks Corner. Races are held around the state and locations vary.  Past venues included Fort Mill, Sumter, Columbia, Buffalo and Charleston.

HOW LONG IS A RACE?

Races are different lengths based on the age of the athlete.  A typical race course features a 4 to 5 mile course.   There are several different race categories:

Middle school - 1 lap

Advanced Middle School - 2 laps

Freshmen & Sophomores - 2 laps

Juniors - 3 laps

Seniors - 4 laps