What is the Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL)?
The Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League began in 2017 as part of the nation-wide National Interscholastic Cycling Association. The Maryland Cycling League provides a fun, safe and high-quality mountain biking program for students in grades 6 to 12. With the cooperation of our partners and our sponsors, we provide a competitive mountain bike youth racing experience. The League promotes the core values of Equality, Inclusivity, Strong body, Strong Mind, and Strong Character. We take “all comers” in our league; no experience necessary! You can learn more at the MICL Webpage.
Where does the club practice?
The Mountain Lions Cycling Cub will host weekly skills training sessions and weekend rides at trails in the area such as Rockburn Branch, Patapsco State Park, and other trails appropriate for rider skill levels. Check out the events page for details here.
When does the season begin?
Registration for the 2024 Season starts on April 1. MICL season runs from April to November. Pre-season runs from April to June and consists will have 6 gatherings. Regular season starts on July 1 and consists of weekly practices and team rides. Races are scheduled between late August through October.
What happens at a bike race? Do I have to race?
Student Athletes can compete in “off-road” race events held on dirt trails known as “single track.” The trails are often dual-use hiking trails. Many refer to this sport as “mountain biking,” but there are no mountains in these events. However, we will design each race to challenge athletes mentally and physically. Top finishers earn points for their team, and can accrue points for themselves as well. We encourage everyone to ride in the races (because it’s fun!), but nobody MUST race if they don’t want to. We practice to have fun and work with student athletes on bettering skills on the bike. We work with everyone whether they want to race or just have fun. Student athletes will set goals for the season based on their needs and readiness while re-evaluating those goals throughout the season.
How safe is Mountain biking...really?
The safety of student-athletes is a number-one priority. We will teach students the skills they need to ride safely including proper bike handling, equipment maintenance, and how to wear safety gear. Of course, all sports come with some inherent risk, but cycling is often much safer than other high contact sports. Many regard cycling as a low impact fitness activity. Coaches receive first aid training, and medical professionals assist at races in the unlikely event of an emergency.
This is new to us. What are the benefits of a youth cycling club?
That’s ok! Experience is not necessary. In fact, MOST student-athletes have never ridden in a mountain bike race ever before. There are many benefits to cycling including:
- Building fitness
- Learning teamwork
- Improved mental clarity
- Time management
- Improved sleeping and eating habits
- Participation in a unique sport that athletes can sustain for many years
- Lifelong friendships
Sounds Awesome! how much does this cost, though?
Estimated student-athlete costs will vary depending on your equipment and level of participation:
- Student athletes will need to purchase or bring:
- A safe and sport appropriate bike that fits properly
- Mask/face covering
- Hand sanitizer
- Full finger cycling gloves
- Spare tube for their wheel size
- Tube repair patch kit
- Tire levers
- Hand bike pump
- Basic cycling multi tool
- Water (2 bottles or equivalent)
- Helmet
- MICL registration fees are collected through NICA Pit Zone at the time of Registration:
- 2021 MICL Season Registration Fee (Includes the 5 League Fall events): $275
- MLCC Team Dues will be invoiced on July 1 through Team Snap:
- Student athletes (includes MLCC jersey): $75.
I love bikes and i want to coach! How do I get involved?
Great! We need coaches for our team so please contact us using the information on the Coach Registration Page. A head coach will reach out to you as soon as possible. No experience necessary; the league will give you all the training you need. Some info on basic costs below; more information on coaching from the MICL Webpage.
- MICL registration fees are collected through NICA Pit Zone at the time of registration:
- Annual coach's league registration fee: $50
- Background check (onetime fee): $38
- Additional training cost may depend on your NICA Coach License level. Get more info on Licensing on the MICL Webpage.
- MLCC Team Dues will be invoice on July 1 through TeamSnap:
- Coaches (includes MLCC Jersey): $50
I have a few more questions. how can i reach out?
Just hit us up with your questions at [email protected] and we'll do our best to get right back to you.
can i just try it out first?
Not quite sure? We get that. Bring your bike to practice and give it a try! Riders are welcome to sign a waiver and join us for one practice before needing to register. Please fill out the NICA Waiver, and bring it with you when you join us for one practice. If you use the NICA electronic waiver form, please email it to [email protected]. MLCC will staff a rider registration table during events to speak with riders and parents and to receive appropriate documentation. Upon request, new 2021 riders will also receive the Pit Zone registration link.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League rules state that athletes must be enrolled in middle school (grades 6-8), or the homeschool equivalent, and be no younger than 10 during the entire school year. We interpret that rule to include any child that will be rising into the 6th grade during the fall race season, and that is also at least 10 years old.
What is the maximum age allowed to participate?
The Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League rules state that to be eligible to compete in either a spring or fall school-year season, a student-athlete must be no older than 19 years of age at any time during the entire school year; and not have a high school diploma, general education diploma (GED), or otherwise be graduated from high school.
How does mlcc cONDUCT their ACTIVITIES?
The MLCC developed operating procedures for team supported events including practices, races, rides, and other gatherings. The MLCC will apply NICA, MICL, federal, state, county, and local regulations, and best practices to ensure the safety of riders, coaches, and parents at all times. Additional details are on under the Activity Info section.
What is the COMMITMENT required for practices?
Pre-Season normally starts in April and runs through June. Check the events page for more information. Practice starts in earnest on July 1. The 2022 season will likely run until November. This is a club sport in the sense that nobody gets cut from the team, and we don't have tryouts. While we are a club sport and practices are not mandatory, we like to see kids practicing with us at least twice a week - and the more they ride the better experience they will have come race day and the better their cardio endurance will be. As a registered rider you paid for the races. Each student athlete who wants to race can. A student athlete who does not want to race is not required. We focus on FUN. We will teach trail riding skills, and will likely get to travel to some really cool trails to ride.