Questions?

[ FAQ ]

  • National Interscholastic Cycling Association. NICA is the national organization that helps to create great infrastructure for insurance, training, racing, practices, and so much more for our local teams. You can learn more about NICA here.

  • AZ NICA (Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League) is the statewide affiliate of NICA that supports middle and high school mountain biking teams across Arizona. The League organizes clinics, the Spring race series, adventure weekends, and training and certification courses for Arizona coaches. 

  • There are 2 different fees:
    1) League Fee. There is a $130 annual NICA athlete registration fee required. When you fill out the contact form, the Team Director will invite you to Pitzone to register your rider and pay League fees.
    2) Team fee. This is paid to The J and can be paid monthly at $50/month ($250 total), or all up front for $200. These fees cover insurance, facility use, team jerseys, outings, and more! That link is available here.

  • Students currently in 5th-12th grade can join the team.

  • Our season starts December 2nd and goes until the final race of the Spring Series, April 18, 2026. We will have an end of season banquet after that, and start planning for the 2026-27 season!

  • AZ NICA is a winter-spring sport, starting the first week of December and ending near the end of April.

    We will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Jewish Community Center (“The J”) at 3800 E River Road, Tucson.

    Early season practices in December will be close to The J for a few weeks, until all riders have practiced the skills needed to safely ride trails. Riders must complete 3-6 skills practices before riding trails with the team.

    Once the coaches are confident that riders will be comfortable on trails, the team will ride from The J to the Gnarvana Trail System.

  • Yes, missing one or two practices is okay. However, consistent attendance ensures rider safety, and we require a certain number of practices to race. If you believe you will miss more than 3 practices in December/January or 5+ practices the rest of the season, please contact the head coach before registration.

  • We call it being “practice ready” as your rider will have to have everything below completed prior to joining us for practice

    1. Let us know that you have a rider (student-athlete and/or coach) that wants to register, and we will send you an invitation to NICA Pitzone.

    2. After registering in PitZone, read, agree and sign the Participation Agreement

    3. Pay the NICA fee and Arizona League fee.

    4. Pay of Team Fee (check or credit card) through The J website.

  • Through emails, team website and Team Snap (request an invite).

  • Tucson Composite is a new team and will welcome student athletes throughout the inaugural season. If you have interest in the team, please reach out. The coaches will exercise best judgement to ensure student athletes are appropriately prepared for joining the team later in the season.