The Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League (TICL) was organized in 2012 and provides high-quality, safe mountain biking programs for student-athletes in grades 5 through 12, thanks to the generous support of our partners.
We operate as a program League under the direction of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Founded in 2009, NICA develops interscholastic mountain biking programs across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for state leagues like ours, helping us produce quality events and programs that support student-athletes in developing a strong body, strong mind, strong character, and strong community through cycling.
The Tennessee League is committed to providing a positive experience for all participants. We believe that forming interscholastic and club teams, coached by NICA-trained professional coaches, is the best way for students to have fun and learn safe riding practices.
We welcome you to join the movement and get involved!
Mission Statement
The Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League works to establish and maintain safe, quality scholastic mountain bike programs. The League is responsible for establishing a climate that will:
- Provide students who have the desire to mountain bike with the coaching and camaraderie that will help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country mountain biking goals in a safe and enjoyable manner;
- Develop an awareness of what it is to be an amateur athlete that is both gracious and respectful to their community;
- Create an environment in which they may discover new friendships and find role models;
- Guide students towards learning new skills and disciplines, and spread the foundations of mountain bike racing across the United States;
- Foster a responsible attitude toward the use of trails and wilderness;
- Promote the value of cycling to our community as a mode of transportation and as a life long sport.
Vision
Our League is bigger than bikes and our programs dive deeper than just a good ride. Our vision is youth development through bikes. We believe bikes are a powerful tools to build strength, resilience, and character within a supportive community. Our programs include:
- ADVENTURE embodies both how we coach – integrating experiential learning principles and what we do – explore and play on bikes.
- TEEN TRAIL CORPS (TTC) cultivates community as we foster the next generation of trail stewards and advocates
- Girls Riding Together (GRiT) creates a welcoming environment for girls and women in mountain biking, building communities that keep them involved and excited to be cyclists for life.
- RACING in our inclusive events provides a way for athletes to build their confidence, resilience, and sportsmanship while teaching discipline, goal-setting, and teamwork.
The Tennessee League helps young people thrive both on and off the bike—building confidence, leadership, friendships, and making the world a better place. There are no selections and no sidelines—everyone rides and trains together in an inclusive ‘challenge by choice’ supportive team environment.
Together, we can change the world, one bicycle ride at a time. To stay up to date and learn more about the Tennessee League and our programs, please join our e-mail list or contact us.
NICA Core Values
FUN
NICA inspires friendship, joy, and adventure.
INCLUSIVITY
NICA believes everyone should be able to participate in our programs and feel welcome, respected, and supported.
EQUITY
NICA is committed to fair treatment, equal access, opportunity, advancement, and elimination of barriers to encourage participation for all.
RESPECT
NICA expects consideration for others, self and the outdoors.
COMMUNITY
NICA unites diverse people, families, and communities through cycling by creating fun and welcoming experiences.