Q. Who can join the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike
Team?
A. Students in grades 6-12 residing in the Lebanon and Cedar
Crest School Districts.
Q. What are the coaches' qualifications?
A. Besides some of them racing themselves, they have been
accredited by the
National Interscholastic Cycling Association
(NICA) and are recognized coaches by the
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League
(PICL). They are certified in CPR, concussion detection and
First Aid. They are sufficiently knowledgeable to be a positive
influence on all student athletes.
Q. Is the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike Team fully
insured?
A. NICA provides General Liability insurance for the Lebanon
Valley Mountain Bike Team including coverage for trail
maintenance and repair by the club, club rides, training rides,
races and other club functions such as meetings and clinics.
Coaches are covered while acting within the scope of their
duties for the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike Team.
Q. Can I participate in another sport and race for the Lebanon
Valley Mountain Bike Team?
A. Student athletes may participate in two sports in the same
season however the onus is on the student to do well in school
as academics come first for the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike
Team.
Q. I've been on several teams and never got to compete. Will
the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike Team be different?
A. We want to introduce kids to mountain biking and make it fun
for all. Everyone is encouraged (although not required) to race,
and every race counts as long as you finish!
Q. What are the core values of the team?
A: The core values of NICA, PICL
and Lebanon Valley MTB Mountain Bike Team are:
-
Fun: NICA inspires friendship, joy, and
adventure.
-
Inclusivity: NICA believes everyone should be
able to participate in our programs and feel welcomed,
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 all
others, oneself, and the outdoors.
-
Community: NICA unites diverse people,
families, and communities through cycling by creating fun and
welcoming experiences.
Q. When is the Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike Team's
season?
A. We normally practice once during the week and have a group
ride on Saturdays on great local trails. 5 statewide race
weekends will be held in September and October. Course pre-rides
and adventure programming happen on Saturdays and races
Saturdays or Sundays.
Q. What will practices be like?
A. With a focus on safety and fun, practices will be split up by
ability so that everyone can learn at their own pace. Some
practices will focus on specific skills, while others will be
focused on endurance. We want to get kids on their bikes as much
as possible and make practices fun and effective.
Q. How is this going to help me in the future?
A. Mountain biking is a sport you can enjoy for most of your
life. Exploring great trails with friends on weekends is a lot
more realistic than continuing to play other scholastic sports
after high school. Many colleges have mountain biking teams and
you can compete at a collegiate level. Even better, Teen Trail
Corps Initiative is an excellent addition to your college
application.
Q. What is Teen Trail Corps Initiative?
A. NICA has partnered with IMBA (International Mountain
Bicycling Association) and REI to create Teen Trail Corps. The
program is designed to educate student-athletes in advocacy as
well as to encourage them to take action now and as leaders in
the future. This optional leadership program for students allows
cycling athletes to create a sense of community on the trails
and ensures continued access to our public land uses.
Q. How much is this going to cost?
A. Team and league dues vary from year
to year. For 2025, the league (PICL) fee is $250 and the team
fee is $100. In addition, each league race or adventure event is
$45, or $85 for five events.
