Welcome Ride 2025: Try a Ride with Our Team!
The 2025/26 Black Mountain Composite mountain biking season is here! The first team ride will take place on one of Santa Cruz’s most popular trails — the Emma McCrary Trail in Pogonip up to UCSC.
This ride is designed for all levels:
Requirements to ride: 1) registered for the season in Pit Zone or 2) have a limited ride waiver on file (New riders: Please contact us to start either process.)
Returning riders: please respond in the Spond app if you are coming so we can message each other, track attendance etc.
When: Sunday, October 19, 10am
Rolling at 10am and all groups should be back at the parking lot by 1pm, but younger riders will probably finish more like 12:30p.
Where: Santa Cruz Street Maintenance Parking Lot at Golf Club Dr and Hwy 9.
1125 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Apres Ride: Optional lunch in the mountain bike themed JT’s Two Doors in Scotts Valley on way home, which has always been able to accommodate us on their large outdoor patios and has something for everyone on the menu with Asian and Mexican next door as well as good pub fare.
The kickoff ride is more than just the start of a season — it’s a celebration of what makes NICA mountain biking so special. Every rider, whether in middle school or high school, beginner or advanced, girl or boy, has a place on the team.
This ride is designed for all levels:
- Experienced riders will enjoy it as a warmup before tackling more advanced trails.
- New and younger riders will find the shaded climb approachable, with a fun, confidence‑building descent on the way back.
Requirements to ride: 1) registered for the season in Pit Zone or 2) have a limited ride waiver on file (New riders: Please contact us to start either process.)
Returning riders: please respond in the Spond app if you are coming so we can message each other, track attendance etc.
When: Sunday, October 19, 10am
Rolling at 10am and all groups should be back at the parking lot by 1pm, but younger riders will probably finish more like 12:30p.
Where: Santa Cruz Street Maintenance Parking Lot at Golf Club Dr and Hwy 9.
1125 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Apres Ride: Optional lunch in the mountain bike themed JT’s Two Doors in Scotts Valley on way home, which has always been able to accommodate us on their large outdoor patios and has something for everyone on the menu with Asian and Mexican next door as well as good pub fare.
The kickoff ride is more than just the start of a season — it’s a celebration of what makes NICA mountain biking so special. Every rider, whether in middle school or high school, beginner or advanced, girl or boy, has a place on the team.
- Inclusive by design: NICA’s philosophy is that everyone rides, everyone races, everyone belongs. There are no tryouts, no benches, and no sidelines.
- Confidence for all riders: Girls and boys alike find a supportive environment that encourages growth, leadership, and resilience on and off the bike.
- Off screens, into nature: Practices and races get riders outdoors, away from devices, and immersed in the beauty of Santa Clara County’s trails, and on weekends, other favorite parks to ride in nearby counties.
- Healthy competition, lifelong skills: Racing is about effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship, not just podiums. Riders gain endurance, technical skills, and friendships that last well beyond the season. And some just ride with the team for fun - no racing necessary!
