NICA Discovery is a confidence-inspiring, skill-building, friendship-fostering program for kids ages 7–11 who are ready to adventure on bikes!
Watch your rider build confidence, coordination, and healthy habits while making memories and friends that last a lifetime.
RIDE. GROW. belong.
NICA Discovery is where kids in 2nd–5th grade (ages 7–11) gear up for fun, friendship, and bike-powered adventures! Discovery blends riding with essential skill development, teamwork, outdoor stewardship, and connection with peers.
The lessons learned in NICA Discovery transcend kids' time on two wheels: NICA Discovery empowers kids to bring lessons from riding into their everyday lives. Watch your child gain confidence, connection, and the lifelong skill of cycling!
Small groups, big support:
Your locally-run NICA Discovery program is led by trained adults who ensure a safe, supportive, and fun environment where kids ride, play, and explore together. Small groups of riders are led by three or more adult mentors and program leaders using NICA's youth development curriculum and activities.
THREE LEVELS OF Discovery
From first-time trail explorers to future NICA team riders, our three levels grow along with your kids on their biking journey:
New Friends!
For kids new to biking but comfortable balancing and pedaling a bike. Games and activities teach bike basics, trail etiquette, and teamwork – all while finding new bike buddies and having a blast outdoors!
> view a sample lesson
FUNdamentals
For riders who’ve completed New Friends or have some mountain biking experience. FUNdamentals focus: mastering skills, riding as a team, and building an appetite for longer adventures!
> CHECK OUT A FUN GAME
TRAIL TREKKERS
For more experienced riders who are ready to hit the trails! This level refines skills, introduces “challenge by choice,” and prepares kids for riding with NICA – all with a focus on building confidence.
> EXPLORE THE SKILLSET
“NICA has boosted my son’s confidence and given him so much joy...
...biking has been one of the best things we’ve ever done.”
– Parent of a participant
LEARNING
Kids master essential biking skills, from technique and trail etiquette to safety - all while building strength, coordination, and endurance. Our trained leaders foster a supportive environment where kids grow in confidence with every ride.
RIDING
Adventure awaits! Through games, challenges, and plenty of riding, kids explore the outdoors, tackle new obstacles, and discover the thrill of biking. Every session is designed to build skills, stamina, and a love for the ride.
FRIENDS
Teamwork makes the trail work! Kids learn to cheer each other on, solve problems together, and forge friendships that last beyond the ride. It’s all about fun, camaraderie, and creating friendships - and off the bike.
Everything You Need to Know
Ready to dive in? Check out all of our FAQ's below.
What is NICA Discovery?
NICA Discovery is a fun, supportive biking program for kids in 2nd through 5th grade (ages 7–11). It’s all about building biking skills, making friends, and exploring the outdoors safely and confidently. Through games, teamwork, and plenty of riding, kids learn bike handling, trail etiquette, and how to care for their equipment. Along the way, they’ll grow stronger, more coordinated, and more connected to their community. They'll also find a natural pathway to NICA: the next step in their cycling journey!
Why NICA Discovery?
We created this program to introduce younger kids to the joy of biking and prepare them for a lifelong love of riding, and the opportunity to join NICA’s league teams for grades 5–12. It’s perfect for kids who are new to biking or ready to take their skills off the sidewalk and onto the trails!
Who can join?
Recognizing when your child is ready for NICA Discovery and at what level is key to a great experience. NICA Discovery is open to any child (aged 7-11) who can pedal and balance a bike without assistance (training wheels).
Kids who are excited to learn, play, and ride in a group setting will have a great experience. Each level progresses in skills, character development, and stamina. Selecting the appropriate level for your child is key to ensuring a fun experience. If you are unsure which level to select, contact the program director in your area to discuss.
How are programs structured?
3 levels of programming take kids from first touch to ready for NICA team inclusion! The focus is on connection and community while learning about biking. Riders will learn everything from riding skills, biking etiquette, trail stewardship, and equipment care. Kids will participate in group games, appreciate nature, build confidence, and enjoy being outside on two wheels with friends!
- New Friends! This program is for kids new to biking but have some experience with neighborhood or urban riding; children who can already balance and pedal a bike, but may have never ventured “off road.” Games and activities work on learning to better ride and operate a mountain bike preparation for later buildable skills, and increasing stamina.
- FUNdamentals- For kids who have completed New Friends or who have had some level of experience mountain biking. This level focuses on development and fluency of fundamental skills needed for safe and fun trail riding, working and riding together as a team, and building stamina and muscle memory for spending more time on the bike.
- Trail Trekkers- Trekkers is designed for those kids who have either completed New Friends and FUNdamentals or come with equivalent experience and skills. This level is aimed at incorporating those fundamental skills into trail riding and works on developing good riding habits as well as self reliance, and increased stamina. It introduces the concept of “challenge by choice,” focuses on trail stewardship, and getting kids ready for graduating into a NICA team!
What gear and equipment does my child need?
Required gear:
- Helmet (less than 5 years old, snug fit)
- Closed-toe shoes (no Crocs—laces, straps, or buckles only)
- Bike with knobby tires, gears, and two hand brakes (20” wheels or larger)
- Spare bike tube (provided at check-in, returned if unused)
- Small backpack for water and snacks
- Snacks and hydration (water or non-caffeinated sports drinks)
Recommended gear:
- Full-finger gloves
- Sports glasses (to protect from dust and debris)
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker
- Athletic or cycling shorts
What will my child gain from being a part of NICA Discovery?
NICA Discovery isn’t just about biking—it’s about growing as a person. What will kids gain from their experience?
- Taking ownership – Kids learn to be responsible, capable, and accountable.
- Learn and observe – They’ll develop awareness of their surroundings and how to adapt to a dynamic group and outdoor environment.
- Teamwork makes the dream work – Communication and cooperation skills grow with every ride.
- Stronger and steadier – Balance, coordination, and stamina improve with each session.
- Confidence boost – They’ll explore their capabilities and potential, both on and off the bike.
- Happy hearts and healthy minds – It's not just pedaling: social-emotional well-being gets a lift, too!
- Love for the outdoors – A growing appreciation for nature and staying active outside.
Get started today
Sign up to learn more about how to lead a NICA Discovery program, or stay in the loop about future programs coming to your area.
OUR ORGANIZATION
NICA Discovery is a part the National Interscholastic Cycling Association: the world's largest youth mountain biking organization.
With programs serving over 26,000 athletes across 33 state and regional leagues, NICA provides the sports experience that kids deserve: an environment that nurtures their growth as individuals, helps them learn healthy habits, and welcomes them to a kind and supportive community.
MISSION
NICA builds strong minds, bodies, character, and community using bikes as a tool for youth development.
VISION
Every child is part of a thriving and engaged cycling community.
VALUES
Fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community.
Want to learn more about our 33 U.S. leagues, our world-class coach education program, and our experiences for kids in grades 5-12?