Who are the Brighton Mountain Bike Team and what is NICA?
We are a Brighton High School Club Team, a member of the Utah High School Cycling League, which is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). We are a Division 1 team in Region 3 and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with all support coming from volunteers, sponsorships, and team fees.

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Who runs the team?

• Team Director: Dave Kikkert

• High School Head Coach: Mike Knapp

• High School Assistant Coach: Kyle Jensen

• Jr. Devo Head Coach: Tom Romney

• Jr. Devo Assistant Coach: Shane Swenson

• Team Operations Coach: Jen Adams

• Team Education / ILA PE Credit Coach: Dana Middlemiss

• Team Sustainability Coach: Jennifer Shah

• Team Treasurer Coach: Stacey Noble

• Team Captains:

  • High School: Isa Adams, Makoa Bowen, Reese Romney

  • Jr. Devo: Max McNall, Eleanor Ricketts, Jack Stevens, and Malia Swenson,

  • GRiT: Chloe DeWitz, Kalla Lindhardt

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What are the team fees?
All families must pay both Brighton MTB Team fees and NICA fees. Follow the full step-by-step registration process on our Registration Page.

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Team Registration Dates: March 11 to April 14
NICA Registration Dates: March 29 to May 31

 

High School Fees (Grades 9 to12, Fall 2026)

• Team Fee: $150

• NICA Fee: $400*

• Team Kit: Required for new riders ($200 to $250)

• Minimum Total: $540 + kit ($740 to $790 for new riders)

 

Junior Devo Fees (Grades 7 & 8, Fall 2026)

• Team Fee: $150

• NICA Fee: $330*

• Team Kit: Required for new riders ($200 to $250)

• Minimum Total: $470 + kit ($670 to $720 for new riders)

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*NICA fees include their membership, technology and rider fees.

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Is mountain biking a sanctioned high school sport?
The Brighton MTB Team is recognized under Athletics Club Sports at Brighton High School. Coaches and staff are all volunteers, and costs are covered by sponsorships, donors, and team fees.

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Can my business sponsor the team?
Absolutely! Visit our Sponsor Page to learn about sponsorship levels and benefits.

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Who can join the team?

• There are no tryouts. Our team is inclusive of all fitness, skill, and endurance levels.

• Grades 7 & 8: Junior Devo team.

• Grades 9 to 12: High School team.

• Riders are trained in skill-based ride groups for practice and races.

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What are there team requirements?

• Complete Team Registration and pay team fees by April 14.

• Complete NICA Registration and pay NICA fees by May 31.

• Respect team members, coaches, and volunteers.

• Attend at least 70% of practices and races.

• Parents are required to volunteer (practice snacks, races, other support).

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When and where are practices?

• Start Date: June 2nd.

• Typical: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6 pm to 8 pm (arrive by 5:45 pm).

• Locations: Corner Canyon, Park City, Round Valley, Cottonwood Canyons, Solitude, Snowbird, Alta, Bonanza Flats, Little Dell Trail.

• Distance and elevation: Practice rides are typically 10+ miles, with elevation varying by trail. Race courses are generally 5 to 7 miles per lap, and training distances are intentionally longer to prepare athletes for race-day demands. Riders pursuing state qualification (Varsity, JVA, JVB, and JVC) may participate in longer or more demanding practices as part of championship-level preparation.

• See our Practices Page and TeamSnap calendar for full details.

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When and where are the races?

• League posts race times by category a few weeks in advance.

• Book lodging early, hotels sell out fast in small towns.

• Participation: Minimum 70% of races expected.​

• Region 3 – 2026 Race Schedule:

• Race #1 - August 22, Soldier Hollow

• Race #2 - September 5, Eagle Mountain

• Race #3 - September 26, Moab

• Race #4 - October 10, Regional (high school only), Cedar City

• Race #5 - October 23 to 24, High School State Championship (must qualify), location TBD

• High School Western Regional Conference Race: November 14 to 15, St. George

• Team Race Day Guide

• League Race Details

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What equipment is needed?

• Well-maintained mountain bike (no Walmart/Target bikes).

• Proper fitting helmet.

• Cycling or athletic shoes.

• Water or hydration pack.

• Snacks.

• Bike tools: multi-tool, pump or CO₂, extra tube, tire lever.

• Appropriate clothing for mountain weather.

• Gloves and eye protection.

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Does everyone race at State?

• High School riders must qualify for the State Championship.

• All High School riders participate in Regional. 

• Jr. Devo riders do not participate in Regional or State Championship races.

• Qualification criteria: Utah High School Cycling League.

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Can I earn high school PE credit?
Yes! Check out our Individualized Lifetime Activities (ILA) PE credit program.​​​

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What is my role as a parent?

• Volunteering is required at both the team and league level.

• Opportunities: practice snacks, race-day support, feed zones, finish line, photography, logistics, fundraising, equipment.

• Check out our Volunteer Page to sign up, we cannot operate without you!

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What are the requirements to be a ride leader/coach?

• Coach registration opens March 11.

• Level 2 Coaches: lead ride groups.

• Level 1 Coaches: support ride groups.

• NICA Pit Zone: https://pitzone.nationalmtb.org/users/sign_in.

• First Aid & OTB training: Eventbrite Training.

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How is communication handled?

• TeamSnap is our primary communication platform for schedules, updates, and volunteer sign-ups.

• You will receive an invitation to join after registration.