Episodes

  • Get Ready to Hit the Trail!
    Oct 12 2024

    Title: Helene's Aftermath: Leveling Up Our Support



    Introduction (Shawn)


    Topic: Reflections on Helene (Shawn and Brian)




    Topic: SA registration opens 1 Oct


    Topic: Coach shoutouts (first coaches to register for the 2025 season)




    Topic: 5th Grade Pilot Program

    • 5 October: last day to opt in for the 5th grade pilot program
    • 8 October: NICA hosted training session for participating teams (all team coaches invited)
    • See the Resources and Links section for more information on the 5th Grade Pilot program
    • Second opt in “deadline” (1 Nov) for the program and second training date (5 Nov)



    Topic: Preseason Update



    -Coach retreat (26-27 Oct) Camp Grier in Old Fort. Registration opens soon.


    • Preseason event dates (registration will be open 1 Oct):
      • 2 Nov (GRiT) (no cost) Harris Lake
      • 16 Nov (Adventure) - Old Fort ($20) Likely find new location
      • 7 Dec (Adventure) - Lake Norman ($20) New location: NCCAR
    • NICA Regionals (9-11 Nov).
      • Race registration open to all 7 Oct
      • Must be registered in PitZone (SA and coach) in order to attend
      • NC bringing a TTC activation


    • Working to get event dates and locations published in October November - on hold firming up with venues after storm



    Closing (All)

    Dad joke


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    27 mins
  • Press Start
    Sep 4 2024

    Introduction (Shawn)
    Topic: Coach and Team Registration opens 3 Sep
    Coach registration Opens in PitZone on Tuesday, 3 September 2024 Cost: $25 Closes: end of season (tentative end of May) League Scholarships are available for coach registration fees. Please don’t let financial difficulty limit a willing and available adult to help us get more kids on bikes. See the league website Ride Help page for details or the scholarship link in the Resources and Links section.

    Team registration Opens in PitZone on Tuesday, 3 September 2024 Cost: $20* All teams must submit a Team Proposal and will not be sanctioned in PitZone for team activities until the proposal is approved by the League Director. [New] New teams will receive a $200 payment from the league to help offset start up costs from the team. Contact Brian Russell or Shawn Moore if you’re starting a new team this season for details. Closes: 30 November 2024 [late registration open until 31 December for $120]

    First coach call of the season to discuss: Tuesday, 17 Sep 8pm Topic: 5th Grade Pilot Program The league will participate in a NICA pilot program for 5th graders this season. The NICA 5th Grade Inclusion Manual gives a great overview of the program. Teams must opt-in if they want to participate! NICA will host an information session for interested TDs/HCs on Tuesday, 24 September (time TBD). Teams that want to participate will need to indicate that on an interest form that will be distributed after the meeting. Teams will need to opt-in no later than 5 October to participate in the program 24 September 2024 (time TBD) 5th Grade Pilot Program Interest meeting 25 September to 5 October: Team interest survey 5 October: last day to opt in for the 5th grade pilot program 8 October: NICA hosted training session for participating teams (all team coaches invited) See the Resources and Links section for more information on the 5th Grade Pilot program

    Topic: Date Reminders
    Last call for currently scheduled coach training WFA/CPR and WFA/CPR/101101 12-13 Oct 24 RDU

    Coach retreat (26-27 Oct) Camp Grier in Old Fort. Registration opens soon. -

    Pathfinder scholarship applications close 13 Sep

    Preseason event dates (registration will be open 1 Oct):
    2 Nov (GRiT) (no cost)
    16 Nov (Adventure) - Old Fort ($20)
    7 Dec (Adventure) - Lake Norman ($20)
    NICA Regionals (9-11 Nov). Registration open now

    Working to get event dates and locations published in October

    Closing (All) Dad joke

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    34 mins
  • Summer Break Begins!
    Jul 3 2024

    Shawn and Brian talk about the NICA National Conference held in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the pending handbook changes, reminders about the upcoming WFA/CPR and OTBS 101 courses beginning in August and a sneak preview of next season's theme AND Coach Retreat (last weekend in October at Old Fort, NC)!

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    34 mins
  • It's Showdown time!
    May 11 2024

    Gear up for the latest NICA podcast episode! We're diving deep into event recaps, exciting previews of upcoming races (Season Showdown & Whitewater Windup), key end-of-season dates, and a glimpse into what's in store for 2024.

    Tune in for the details on:

    * **Event Recaps:** Danville Dash, Mayhem at Mayodan, TTC workdays, and the 5 String Stampede cancellation.
    * **Season Showdown Preview:** Get the lowdown on the theme, course inspection, Strider Bike Rodeo, fundraising updates, Senior Night format changes, new features, and important dates.
    * **Whitewater Windup Preview:** Discover the theme, dates, activities, and awards for this exciting event.
    * **Upcoming:** Stay informed about the end-of-season survey, crucial dates, coach training, pre-season events, and NICA Eastern Regionals.

    Don't miss this episode packed with the latest NICA news and updates!

    #NICA #mountainbiking #youthcycling #SeasonShowdown #WhitewaterWindup #podcast

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    48 mins
  • Ooooh, we're halfway there...
    Apr 12 2024

    Introduction (Shawn) - almost halfway through the season of adventure!


    Topic: Event Reviews (Brian and Shawn)

    -Salisbury Scramble

    -TTC work

    -reversed start/finish

    -live results

    -event recap on YouTube

    -Danville Dash - brand new

    -Adventure course

    -race course - positive reviews

    -KOM/QOM segment

    -event recap coming


    Topic: Mayhem at Mayodan Preview (Brian and Shawn)

    -Theme: Out of This World

    -Saturday

    -Trail work opportunity: (3) sessions PZ registration required

    -course inspection - group riding reminder

    -Staff Pie Smash - fundraiser reminder (ends 28 May)

    -Sunday

    -course preview is available on YouTube channel

    -warm up “area” - in the field

    -Dates: 12 April (category petitions), 14 April registration deadline, 17 Apr Town Hall

    Topic: Rules (Shawn and Brian)

    -Handbook reminder: we all agree to abide by the rules when we sign up and in essence serve as a NICA ambassador - wherever we are

    -Two recent issues: course crossing and ear buds. This is all safety based - situational awareness.

    -Swiss Cheese model of human error

    -we need your help: dogs


    Topic: 5 String Stampede (Fletcher) 4-5 May Preview (Brian and Shawn)

    -Theme: Wild West

    -Context and background story: western venue - yay! Western venue - challenges!

    -Course preview released this weekend

    -Senior night and celebration


    Topic: Upcoming (Shawn and Brian)


    1. Season Showdown (Mayodan) 18-19 May
      1. Qualifying: top 30 in each category OR top 20 placement in at least 2 races
      2. Still working schedule and guidance for non-racers
    2. Whitewater Windup (Whitewater Center) 1-2 June
      1. Venue survey this Saturday 13 April to finalize plan
      2. Basic format: riding/games on Saturday (orienteering), some activity Sunday morning, season awards and fundraiser prizes early afternoon to let folks get on the road



    Closing (All)

    Dad joke



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    45 mins
  • Season 4, Episode 7 - Beach Bash Bosh
    Mar 8 2024

    Introduction (Shawn)


    Topic: Crankin at the Creek Review (Brian and Shawn)

    -Theme: Beach Bash

    -Saturday

    -Adventure Course

    -TTC tent (rock crawler)

    -pre-ride new race course (thanks Cape Fear SORBA)

    -Sunday

    -Adventure course stayed open (warm up lap)

    -live results

    -Podium socks (thanks to Ridge Supply)

    Topic: Spring Giveaway campaign teaser (Brian)

    -Campaign launch date: Friday, March 1st

    Hybrid: online and paper tickets, multiple prizes from league sponsors

    Campaign end date: midnight Tuesday, May 28th

    Giveaway date: Sunday, June 2nd


    Topic: Salisbury Scramble Preview (Brian and Shawn)

    -Theme: Adventure is Out There

    -Context: venue is tight (parking, infield, race course crossings)

    -Saturday

    -Trail work opportunity: (2) sessions 1:15pm and 3:45 pm. PZ registration required

    -Rock crawler: passport activity 22 (2 hours work) and 25 (pick up trash)

    -course inspection - stick to groups (1 lap and multi lap)

    -Tire clinics - passport opportunity! Skinny Wheels bike shop and Black Ox (prize pack in the spring fundraiser) for tubeless set up clinic

    -Movie Night (Up) - 7-9pm PZ registration required. Special VIP section for the team that earns the most fundraising by midnight on 10 March

    -Sunday

    -schedule changes published by Wed

    -course preview is available on YouTube channel

    -course crossing guidance

    -pick up your trash!

    Topic: Date Reminders (Shawn and Brian)


    Highlights

    1. Salisbury Scramble
      1. Category petitions: 8 Mar
      2. Event registration: 10 Mar
      3. Town Hall: 13 Mar
    2. Trail Week coming! 18-24 March. Contact Leonard for info



    Closing (All)

    Dad joke



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    36 mins
  • Here We Go (again)
    Feb 5 2024

    Introduction (Shawn)


    Topic: Season Overview (Brian, Shawn and Chelle)

    -Event names and themes

    -First Event: Crankin at the Creek

    -Theme: Beach Bash

    -New race course - video preview

    -Podium socks - Ridge Supply

    -Live results

    -Adventure Ride

    -Adventure and TTC at every venue: passport activity and TTC tent

    -Salisbury Scramble: TTC

    -Danville Dash: Adventure Ride

    -Mayhem at Mayodan: TTC

    -5 String Stampede: Meet and Ride with the Trail Builder (Senior Night)

    -Camping and Volunteer registrations go to Home Teams first, then the league


    Topic: Team and Wave Management (Shawn and Brian)

    -Composite team sub scoring

    -Seeding

    -Earned Lap Cutoff time


    Topic: Spring Giveaway campaign teaser (Chelle)

    -Campaign launch date: Friday, March 1st

    Paper ticket distribution: Browns Creek event weekend

    Campaign end date: midnight Tuesday, May 28th

    Giveaway date: Sunday, June 2nd


    Topic: Date Reminders (Shawn and Brian)


    Highlights

    1. Crankin at the Creek
      1. Category petitions: 23 Feb
      2. Trail Work Day: 24 Feb (contact Dave Droke)
      3. Event registration: 25 Feb - last day for season discount package
      4. Registering for the entire weekend! Wristbands
      5. Caution: no refunds
    2. Trail Week coming! 18-24 March. Contact Leonard for info



    Closing (All)

    Dad joke



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    50 mins
  • Season 4, Episode 5 - Resolve to get #morekidsonbikes!
    Jan 14 2024

    Introduction (Shawn)


    Topic: Chapter League (Brian and Shawn)

    -1 Jan 2024 became a Chapter league under NICA

    -3 points: 1. Sign of maturity and increased strategic direction (board) 2. A NC non-profit entity 3. Still a member of NICA


    Topic: 2024 Awards (Brian)

    -Posted on website

    -competition: 5 regular season races. [Podium socks - Ridge Supply!] Championship criteria: top 30 in each category and (2) top 20 finishes

    -TTC: sticker (3 hrs), t-shirt (5 hrs), gloves (10 hrs - Cognitive!); Trail Week (sticker and pizza party)

    -Adventure: passport completion (custom water bottle - Right Gear); mention passport distribution after 23 Jan


    Topic: Faces of the League (Shawn)

    -Introduce new feature on our YouTube channel

    -come join: we’re looking for an announcer


    Topic: Sponsor Announcement (Brian)

    -Industry Nine - returning sponsor

    -mention coach discount


    Topic: Event Reminders (Shawn and Brian)


    Athletes: 771 (344 HS, 427 MS)(281 new) - as of 13 Jan


    Highlights

    1. Season registration ends 21 Jan (late registration through 23 Feb $250)
      1. Refunds through 21 Jan (minus admin fee)
      2. Category petitions - if you want name on the plate
      3. Coaches - start prioritizing your SAs by category
    2. Events registration is open (minus championship)
      1. A la carte ($35 each) and discount package ($140 = 4 of 6) options; discount package will close when registration for our first event closes 25 Feb
      2. Introducing theme for the weekend
      3. Registering for the entire weekend
      4. Caution: no refunds
    3. GRiT Mentor applications close 22 Jan as well as GRiT hoodie ordering
    4. Trail Week coming! 18-24 March. Contact Leonard for info
    5. Working to get volunteer sign ups and camping registration out to home teams end of the month



    Closing (All)

    Dad joke



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    33 mins