Frequently Asked Questions

NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, is the parent organization that governs all of the youth cycling leagues within the country, including the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League.

PICL, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League, is the league that hosts North Penn MTB and approximately 70 other youth mountain bike teams across the state.

MKOB, More Kids On Bikes, does not have a direct affiliation with NICA or PICL.  They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to (...you guessed it...) getting more kids on bikes.  MKOB act as the fiscal sponsor for North Penn MTB (and several other PICL teams), and support an impressive list of bike-centric projects within the area.

Limited pre-season activities (Bike Checks, Skills Clinics, Try-It! Rides, etc...) may commence on April 1.  The official start of the regular PICL season is July 1st, and concludes 14 days after the last race of the season, which is usually held the last full weekend in October.

Student athletes entering the 6th-12th grades (at the start of the Fall semester) who live within the North Penn School District area.  Please see our Eligibility page for additional information.

Our practice locations vary, but many will occur at Valley Forge National Historic Park.  For additional information on practices, weekend rides, and races, please see our Locations page.

No, but the more often you ride, the more your skills will improve (as well as your overall level of fitness).  We also ask that you please RSVP on the TeamSnap app so that our coaches can plan our ride groups appropriately.

No, but they are a tremendous amount of FUN and riders are encouraged to try at least one.  They are also a great opportunity for bonding with your teammates and coaches and exploring more of what NICA/PICL have to offer!

Yes.  No exceptions.  If you have any questions regarding size and proper fit, please discuss with one of our coaches, or stop by your local bike shop for assistance.

All student athletes need a mountain bike with 26"-29" wheels, and knobbie tires no narrower than 1.75".  Road, gravel, cyclocross, and single-speed bikes are not permitted.  If you do not have a bike that meets this criteria, More Kids On Bikes (MKOB) have a Bike Leasing Program at a cost of $125/season (plus a refundable $75 deposit upon the return of the bike at the end of the season).  Leased bikes are limited and available on first-come/first-serve opportunity.  If you are interested, please see one of our coaches for additional information.

In addition to a helmet and a mountain bike, perhaps the next most important consideration is hydration (via a hydration pack or a bike-mounted bottle & cage) and nutrition (an energy/nutrition bar).  Student athletes will also need to have a spare inner tube or patch kit.  And lastly, as daylight becomes limited later in the season, student athletes will also need a bike light (>500 lumens).  Please see our Equipment page for additional information.

Every potential volunteer coach (and rider) is eligible to complete a ONE TIME Agreement to Participate / Release of Liability Waiver though NICA.  If you wish to continue beyond this, you will need to become a Level 1 Coach.  Please review the PICL website, or see one of our coaches for additional information.  

North Penn MTB team dues are $140.  This is collected and administered by our fiscal sponsor, More Kids On Bikes (MKOB), and is used to fund team registration fees, equipment, supplies, and our end-of-year banquet.  The NICA/PICL fee is $255, and covers team/league insurance, and all activities (Adventure Weekends, Local Dirts, GRiT, PitZone services, etc...) except for racing.  To participate in race events, riders can choose the “All-In Race Package” for an additional $85. This includes 6 races: 3 State Events and 3 Conference Events. Riders may also choose to pay for individual races at $45 per race.

Yes.  PICL is committed to making sure every student athlete has the opportunity to participate in all events, regardless of their financial situation.  If these costs will be a significant burden on your family, please review the financial aid and scholarships available on the PICL website, or see our Team Director or Head Coach privately to discuss options.