The third race in the Montana NICA series was held in yet another beautiful setting. The Lolo Lift-Off was fortunate to have the use of a stunning ranch, generously offered for this race! See our results page for all the details!
Herron Hustle, Kalispell Montana – The second race of the inaugural Montana NICA season was held on September 7 at the scenic Herron Park in Kalispell, MT with hints of Fall slipping into the last warm weather of summer. Among the picturesque stables of the equestrian center host site you’d find dozens of Montana riders, parents, campers, tents and even a few horses getting exercise among the NICA racers – MTB racing true Montana style!
The shorter race trail increased the laps and course length for the middle school and some high school categories with Rylie, 6th grade girl’s points-leader from Bozeman, describing the course as, “More ups and downs consistently and the longest course ride so far this season.” Megan, a JV rider from home team Kalispell noted, “With this course you need an extra kick to get you past that second lap and onto the third.” Bozeman middle school rider, Maggie, summed up the additional course length, “I thought the uphill was really tiring, especially for two laps, and it was a good time to use that motivation that everybody has taught us at NICA.”
As the MT NICA season progresses, confidence grew amongst riders and teams as they began to get the feel for the exciting fledgling program. Melinda, a 7th grade rider from Team Helena, attended the first race in Bozeman but chose not to compete. Melinda loves mountain biking but was unsure about the racing aspect. “As I cheered my teammates on during the first race, I saw everyone finish with smiles on their faces and high-fiving,” she said. “So, I decided I wanted to race in today’s race.”
As NICA riders got the feel of the program, so did NICA parents. Kara, parent of a Missoula middle school rider, explained, “When you think of mountain biking you often think of it as an individual sport.” She continues, “But the scene with NICA and what’s happening feels like you are getting that team spirit, sportsmanship and supporting each other feeling – way more team feel than I ever expected.” Another NICA parent remarked, “Today, cheering and cowbell ringing is just as loud for the riders at the back of the pack as it is for the riders at the front of the pack.”
As the MT NICA season progresses, NICA team coaches are also finding their stride. Angie, Helena coach and GRiT (Girls Riding Together) coordinator described the GRiT course pre-ride (event where all MT girl NICA racers are invited to pre-ride the course) as, “Awesome, the girls amaze me every time with those big smiles as the girls and female coaches get to know each other from other teams.” During one recent practice, Angie asked her team what they liked best about NICA and what would you say to a new girl that was interested in joining? Angie noted that her team senior rider, an avid all-around athlete, reported that everybody was cheering on everybody, not just your own team. This multi-team support meant a lot to Angie as it embodied her team philosophy. She concludes, “This is exactly the feeling we are trying to create.”
When asked about preparation for Saturday’s race, NICA riders noted a variety of practice regimens and areas. Racers described practices everywhere from 2-3 times per week on a variety of trails styles. Bode, a first time 6th grade racer from Fort Peck, described the Herron Hustle race course as what he was expecting, and that he and his brother prepared for today’s race by riding the miles and miles of cow-trails near his home-town.
Harry, an 8th grade rider from Missoula, summed up the second race of the MT NICA season, “All in all It was a wonderful course…you just had to get out there and race your own race.” Well said, Harry! Next up is the Lolo Liftoff nestled in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, MT. Terry Miller
MT NICA Race Day Reporter
For full race results, visit our results page. For more information on the Montana NICA League, go here: http://www.montanamtb.org/
Once again, the Big Sky Biggee race at Big Sky was a huge success! 224 racers lined up to race either the 30 mile or the 50 mile course! See our results page for the details!
Genevieve Thomas, from the Flathead Cycling Team, takes third in the women’s 30 mile race, in a field of 53 racers!
Big Sky Biggee kids’ race! More kids on bikes….we love it!
The inaugural race of the Montana NICA League was held in Bozeman on August 24. There was a large crowd of racers, family, friends, and support crews! What a great success Montana NICA has been already; we can’t wait to see it grow even more! See our results page for all the details! Next up for the league is the Herron Hustle, in Kalispell, on September 7!
Line up!
That’s quite a podium!
This year, the skies were smoke-free, the temps were in the 60’s and 70’s, and the trails were dust-free. 104 racers took part in what has become a must-do event for endurance riders from all over the west as well as Canada. The race is a benefit for athletes with disabilities and generous grants are awarded to two athletes each year from the proceeds of the race. These grants enable the athletes to purchase adaptive equipment so that they can continue enjoying the sports we all love. See our results page for all the details!
The 3rd addition of the Joe Cosley Pancake Ride gravel grinder takes place on Saturday, August 3rd. This will be the longest ride in the series and will offer breathtaking views with lots of climbing and descending down some of the most remote and beautiful gravel roads in northwest Montana. See their Facebook Page for all the details! https://www.facebook.com/joe.cosley.9
Montana cross country racers laid it all on the trail this past week in USA Cycling XC Nationals in Colorado. Way to go!!!
Jeff Shehan, from Flathead Cycling Team, takes fourth in the 30-34 age group race!
Other Montana racers at nationals included:
Ivan Gallego, junior rider from Missoula: 8th (out of 137!!) in the 15/16 age group
Rose Grant, pro rider from Columbia Falls: 6th in the Elite/Pro XC race and 3rd in the Elite/Pro Short Track
Caden Means, junior rider from Whitefish: 64th (after a fall) in the 17/18 age group
Luuk Mackenzie, junior rider from Bozeman: 114th in the 17/18 age group
Guido Mackenzie, from Bozeman: 24th in the 45/49 age group
146 50 mile racers and 58 100 mile racers lined up and left it all on the trail on Saturday, July 27. The weather was near perfect! See our results page for all the details!
This year’s edition of the Spirit Bear Classic was blessed with superb riding conditions! Sixty-three racers were presented with tacky trails, challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, and a T-Rex at the finish line! Several racers were also awarded Montana State XC Championship medals. Probably the most fun to watch were the little groms on their striders and tiny bikes! See our results page for all the details!
Weather conditions look ideal for the 3rd annual Spirit Bear Classic! This year, the race will be the Montana State Championships. If you are thinking about going to USAC XC Nationals in Colorado this year, this race will qualify you! Come on out and race this super fun course, with amazing views! Foys Lake is just down the road and on-site camping is available. Come on Saturday and bring the family and make a weekend of it! More info on our events page!
