In March, we have orientation meetings for anyone interested in learning more about the team and what it might entail. We go over all of the questions below and more. Stay tuned for dates, and let us know if you are interested.
How can I access my NICA Pit Zone account for parents of riders and ride leaders/coaches?
Returning riders can sign in to NICA Pit Zone below. New riders will receive an invitation within a few days after registering for the team.
Who can join the team?
The team is open to any Eagle Mountain student entering 7th-12th grade the following fall (co-ed).
When does the team season happen?
- Informational meeting: Early or mid March
- Registration: Open early March through April 15
- Pre-season rides and activities: April 1 - May 31
- Main practice season: June 1 through the end of August
- Race season: Late August through late October
How many races do high school riders have?
High school riders have four regular-season races in our region, then State Championships if they qualify. After State, NICA also hosts Western Regionals - an optional national regional race open only to athletes who registered with NICA. Venues change each season - this year’s dates and locations are on the race schedule.
The fourth Utah race is regionals. It is a regular high school race (you do not need to qualify to start), but junior high riders do not race that weekend. State is the event that requires qualification, and it is when riders from all Utah regions race together.
Utah has six NICA regions. Each region runs its own four-race calendar - often on different weekends, and not always at the same venues. On a typical race weekend, about half of the regions are racing.
Who can participate at NICA Western Regionals?
Western Regionals is optional. Only athletes who registered with NICA for the 2026–2027 academic year may enter. Racing is open to high school athletes (grades 9–12). Student-athletes race in their 2026 race categories. Middle school athletes may not petition up into Regionals categories, regardless of their league category.
Adventure, GRiT, the event expo, and skills areas are open to all practice-ready athletes. Licensed NICA coaches are also a key part of Regional events. Online registration for Western Regionals opened September 1, 2026 nationally (Utah league athletes and coaches: September 13, 2026) - see the race schedule or the NICA Regionals FAQ.
What is the cost of the team?
The total cost for 2026 includes the following items:
- League fee (junior high): $360 - Paid to the Utah High School Cycling League / NICA (Pit Zone).
- League fee (high school): $400 - Paid to the Utah High School Cycling League / NICA (Pit Zone).
- Team fee: $230 - Paid to Cedar Valley MTB. Covers team program costs beyond the league fee.
- Team race kit: $140 - Plus tax and shipping. Ordered through the team each season.
Total cost for junior high riders: $730
Total cost for high school riders: $770
For team fee options and full registration steps, see Join the Team.
Is financial assistance available?
YES! Both the league and our team offer scholarships and other assistance based on financial need and availability of funding, consistent with IRS rules. Do not let cost keep your rider off the team - budgeted scholarships and assistance may be available to you.
For the national Trek NICA Pathfinders Scholarship (separate from team fee assistance), see NICA's page. Application windows differ by league season; Utah is a fall league.
If you know a potential general scholarship sponsor for the team, we'd love an introduction.
How do we sign up?
Registration and team information live on the Join the Team page.
What kind of bike do I need?
You need a mountain bike that fits you, runs safely, and can handle a full season of trail riding. If you need more info about bikes or where to get them, send us a message and we can help.
You should plan on spending (if you do not have a bike already) $600+ on a bike for the season.
Bikes are not cheap. Licensed NICA athletes and coaches can access partner discounts (bikes, gear, and more). Trek is a major NICA sponsor with deals on select Trek mountain bikes and gear through participating retailers.
Utah Mountain Biking is one of our local sponsors. The shop is at 169 W Main St, Lehi, UT 84043 (Main Street in downtown Lehi). Tell them you ride with Cedar Valley MTB. Phone 801-653-2689 - Monday through Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 11am-4pm.
For used bikes, check KSL Classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, local MTB groups, and the team GearSwap channel on Slack once you are in the team workspace.
Bike loan library. We also have a small bike loan library. We can lend bikes on a first-come, first-served basis for one season. If a rider continues a second year, they are expected to arrange their own bike.
What other things do I need?
- Helmet: fits well and is adequate to protect your head.
- Water: bring at least 24 oz for every ride (bottle or hydration pack). Utah summer practices get hot, and this is a team safety expectation. The team may hand out bottles later in the season, but do not count on that for the first weeks of riding. Bring your own from day one.
- Flat repair: on a ride you replace the tube, not the tire. Minimum kit is a spare tube, a way to add air (hand pump or CO2), and patches (tube patches and bacon strips for tubeless plugs).
- Medical items: if you have allergies or other medical risks, you are responsible for your own inhalers, epi-pens, etc. We are not allowed to carry those items for you.
What are practice times and where are they held at?
During our core practice season (June 1 - August), our practices consist of the following:
- Monday: mornings 6-8 AM; switches to evenings (6-8 PM) when school starts
- Thursday: evenings 6-8:30 PM
- Saturday: two mornings per month (varies depending on location)
A majority of practices are held in Eagle Mountain, mainly at the Hidden Hollow trails above Hidden Hollow Elementary School. Some practices are held at out-of-town locations (Thursdays or Saturdays only). We meet at the trails for those rides. Carpooling is arranged by parents and riders; the team helps with coordination through a Slack channel once families are in the workspace.