New riders
Everything a new rider and family needs before the first Tuesday: what we do, what you need, what it costs and how to sign up.
- ~50co-ed riders
- 20+volunteer coaches
- 10thseason for the team
- 6 : 2riders to coaches, typically
The league
We ride in a youth mountain bike league, and all the racing is optional.
NICA
National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Founded in 2009 in California. Over 25,000 riders a year across the country. Its mission is to use mountain bikes to build strong minds, bodies, character and community.
PICL
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League
Pennsylvania’s NICA league: 78 teams, 874 coaches and around 1,500 riders a year. It runs in the fall, from July to November.
League figures are from the 2024 year-end report.
The team
- We are Lower Bucks Composite and Lower Bucks Pennsbury, about 50 co-ed riders and 20 coaches in our 10th season.
- Our riders range from casual to competitive, and the focus is on taking part.
- Races are encouraged, never required.
- We ride cross-country mountain bike events, so practices build both bike skills and fitness.
- Local rivals include Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Council Rock and Bensalem, plus more teams from around the state.
We develop
- We get kids on bikes.
- Typically 6 riders to 2 coaches.
- Cross-country riding skills, taught step by step.
- About 6 hours a week outdoors and on the bike.
We compete
- At practice: slow races, skills challenges, hot laps and games.
- At races: league and local events across Pennsylvania, as many or as few as you like.
We have fun
- Ice cream rides, night rides, scavenger hunts, camping and more.
Your coaches
More than 20 volunteer coaches, parents and non-parents alike, all trained and licensed through NICA.
- Chris MartinTeam Director
- Charlie HattonHead Coach
Trained and licensed
- Background checks every year
- Abuse awareness and concussion training every year
- First aid and CPR
- Coaching education and on-the-bike skills training
License levels
- Level 1
- Rides with the team
- Level 2
- Ride Leader
- Level 3
- Practice, event or team leader
Training grows with each license level. New coaches are always welcome, whatever your riding experience.
The season
Before the season there are usually calls for new and returning riders, Try-It Rides at Core Creek Park for new riders and coaches, and a team picnic. Dates for 2027 will be announced.
- Tuesday
- Skills day: learn one skill, then use it on trail.
- Thursday
- Push day: build fitness and use the skill at speed.
- Saturday
- A free ride, or a race day.
- July and August
- Easing in at Core Creek Park, with a focus on basic skills and fitness.
- September on
- Practice moves to Neshaminy High School because the sun sets earlier. Training turns toward race prep.
- All season
- Teen Trail Corps, looking after our trails.
How practices work
Riders train in Mild, Medium or Spicy and choose the group where they feel comfortable. Mild is built for newer riders. Coaches watch everyone’s skills through the season and encourage riders to move up when they are ready. Older, experienced riders help newer riders learn.
What you need
Discounts and assistance are available on request. Tick items off as you get them. Your ticks stay on this device.
Must haves
Nice to haves
Bike shop discounts
- Firehouse Cycles Yardley, PA
Specialized. The Specialized Rockhopper is a great entry-level mountain bike. - Guy’s Bicycles Street Rd, Feasterville, PA
Trek and Cannondale. The Trek Marlin is a great entry-level mountain bike.
Both shops offer discounts to team members.
What it costs 2026 prices
These prices come from the 2026 kickoff. Check PitZone at registration for the current amounts.
| Option 1No league races | Option 2All-in race schedule | Option 3Pay per race | |
|---|---|---|---|
| League registration | $260 | $260 | $260 |
| State events, all-in | $90 | ||
| State events, per event | $50 each | ||
| Team jersey | $55+ | $55+ | $55+ |
| Total per rider | $315+ | $405+ | $315++ |
If you plan to race more than once, go all-in.
Financial aid
NICA and PICL provide financial aid for riders who need support with practices, races, camps and clinics. Contact the team email if you need help. Everything is kept confidential.
DCNR, Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, working with PICL, donated 5 loaner bikes to Lower Bucks. They are there for riders in financial need, and the team takes part in Teen Trail Corps activities in return.
Write to lowerbucksmtb@gmail.com.
Races and dates 2026 schedule
Races fall mostly on weekends in September and October, and each one is optional. It is a festival atmosphere with teams from across Pennsylvania, whatever your goal for the day.
| Jul 18 | Teen Trail Corps weekend |
|---|---|
| To be set | Local Dirt week at Twining Valley |
| Aug 29 | Adventure Opener |
| Sep 12 to 13 | Penn College (State Event) |
| Sep 19 | Belmont (East Blue Conference) |
| Sep 27 | Birdsboro Preserve (East Blue Conference) |
| Oct 3 | Blue Mountain (East Blue Conference) |
| Oct 10 to 11 | PICL State Championships at Fair Hill |
| Oct 17 | Raystown Adventure Weekend |
| Oct 24 to 25 | NICA Eastern Regionals (Charlottesville, VA) |
| Nov 7 | Local Dirt at Neshaminy |
| Nov 13 | Team party |
The 2027 schedule replaces this when it is published. The latest is always at pamtb.org. pamtb.org
Teen Trail Corps
Teen Trail Corps is NICA’s youth trail stewardship program, and it is part of how we ride.
Speak
Use your voice. Teach your peers and speak up for trails, public lands and bike-friendly policy.
Serve
Build community by helping care for and build sustainable trails.
Respect
Learn good trail etiquette and show respect for everyone who shares the trail.
Ride
Ride with respect, and teach others how to do it too.
How to join
Questions? Send us a message or write to lowerbucksmtb@gmail.com.
- Come to a Try-It Ride at Core Creek Park, if you want to try it first.
- Email the team to request an invite to PitZone.
- Register in PitZone.
- Pay the league fees (NICA, PICL and a tech fee).
- Download TeamSnap and register for the schedule and messages.
- Ride bikes! Come to practice and sign up for events as the season goes. Ordering a team jersey or water bottle is optional.
Install TeamSnap. TeamSnap is critical. It is how we share the schedule and send messages. Your invite arrives after you complete registration.
Follow the team
- @lowerbucksmtb
- @lower_bucks_composite
- Strava
- Lower Bucks Youth MTB Team
Sponsorship
Sponsorship keeps the team running. We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and help finding sponsors is always welcome. More details will follow.