Youth Mountain Bike Racing in Cleveland
For students in grades 5-12 of all ability levels, with seasons running from late May through early October
Who we are
The North Coast Gnarwhals are the Cleveland area's only team affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and compete as part of the Ohio Interscholastic Cycling League. Open to students in grades 5-12, the Gnarwhals emphasize teamwork, personal growth, and the joy of riding—no tryouts, no cuts, just a welcoming environment where everyone rides. The Gnarwhals primarily practice at the Medina mountain bike trail system.
Practices
Our practices feature group rides and skill drills, creating a fun environment where kids can build friendships.
Dates
Mondays and Thursdays starting June 1st, 2026 and ending October 11th, 2026
Times
6:00PM to 7:30PM
Locations
Mondays at the Medina Mountain Bike (Huffman Park) and Thursdays at varying locations like Royalview and Bedford.
Commitment
No practice commitment. The more you can attend, the merrier!
Racing
The season includes six events starting in June with races beginning in August. Races are optional. Student-athletes can race as much or as little as they like or simply enjoy team practices.
Race Schedule
The official race schedule is available on the Ohio Interscholastic Cycling League website. View the Race Schedule
Equipment
A bike, a helmet and a water bottle are all you need.
Bikes
No bike? No problem. You can borrow a Gnarwhals loaner bike for the season or bring your own if you prefer.
Required Gear
The only other required gear is a helmet and a water bottle or hydration pack. If you don't have a helmet, please let us know and we'll track one down for you.
Optional (but helpful)
- MTB gloves
- Padded bike shorts
- Sunglasses or clear lenses
- Mini pump and spare tube
- Trail snacks
- Sunscreen & bug spray
Local Discount
Spin Bike Shop offers discounts for NICA riders. Just ask us for details!
Costs
NICA and the North Coast Gnarwhals are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Program Costs
$155
Fee for participating in the program and includes ability to join any or all practices.
Race Fees
$200
Race fee for all events. Remember, racing is optional.
Try-it Program
$60
For first year student athletes who aren't sure if racing is going to be their thing. $60 for one race with the option of 'buying up" to the full race package.
Team Fee
$40
Helps cover team gear, tools, snacks, and other shared essentials throughout the season.
Sibling Discount
15% off
Families with more than one rider receive 15% off—because the more Gnarwhals in the pod, the better.
Financial Aid
Available
Scholarships are available for registration, gear, and race fees. We want every rider who wants to ride to be able to—just ask.
Parent Involvement
You don't have to be a biker to support the team. Our parent volunteers keep the pod rolling.
Ride Leaders
Want to ride with us out on the trails? We'll help you get certified through NICA.
Support Crew
Help with bike maintenance, gear setup, and race day pit support.
Snacks & Logistics
Help coordinate carpools, snacks, and team campouts on race weekends.
Media Team
Take photos at practices and races and help us share the stoke on social media.
Race Weekend Tips
Your guide to surviving (and enjoying) your first NICA race weekend.
Before You Go
Check the race info — parking, camping, and course maps are posted on the Ohio NICA race season page.
Pack early:
- Bike, helmet, shoes
- Team jersey & race plate
- Water bottles or hydration pack
- Extra clothes and layers (weather changes fast!)
- Camping gear (if staying overnight)
- Tools: pump, spare tube, chain lube
- Snacks, meals, cooler
- Camp chair, sunscreen, bug spray
Bike check: have your rider clean & lube the chain and check tires, brakes, and shifting by the Thursday before race weekend. We'll help at practice if needed.
Race Day Flow
- Arrive early — parking can be far from the team pit zone. Find our Gnarwhals tent or banner in the team area and check in with a coach.
- Get settled — set up camp chairs and coolers near the pit area. Space is limited at some venues.
- Pre-ride — most riders do a lap of the course the day before or the morning of.
- Warm-up & line-up — coaches help riders warm up and get to staging.
- Race time! Cheer loud. Cowbells optional, but encouraged.
- Post-race — high-fives, snacks, cool down. Riders return plates and debrief with coaches.
- Hang out — many families stay to cheer on teammates, relax, or explore.
Parent Pro Tips
- Bring a towel or baby wipes — dirt happens.
- Label water bottles & gear (trust us).
- Download the TeamSnap app for start times and location updates.
- Races run on "NICA Time" — flexibility and patience are key.
- Be a positive fan! NICA is about effort, not placement.
- Ask other parents for help or tips — we've all been there.
- Camp with the team for max fun (and s'mores).
This is about growth, not gold medals. Win or flat tire, every Gnarwhal gets a high-five and a granola bar.
Sample Race Weekend Schedule
A typical NICA race weekend looks something like this. Exact times vary by venue.
Saturday
| 9:00 AM | Volunteer shifts begin (check in at the Volunteer Tent) |
|---|---|
| 11:30 AM | Pit Zone access opens |
| 12:00 PM | Registration opens |
| 12:30 PM | Coaches pre-ride (meet at the Finish Line Arch) |
| 1:00 PM | NICA GRiT Meet & Greet |
| 1:30 PM | NICA GRiT pre-ride |
| 2:30 PM | Pre-ride open to all teams & riders |
| 4:00 PM | NICA GRiT activities |
| 5:00 PM | Pre-ride closed · Registration closes |
| 5:30 PM | Friends & Family Ride (open to the public) |
Everyone on course must have a race plate.
Sunday (Race Day)
| 7:00 AM | Registration opens |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Pre-ride open to all teams & riders |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteer shifts begin |
| 8:30 AM | Pre-ride closed · Head Coaches meeting |
| 9:00 AM | Staging — Wave 1 (MS Boys & MS Open) |
| 9:15 AM | Racing begins (MS Boys & Open) |
| 10:15 AM | Staging — Wave 2 (MS & HS Girls) |
| 10:30 AM | Racing begins (MS & HS Girls) |
| 11:30 AM | Registration closes |
| 11:50 AM | Staging — Wave 3 (HS Boys & HS Open) |
| 12:05 PM | Racing begins (HS Boys & Open) |
| 1:15 PM | Racing concludes |
| 1:20 PM | Pit Zone and infield breakdown begins |
| 3:00 PM | Awards ceremony (may be earlier) |
Plan to be at the staging area 15–20 minutes before your athlete's grade start time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the things new families ask most often.
Ready to sign up?
Stay in Touch
Questions? Reach out — we love hearing from new families.
TeamSnap
Our communication app — you'll get a link once your rider is registered.