When I first arrived at a Maryland Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL) race venue a few seasons ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew mountain biking, I knew emergency response, but I had never seen hundreds of middle and high school riders, their families, coaches, and volunteers come together to create the kind of electric, supportive atmosphere that defines NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) events. What I discovered that day changed how I think about patrolling and community involvement.
Over the past few years, my patrol and I have had the privilege of helping develop relationships between our patrol and both the Maryland (MICL) and Pennsylvania (PICL) Interscholastic Cycling Leagues. These partnerships have become some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in my years with NSP, and I’m excited to share why more patrollers should consider getting involved with their local NICA leagues.
A Culture of Inclusion and Support
The first thing that strikes you at a MICL or PICL event is how genuinely welcoming and fun these races are. Unlike some competitive youth sports where pressure and intensity dominate, NICA events celebrate participation and personal growth. Sure, there are serious racers pushing for podium finishes, but there are just as many riders simply challenging themselves to complete the course. The atmosphere is infectious – cowbells ringing, families cheering for riders they’ve never met, and volunteers from every team working together to make the day successful.
As patrollers, we’re used to being part of close-knit mountain communities, and NICA events have that same feel amplified by youthful energy and enthusiasm. Whether you’re stationed at a medical tent, roving the course, or simply standing by, people want to know who you are, thank you for being there, and often share stories about their own experiences with ski patrol. It’s outdoor recreation bringing people together – just on two wheels instead of two skis.
When It Really Counts
The beauty of patrolling these events is that most of the time, you watch young athletes succeed, high-fiving each other as they finish, and enjoying beautiful days in some of Pennsylvania and Maryland’s best riding areas. But when an incident does occur, the professionalism and experience we bring makes all the difference.
We’ve responded to everything from minor scrapes to more serious injuries requiring advanced care and transport coordination. In every case, the OEC training we rely on all winter translates seamlessly to the mountain bike environment. Assessment protocols don’t change. Splinting techniques are the same. What does change is the overwhelming gratitude from parents, coaches, and race staff who see trained responders quickly take charge of a situation with calm competence.
League directors have repeatedly told me that having the presence of our patrol at their events provides peace of mind that is invaluable. They know that when things go wrong, their riders are in the hands of people who train year-round for exactly these moments. That confidence allows them to focus on running great events rather than worrying about the “what ifs.”
Skills That Transfer
For patrollers looking for summer training opportunities, NICA events are exceptional. You’ll practice radio communication across challenging terrain, coordinate with other medical providers, manage incidents in various terrain, and work within an incident command structure – all skills that sharpen your winter performance. Plus, many patrollers have discovered a passion for mountain biking itself, joining the growing ranks of NSP bike patrollers.
Getting Involved
Consider reaching out to your state’s NICA league as they may be actively seeking partnerships with patrols throughout their region. The leagues run approximately four to six events per season either in the spring or in the fall, typically on weekends. The commitment is flexible – you can support one event or the entire season. Many patrols have found that having a core group of interested patrollers makes scheduling coverage easy while giving members a chance to try something new.
The leagues provide excellent pre-event coordination, clear communication throughout race day, and genuine appreciation for your involvement. They understand that volunteers are the backbone of their events and treat patrollers as valued partners rather than just another checkbox on their safety plan.
Your Turn to Ride
If you’re looking for a way to use your NSP skills beyond the winter season, to be part of an incredibly positive youth sports environment, and to build relationships that benefit both your patrol and your community, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your local NICA league.
The national partnership between NSP and NICA has created the framework, but it’s individual patrollers and patrols building local relationships that will make this collaboration truly transformative. I can tell you from our experience: the energy, gratitude, and sense of purpose you’ll find at these events is worth every minute. Plus, you’ll discover that helping young riders push their limits and overcome challenges is every bit as rewarding as anything we do on the mountain.
Come join us on the trails – there’s a whole community of young riders who need patrollers like you, and I promise you’ll leave every event with a smile on your face and cowbell ringing in your ears.
