Beyond the Bike
Transforming Lives Through WI NICA's Two-Wheeled Journey
By Renee Griswold, League Director, with stories told by current and former student-athletes.
Photos by Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League Media Crew.
Mountain biking isn’t just a sport—it’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and connection. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League, a Chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), is transforming youth sports by empowering thousands of middle and high school students, coaches and families through weekly practices and statewide festivals every summer and fall.
This is the heart of WI NICA: building strong minds, bodies, character and community through cycling and helping riders become their best selves through the lifelong sport they love.
Three Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League riders share, in their own words, how mountain biking has become a pathway to personal growth and joy. Hunter, a sixth-grader, discovered a passion for racing and his voice, literally; Joseph, a young coach, now inspires others; and Sara, a high schooler, found courage and confidence on the trails. Their stories, like so many in WI NICA, show how a supportive, inclusive community can transform lives, one ride at a time.
From Fear to Freedom: My Mountain Biking Journey
Sara Hoban, 9th Grade, Sheboygan Composite Mountain Bike Team
When I first joined the Sheboygan Composite West team in seventh grade, I had no idea how much mountain biking would transform me. When I started, I didn’t even know what mountain biking really was. Fast forward two seasons, and it’s become the best thing that’s ever happened to me!
Mountain biking has taught me so much about perseverance and confidence. One of the most memorable moments was when I crashed over a wooden berm. I was terrified to try it again, but then I thought, “I already crashed and I’m fine—what’s the worst that can happen?” That mindset stuck with me. It’s now how I approach challenges on the trail and in life: with a “go with the flow” attitude and the belief that I can always try again.
Being on my WI NICA team has also helped me grow socially. Before mountain biking, I wasn’t as confident about speaking up or sharing my opinions. But with the constant encouragement from my coaches and teammates, I’ve become more outgoing and willing to take the lead, even in school. Our team bond is incredible—my teammates are my best friends. Whether they’re cheering me through a tough rock section or just hanging out at races, their support has made this journey unforgettable.
The sport has also shown me the beauty of nature. There’s nothing like riding at sunset, with the sky painted in brilliant colors and the quiet of the countryside all around. It’s peaceful and reminds me why I love biking so much.
Looking ahead, I know mountain biking will always be a part of my life. I want to give back by becoming a coach, helping kids discover the joy of riding, and working on trail maintenance to keep our spaces beautiful and accessible.
Mountain biking isn’t just a sport for me—it’s a way of life that’s made me stronger, braver, and happier. If you’re thinking about joining, do it. You don’t need fancy gear—just a willingness to try. Trust me, it’ll change your life like it changed mine.
The Bike That Changed Everything
Hunter Strander,* 6th Grade, Madison LaFollette Mountain Biking Team
I never thought I’d be a mountain biker. My family loves biking, but we’d never tried riding on trails. That all changed when my grandma gave me an old blue Trek 320 mountain bike. It had been sitting in her garage for years, but my grandma’s friend climbed up a ladder and brought it down, it became mine. After some repairs, it was ready to go, and I rode it all around my neighborhood. I even learned how to use the gears, which made me feel like a real biker.
One day, my family went to a bike show in Madison to find a bigger bike for my brother. That’s where we stopped at the NICA table and learned about mountain biking teams. The coach told us kids in sixth grade could join, and parents could learn to be a coach and ride too. I was so excited I started jumping up and down!
At the first practice, though, mountain biking was way harder than I thought. I struggled to learn the basics and felt like giving up. I was frustrated and just rode around the parking lot while the team practiced. But my dad didn’t let me quit. He kept bringing me back, and little by little, I started to improve. After four weeks, I could finally ride trails!
Soon, I was riding at Trek Trails and Sheehan Park, and one day the coaches set up a mock race. At first, I thought the noise would be too much for me. But when I saw everyone cheering, I got excited. The other kids cheered for me when I lined up for my first race, and I realized racing was so much fun. I asked my dad, “Can I race with the team?” When he said yes, I couldn’t wait!
Now, I’m part of the Madison LaFollette Mountain Biking Team. My family comes to all my races, and we camp with all the teams. Mountain biking makes me so happy, and I can’t wait for the next ride. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done!
*Hunter is autistic and NICA has helped him find his voice. Hunter started speaking sentences to his dad for the first time while riding trails at Trek. Hunter’s dad, Logan, contributed to this article to share his son’s developing voice and expression. Logan shares “NICA is not only getting kids on bikes, it’s building bridges with life long relationships, friends, and skills!!”
The Ride That Changed Me
Joseph McCrary, High School Graduate, Former Racer, and Junior Coach for MKE MTB
When I first picked up mountain biking, I didn’t realize how much it would shape my life. It started as just something cool to try out since most highschool sports didn’t interest me, but now, it’s become my passion—and more importantly, my way of growing into the person I want to be.
One of the first challenges I faced was learning to ride clipless. I thought it’d take me a month to get used to it, but within a week, I was hooked. That small victory taught me the power of persistence. Mountain biking is like that—it builds you up, ride by ride. You learn to look ahead on the trail and think things through. That lesson? It’s helped me beyond the bike, from making life decisions to handling everyday responsibilities.
The sport has also made me more patient and disciplined. As a junior coach, I work with younger riders, and seeing them tackle a tough section or finish their first race gives me so much pride. It’s funny how that shift happens—mountain biking made me stronger, but it also made me care more deeply about others.
My teammates and coaches have been my biggest inspiration. Whether it’s Coach Tom pushing us to ride harder or my teammate Gabby inviting me to join her other team after NICA, these relationships have shaped me. They’ve shown me the value of community and how important it is to lift others up.
And then there’s the sheer joy of being in nature. I’ve had moments—like spotting deer on the trail or racing the sunset on a quiet ride—that remind me why I love this sport.
Looking ahead, I want to give back. I see myself helping kids, especially those from underserved communities, discover mountain biking. I want to help build trails, coach, and share the lessons this sport has given me.
Mountain biking has taught me to be resilient, disciplined, and hopeful. It’s not just a sport—it’s a way of life. If you’re thinking about trying it, take my advice: grab whatever bike you have and give it a shot. It just might change your life, too.
These stories remind us that mountain biking is a sport of possibilities. It challenges us to conquer fears, grow stronger, and connect with nature and community.
Whether you’re a beginner wobbling through your first practice or a seasoned rider inspiring others, time spent on the trails with a WI NICA team offer endless opportunities for growth. Everyone is welcome – adults as coaches and students in 6th-12th grade as athletes. No try-outs and no bench. Everyone rides to the best of their own ability. WI NICA trains coaches, coaches inspire student-athletes and student-athletes encourage each other. So, find a team near you and embrace the journey—it just might lead you to discover your best self.
Discover more at wisconsinmtb.org