Interscholastic Mountain Biking

The Laurel Highlands Youth Cycling (LHYC) program is built on the belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors on two wheels. As a proud affiliate of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), we provide a safe, inclusive, and high-energy environment for student-athletes in grades 6–12.

The Pennsylvania League (PICL)

Our teams operate within the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL). As one of the largest chapters in the nation, PICL manages a season that runs from July through October.

  • Events: The season features a mix of "Adventure" weekends and a multi-race series held at premier trail systems across the state.

  • Scale: In recent seasons, PICL has seen participation grow to over 1,500 student-athletes and 600+ certified coaches across Pennsylvania, fostering a massive community of trail advocates.

The "No Bench" Philosophy

Traditional sports often leave students on the sidelines based on skill level. NICA is different.

  • 100% Participation: There are no tryouts and no cuts. Every student-athlete who joins the team participates in every practice and is eligible for every event.

  • Inclusivity by the Numbers: NICA’s commitment to diversity is central to its mission. Nationwide, female participation has grown to approximately 20% of the total student-athlete population, with specific "GRiT" (Girls Riding Together) initiatives designed to close the gender gap in cycling.

Choose Your Path: Racing vs. Adventure

We recognize that "success" looks different for every rider. Athletes can tailor their experience by choosing between two primary tracks:

  • NICA Racing

    • Focus: Personal bests, endurance, and technical speed.

    • Goal: Competing against peers in age-graded categories.

    • Atmosphere: High-energy, timed cross-country courses.

  • NICA Adventure

    • Focus: Skills, bike handling, and trail discovery.

    • Goal: Completing challenges and group "epic" rides.

    • Atmosphere: Low-pressure, collaborative, and social.

Our Teams

We provide a structure that ensures every student in the Laurel Highlands region has a "home team," regardless of where they go to school.

Laurel Highlands Composite Team

The "Composite" model is the backbone of NICA. This team is a melting pot of students from various private, charter, home, and public schools that do not yet have their own dedicated mountain bike program. It allows students from different backgrounds to form a tight-knit community bound by a love for the trails.

School-Based Teams

LHYC actively supports and incubates dedicated teams for local schools, allowing students to represent their home school colors. While these teams are managed and insured by LHYC, they operate through a formal partnership with the local school district.

We believe every student in our region should have the chance to ride for their school. LHYC is currently in the process of formalizing partnerships with multiple school districts throughout Westmoreland County. Our goal is to transition more students from our regional "Composite" team into dedicated school-based programs. This "club-to-school" model helps integrate cycling into local athletic cultures and provides students with a sense of pride in representing their home districts on a statewide stage.

Safety & Coaching

Every LHYC coach is NICA-certified, which requires background checks, concussion awareness training, and specialized wilderness first-aid certification. We maintain a strict student-to-coach ratio (typically 6:1 or 8:1) to ensure every rider receives individual attention and mentorship.

Meet our coaching staff here!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our interscholastic MTB programs are open to all student-athletes in grades 6 through 12. Whether you are a total beginner who has never ridden on dirt or an experienced trail rider, there is a place for you here.

  • No! We offer two distinct tracks. The Racing Track is for those who enjoy the thrill of competition and personal bests. The Adventure Track is for students who prefer to focus on bike handling skills, trail exploration, and games without the pressure of a clock or a finish line.

  • Every rider needs a mountain bike (with knobby tires and multiple gears) and a properly fitting helmet. We recommend a bike inspection by a local shop before the season starts. If equipment costs are a barrier, please reach out—our goal is to get every kid on a bike.

  • The "Interscholastic" season typically begins in July with pre-season practices. The Pennsylvania League (PICL) event season runs from late August through October, featuring adventure weekends and race events across the state.

  • While all outdoor sports carry some risk, safety is our core value. All LHYC coaches are NICA-certified, which includes:

    • Background Checks: Mandatory PA child abuse and criminal clearances.

    • Concussion Training: Annual certification for all coaches.

    • Risk Management: Strict student-to-coach ratios (typically 6:1) and NICA-approved safety protocols for every ride.

    • School-Based Teams: If your school district (like Ligonier Valley) has a formal partnership with LHYC, you will ride for your school team, wear your school colors, and be recognized in your school yearbook.

    • Laurel Highlands Composite: If your school does not yet have a dedicated team, you will join our "Composite" team. This is a regional team made up of students from various schools, homeschoolers, and cyber-schoolers across Westmoreland County.

  • There are typically two sets of fees: a NICA/League registration fee (which covers insurance and event access) and a local team fee (which covers jerseys and equipment). LHYC is a 501c(3) non-profit, and we work hard to keep these costs low. Scholarships and financial aid are available through both LHYC and the Pennsylvania League.

    2025 Fees totaled $440:

    • League Student Athlete Registration: $200

    • NICA Technology Fee: $5

    • NICA Membership: $50

    • Race Registration: $85

    • LHYC Team Fee: $100

  • Interscholastic mountain biking is a family-oriented sport! We are always looking for ride leaders, "sweep" riders, and volunteers to help with event logistics. You don’t need to be a pro cyclist to help out—we provide the training.

    Join Us on the Trails To ensure the safety and mentorship of our student-athletes, any adult who wishes to ride with the team during practices is required to become a NICA-certified Level 1 Coach. Don’t let the title "Coach" intimidate you—the process is fairly simple and designed for every skill level. It involves basic online safety courses and a background check to ensure you are covered by the league’s insurance. Whether you are a seasoned rider or just comfortable on a bike, your presence on the trail helps us get more kids outdoors!