Knoxville Hosts a Tennessee School Team Mountain Bike Race

Plus a movie event with instructions on how to form a school team

236065_origKnoxville, Tenn. – The National Interscholastic Cycling Association brings a new Tennessee High School Cycling League mountain bike race to Knoxville for the first time on October 11, 2015 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. This is the third event in the state’s four-race fall series for both high school and middle school students.

“We’re using cross country school mountain bike racing as our tool to develop our youth,” said Rick Splitter, former president of NICA’s board of directors. “Our core values are building a strong mind, a strong body, a strong character. And we’re going to do that in the most equal and inclusive environment that we can.”

Working with Legacy Parks Foundation and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club – a chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association – representatives from the Tennessee League say the Knoxville race will highlight Legacy Parks’ new purpose built flow trails for mountain biking that are ideally located in an urban area. The trails were made possible by a State of Tennessee Recreational Trails Program grant and built on Legacy Parks’ property.

In addition to the race, THSCL will present the movie “Single Track High” at Legacy Parks’ Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, 900 Volunteer Landing Lane on Wednesday, September 2 at 7 p.m. The free movie showcases the incredible impact high school mountain biking has had in California and encourages more support for NICA and the movement. Information will be presented on how to form a team at your school and how individuals may also register to race in this year’s fall League series. Area bike shops will provide door prizes to be given away at the event.

Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services, and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events and supports development of every student-athlete.

For more information, visit the League’s website at www.tennesseemtb.org