The La Crosse Area Youth Mountain Bike Team is a community-based youth cycling program dedicated to empowering student-athletes to grow as confident riders, responsible trail stewards, and positive community members. Through fun, challenge, teamwork, and connection to the outdoors, the Team supports both athletic and personal growth.
A program of the Outdoor Recreation Alliance of the Seven Rivers Region (ORA Trails), the Team operates within a broader mission to build happy, healthy, and resilient communities through equitable and sustainable outdoor recreation.
WHO WE ARE
The Team began in 2013 with fewer than 20 riders. Today, it has grown into a vibrant community of more than 90 student-athletes from across Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Supported by nearly 40 dedicated volunteer coaches, the Team practices locally and travels across the state each fall to participate in five race weekends—camping together with family and friends along the way.
It’s more than a team. It’s a community built around connection, growth, and a shared love of being outside. No racing required—just come ride.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Students entering grades 6–12 for the 2026–2027 school year are welcome to join.
The La Crosse Composite Team brings together riders from across the region, including La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, La Crescent, and Bangor.
No prior experience is needed. Whether you’re brand new to mountain biking or have been riding for years, there’s a place for you here.
Participants can:
- Practice with the team and build skills
- Receive coaching and mentorship
- Choose whether or not to participate in races
Every rider has the same experience regardless of whether they race—this is about growth, community, and having fun on bikes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Weekly team practices (July through October)
- Riding local trail systems throughout the region
- Optional weekend race events and team camping trips
- A supportive, all-ability environment focused on skill-building and fun
- Opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth
TEAM PROGRAMS
GRiT: Girls Riding Together
A program designed to inspire, support, and empower female riders—building confidence, connection, and leadership on and off the bike.
Teen Trail Corps (TTC)
Focused on giving back, TTC engages student-athletes in trail maintenance, community service, and stewardship—helping riders build pride and ownership in the places they ride.
Adventure Program
Provides a progression of experiences that challenge youth to grow, build resilience, and pursue lifelong outdoor adventures both on and off the bike.
OUR COMMITMENT
As a program of ORA Trails, the Team is rooted in community, stewardship, and shared responsibility. We strive to:
- Promote trail stewardship, conservation, and responsible outdoor recreation
- Engage student-athletes in volunteer trail work, community service, and advocacy
- Operate with respect for land managers, public lands, and established outdoor ethics
- Work collaboratively with ORA Trails to advance the organization’s mission
The Team is a member of National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and participates in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League. The Team adheres to all league and national standards established by NICA, including those related to youth safety, coach licensing, competition rules, and positive youth development
COACHES
All our coaches are volunteers. Coaches complete a background check through NICA and depending on what level of coaching they pursue (Level 1,2,3), they receive online training, on the bike training, concussion, first aid, CPR training, and more.
”My favorite part about being on the mountain bike team is… The festival weekends – I love seeing athletes and families come together with the larger NICA community to embrace mountain bike adventures and cross country racing. From introducing the sport to new riders, to supporting racers hungry for competition, and all the growth and development between, I am honored to be part of the La Crosse Area Mountain Bike Team!
Carey FalkenberryHead Coach 2022 - 2024
What is Wisconsin NICA?
NICA is the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. WIN (Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling Association) was founded in 2013 and laid the groundwork for high school mountain biking in WI and became affiliated with NICA beginning in the 2014 season. The league has exploded to include over 1,000 student athletes and 500 volunteer coaches.
The Wisconsin NICA leagues is committed to providing a positive co-ed cycling experience for middle and high school aged students of all cycling levels using coaching methods founded in our FIERC values of:
- FUN
- Inclusivity
- Equity
- Respect
- Community
To learn more about WI NICA visit: https://wisconsinmtb.org/
2026 Leadership Team
Ben Wilde
Head Coach
Matt Sloan
Team Director
Lance Miller
Team Coordinator
TBD
Team Co-Coordinator
TBD
GRiT Coordinator
TBD
Adventure Coordinator
Not Pictured: Andy Meyers, Teen Trail Corp Coordinator
