Jonesboro, AR — (Contributed) — March 24, 2025 — Arkansas Interscholastic Cycling Association (AR NICA) will descend on Jonesboro for two days of mountain bike riding and racing in September.
AR NICA is returning for its 10th season with events around the state, with the Jonesboro event bringing an estimated 400 racers and 2000 spectators to the area.
The 2025 event series brings over 900 student-athletes, 500 coaches, and hundreds of volunteers across the state for five event weekends:
- Aug. 23-24 Clysta Willett Park, Mountain Home, AR
- Sept. 6-7 Plains Regional 1 Craighead Forest Park, Jonesboro, AR
- Sept. 6-7 Plateaus Regional 1 Siloam Springs, AR
- Sept. 20-21 Mid-Season Classic Meadows Tech Park, Conway, AR
- Oct. 4-5 Plains Regional 3 Cedar Glades Park, Hot Springs, AR
- Oct. 4-5 Plateaus Regional 3 Springhill Park, Barling, AR
- Oct. 25-26 State Championship Centennial Park, Fayetteville, AR
Sept. 6 will be a practice day for the teams. The public is invited to watch the race on Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We are excited to bring youth mountain biking to the Craighead Forest Park trails and Jonesboro, AR. The community has been hard at work investing in their infrastructure and outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Terry Coddington, league director at Arkansas NICA. “Mountain biking is a life sport, and we would like to invite the community to come out, celebrate with us, and see how awesome these young athletes are.”
Arkansas NICA was formed in 2016 under the direction of Kyla Templeton and Alan Ley. Arkansas NICA’s goal is to increase access to mountain biking throughout the state for any student-athlete wanting to participate.
AR NICA focuses on more than racing, league participants and families enjoy programs and events like GRiT: Girls Riding Together, focused on building community within athletes, trail maintenance and environmental stewardship through Teen Trail Corps, skills clinics, coach training and development, and Adventure programming that combines mountain biking with games and outdoor experiential education.
“The battle cry for our local mountain bike team, the Ridge Riders, is ‘FIRED UP!’” said Craig Rickert, executive director of the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission. “That goes for the whole city. Jonesboro can’t wait to play host to these athletes and their families. Our trails at Craighead Forest Park are challenging and fun. We are excited for the NICA community to come spend the weekend with us. We are ready to roll out the red carpet!”
For more information regarding team development, sponsorship opportunities, hosting a race or event, or general information, click here and reach out to Coddington.
