This weekend I traveled to Baltimore to attend the Regional Coach Supporter Training with NICA coaches from PA, MD, WV & NC.   NICA staff was on hand to coach the coaches that will come home to coach more coaches.  After a long, cold, wet off-season, it was reinvigorating to be with such an enthusiastic group the whole weekend.   We dialed in our skills training & knowledge and were trained to teach it back.  Most importantly, it provided me with a much needed reset on why we participate in the NICA program:  to build strong  minds, strong bodies, strong character & strong communities through mountain biking.

As we jump into the spring VAHS (not NICA) racing season, I ask everyone to remind themselves that our team operates on the NICA model year-round.  The rewards of honest effort, good sportsmanship and mutual respect may or may not land you on the podium for a couple of minutes, but they will serve you many times over a lifetime.

– Head Coach Mike Lang