NORTHERN
MAGAZINE
TRAIL TIME
NORTHSIDE INDY MOUNTAIN BIKE GROUP PEDALS ON Banks says the Indiana league operates within the National Interscholastic Cycling Association [NICA], and adds that he thoroughly enjoys his job as a Level 3 coach with the organization. “Coaching at NICA requires a certification,” Banks says. “This is in part to ensure each rider and coach receives proper training, and is properly educated on what to train and look for when riding mountain bikes. This ensures riders are all treated fairly, are safe, ride within their means, learn, and most importantly, have fun.” He says there are three levels of certifications. Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided
Tim Banks of the Indiana Interscholastic Cycling League is encouraging more Hoosiers to join his Indy mountain biking group for fun and exercise.
“Level 1 teaches you all the basics of mountain biking,” Banks says. “Level 2 and Level 3 add in first aid, advanced wilderness first aid, and some additional aspects of both coaching kids and hosting a team. In the end, you will have all the tools you need to have a successful mountain bike JUNE 2021 / 17
program.” 2020 was his first official year. “It was during the pandemic, with a mountain bike league for high schoolers and middle school kids in the state of Indiana,” Banks says. “There were a lot of challenges. Safety was number one. Each event was held outdoors, and strict guidelines were given to remain socially distant and safe while wearing masks and participating in each event. Team tents were allowed, but each were separate so that people were kept socially distant.” Banks says with many schools shutdown, the NICA supported kids in grades 6 through 12, but it was hard to get the word out to kids about the league. “Most schools did not want to support a mountain biking team, so we started a composite team,” Banks says. “This allowed any kid that did not have a school-
