Join the Southwest Missouri Mountain Bike Team!

(Joplin, MO) – The Southwest Missouri Mountain Bike Team, part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and the Missouri NICA League, invites students entering grades 6-12 to join an exciting and engaging cycling community. With experienced coaches and community support, this program aims to build strong minds, bodies, character, and a sense of belonging through cycling.

The SWMO Mountain Bike Team is a cross-country style mountain bike team. Cross-country is a specific form of cycling that requires a broad range of skills to ride up and down mountain bike trails. Team members will develop technical skills and improve their fitness through trail riding.

Why Join?

Mountain biking is super fun, and when you ride with a team, the fun factor multiplies! Our team is about improving our riding skills and achieving personal bests as we explore the world around us on two wheels and make connections with coaches and other riders. As a team member, you will greatly improve your mountain biking skills in a supportive and inclusive team environment. The coaches provide valuable guidance and technical instruction whether you race or not, and we support each other to succeed and achieve personal goals, whether they are based on performance or fun experiences. We set both individual and team and work collaboratively to attain these goals. Our team proudly focuses on creating life-long cyclists!

Eligibility and Practices

All boys and girls who will be enrolled in 6th-12th grade at any Southwest Missouri school district for the 2026-27 school year are eligible to participate. Students from nearby schools in Kansas and Oklahoma will also be considered.

We cater to all skill levels, with various race categories available for each grade. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a spot for you on our team!

Athlete registration opens April 1st and the Missouri NICA season officially begins on July 1st. The season runs through the end of October with 2-3 practices each week. Pre-season events will be scheduled in May and June including Try It Out sessions during the Grand Launch Party at MOmentum Bike Park on May 2nd.

Practice locations this season will be MOmentum Bike Park in Joplin, The High Ground Mountain Bike Preserve in Neosho, and select trail systems in Northwest Arkansas

Equipment and Support

To get started, all you need is a bike, a helmet, closed-toed shoes, and comfortable clothing. Don’t have a bike? No problem! We offer loaner bikes on a first-come, first-served basis, and scholarships are available through Missouri NICA and local sponsors.

The athlete registration fee covers training, race entry fees, and insurance for races and practices. Financial aid is available, ensuring every interested student can join.

Race Schedule

The season includes five thrilling races across the state, designed with both fun and safety in mind. The 2026 season race dates are:

August 29 to 30 at Binder Lake Bash in Jefferson City, MO
September 12 and 13 at Escape from the Lion's Den in Rolla, MO
September 26 and 27 at Shawnee Bend Showdown in Warsaw, MO
October 10 and 11 at Stocksdale Stampede in Liberty, MO
October 24 and 25 at Tussle at Two Rivers in Highlandville, MO
November 7 and 8 at Central Regionals (11 states) in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Get Involved

Join the team and discover the joy of mountain biking.

For more information or to join the Southwest Missouri Mountain Bike Team, complete this inquiry form: https://forms.gle/WDL3mmWwnDuw1RXa8

Sponsor the team!

There are exciting opportunities for businesses and organizations to show their support for the team, all of which are listed in the sponsorship packet.

Become a coach!

Join the fun by becoming a NICA coach! To do so, submit this inquiry form: https://forms.gle/eAoNPTZGVJXa6q347