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frequently asked questions

Who are the Brighton High School Bengals, and what is NICA? 

We are member team of the Utah High School Cycling League (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization), and an affiliate league member of National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). We are a Division 1 team in Region 3. 
 

What are the team fees?

You must register and pay fees to both Brighton MTB Team and NICA. Follow all the steps on our registration page (open March 27th to April 16th). Rider registration is now CLOSED. 

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High school athlete (grades 9 to 12):

  • Team - $400

  • NICA - $360*

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Middle school / DEVO athlete (grades 7 & 8):

  • Team - $400

  • NICA - $300*
     

*The 2024 NICA fee is a single, one-time-payment that covers all practices, regional races, and any other Utah High School Cycling League events during the 2024 season. The State Championship is a qualifying race and does not incur an additional fee.

When registering for the 2024 season, "Current Grade" is the grade your student will be in during the fall of 2024. 

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Is mountain biking a sanctioned high school sport?

The Brighton Mountain Bike Team is recognized as a team under the Athletics Club Sports at Brighton High School. As a Club, all coaches and other supporting staff are volunteers, and all costs are covered by community sponsorships, donors, and team fees.  

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Can my business sponsor your team?

Absolutely! Visit our sponsor page for more details on sponsorship levels and benefits.
 

How do you decide who is on the team? 

Our leagues/NICA core values state that our teams are inclusive. There are no try outs. We accept any fitness, endurance or skill level. We have ride groups that practice at all levels. We train in those groups for our races that happen in various locations in the state. Athletes in grades 7 and 8 in the fall will join the Middle School (DEVO) team. Athletes in grades 9 to 12 in the fall will join the High School team.

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Are there team requirements?

Yes, you need to register online and pay the team fees by April 16th. Rider registration is now CLOSED. You must obey team rules and have respect for our team members and volunteers. It is required that riders attend 70% of practices and races.

 

When and where are the practices? 

Practices will start the first week of June and generally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm. The locations vary but some of our favorites are Corner Canyon, Park City Resort, Round Valley, Solitude, Snowbird, Alta, Bonanza Flats Trails (Guardsman Pass), and Mormon Pioneer Trail (Little Dell). We expect our riders to attend 70% of practices. 

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When are where are the races?

The league will publish race times by race category a few weeks before each race. We encourage everyone to make lodging arrangements as soon as possible as hotel options are very limited in the smaller towns and sell out fast. We expect our riders to participate in 70% of the races. 

  • August 24th - Manti

  • September 7th - Price

  • September 21st - Vernal

  • October 5th, Regional (high school only) - Eagle Mountain

  • October 18th to 19th, High School State Championship (must qualify) - Cedar City

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Please read the Team Race Information for 2024 Season (PDF). 

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What equipment is needed?

All student athletes must come prepared with the following items to every practice:​

  • Good functioning mountain bike (no Walmart/Target bikes) that is well maintained​

  • Proper fitting helmet in good shape

  • Cycling or athletic shoes

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Tool kit including tube

  • CO2 or pump and bike multi-tool

  • Proper clothing for mountain weather

  • Gloves and eye protection

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Does everyone race at State?

For the 2024 season, high school riders will have to qualify to race at State Championships. Qualification Criteria is listed on the league website. All high school riders will participate in the regional race.

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Who runs the team?

Team Director: Dave Kikkert

High School Head Coach: Mike Knapp

Middle School (DEVO) Head Coach: Tom Romney

They are supported by several assistant coaches and parent-led volunteer committees.
 

As a parent what does my level of involvement have to be?

Our team has 100+ racers and is rather complex to operate given that everyone is an unpaid volunteer. We need help with food organization, race day set-up, feed zone and finish line support, practices, photography, logistics, fundraising, equipment organization... the list is long! It is expected that parents will volunteer at the league and team level each season. We cannot do it without you! We will have Parent Committee sign-up forms online soon, and we look forward to your help!

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What are the requirements to be a ride leader/coach?

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Once the riders are on the team, how is communication handled?

We use TeamSnap for most team communication including practice schedules. After registration, we will send an invitation to join our team on the app.

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2023 Season Results:

  • August 19th, Powder Mountain - 1st Place in Division 2!!

  • September 2nd, Snowbasin Resort - 1st Place in Division 2!!

  • September 16th, Richfield - 1st Place in Division 2!!

  • September 30th, Price (High School Regional) - 1st Place in Division 2!!

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