Independence MTB riders gathered with their bikes before a ride, the eagle jersey front and center

Thompson's Station, Tennessee

Hit the trails with us.

Independence MTB is a NICA youth mountain bike team for middle and high school students zoned to Independence High School. No tryouts, no bench, no cuts — if you want to ride, you're on the team.

Become a rider 2026 race schedule

Why we ride

More than a bike team

We're a crew of trail lovers chasing joy, freedom, and endless fun on two wheels. Racing is part of it — but the real win is watching kids find confidence, grit, and friends who ride.

Everyone rides

Every rider who joins has a place on this team. Beginner to advanced — if you want to ride, you belong here. We don't cut. We don't bench. We grow.

Built for growth

NICA's proven youth development model builds resilience, confidence, and character on and off the bike. Our coaches are invested in your rider as a person, not just an athlete.

A family affair

This team runs on families. From race weekends to team dinners, parents and coaches build friendships that last well past the season.

More about the team

2026 season

Race weekends

We race in the Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League, part of NICA — five fall race weekends across the state.

01 Chickasaw Trace
Columbia, TN Preride 8/29 Race 8/30

02 Pugh Bourne Park
Oakfield, TN Preride 9/12 Race 9/13

03 Lock 4 Park
Gallatin, TN Preride 9/26 Race 9/27

04 Winged Deer Park
Johnson City, TN Preride 10/10 Race 10/11

05 State Championship — Raccoon Mountain
Chattanooga, TN Preride 10/24 Race 10/25

06 NICA Central Regionals
Fayetteville, AR · high school only Preride 11/7 Race 11/8

Riders register for races through PitZone as the season goes — race with us every weekend or pick the ones that fit your family's calendar. Practice happens every week close to home. Full league schedule at tennesseemtb.org.

Life on the team

Out here every week

Rider crossing the finish with her tongue out

Indy rider staged at the front of a race start line

Racer carving through the woods in Independence kit

Rider descending an autumn singletrack trail on race day

Rider railing a corner mid-race with spectators behind

Riders sprinting off the start line at a Tennessee League race

Rider in Independence kit pausing at the trailhead

Rider cruising an open field section of the course

Rider leading a friend down wooded singletrack

Smiling coach in helmet and Independence jersey

Young rider crossing under the Tennessee League finish arch

Rider smiling down a grassy summer singletrack

Rider working through a rock garden as spectators watch

All photos by Elaine Long Photography Follow us at @independencemtb

Ready to ride with us?

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