Spring & summer
Preseason practices ramp up in late spring. Skills, fitness, trail time, and a lot of laughing in parking lots before rollout.
About the team
Who we are
Independence MTB is the mountain bike team for middle and high school students zoned to Independence High School in Thompson's Station, Tennessee. We ride together, race together, and cheer every rider across the finish line.
What we're about
Kids, bikes, and dirt
We believe a mountain bike is one of the best teachers a kid can have. It hands out confidence one climb at a time, teaches that falling down is part of getting better, and turns "I can't" into "watch this." Our job as a team is simple: get more kids on bikes and give them a place to belong while they figure out what they're capable of.
We're a NICA team competing in the Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League. That means our coaches are licensed, background-checked, and trained in skills progression, safety, and youth development — and it means our riders get a real race season, from summer practices through the fall series and the state championship.
Racing is never required. Some riders live for race day; others just love the weekly ride. Both belong here.
The season
What a year looks like
Fall race season
Five Tennessee League race weekends from late August through October, capped by the state championship at Raccoon Mountain — see the full schedule.
Race weekends
Pre-ride the course, camp or day-trip with the team, then race under the Indy tent with the whole crew ringing cowbells at the finish.
Get involved
There's a place for you here
Riders & families
Middle school or high school, brand new or trail-seasoned — reach out and a coach will get you everything you need to get started.
Become a riderVolunteers
This team runs on volunteers. No coaching experience required — NICA provides all the training you need, and coach registration is just $25.
Learn about coachingSupporters
Help us put more kids on good, safe equipment. Our equipment fundraiser directly outfits riders who need a hand getting started.
Equipment fundraiser