YOUTH MOUNTAIN BIKING
Adventure and Racing

Palisades Cyclones 2026 Season Kick Off Meeting and introduction

Please join us Thursday October 30th at Giovanni’s Bicycle Club from 7pm - 9 pm to kick off the 2026 Palisades Cyclones season.  You will hear from current coaches, team members, and the New Jersey National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) about our team, the NICA mountain biking program, and what to expect for the 2026 season.  We hope you can join us for some food, drinks, and a good time!  

Please RSVP for the event below.

Sign Up

A GREAT SPORT FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES TO DO together  

  • EVERYBODY RIDES

  • NO ONE SITS ON THE BENCH

  • NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED

  • BUILDING STRONG MINDS, STRONG BODIES, AND STRONG CHARACTER THROUGH CYCLING

  • GIRLS AND BOYS, 5-12TH GRADE

  • NORTH-EASTERN BERGEN COUNTY

Contact Cyclones


FAQs

  • Is the team a part of a league?
    Yes, we are a part of the New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League (NJICL). The NJICL is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA)

  • When is the Cyclones season?
    The season is officially December - June but we will start practices as early as November 1st.

  • My child rides their bike around town but has never mountain biked before. Is this something they can learn?
    Yes! Our coaches work with every level of rider from first-time mountain bikers to advanced-level riders.

  • When are practices usually held?
    Practice times vary based on coach availability but usually are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We usually hold practices at 5 PM but due to low light and colder temps in the fall and winter months, we move the practices to the gym indoors for fitness training once per week. We will schedule weekend practices up to 3 times monthly during the colder months and 2 times weekly in warmer months. This is based on coach availability and weather permitting. They usually last 1.5 hours.

  • What type of training do the coaches receive?
    All NICA coaches are trained in safety and risk management. Your child’s safety is their number 1 priority. The minimum coach requirements include:

    • CDC Heads Up Concussion Training (Required Annually)

    • NICA Philosophy, Safety, and Risk Management (Required Annually)

    • Athlete Abuse Awareness Training

    • License Level 1 Coach Course

  • My child doesn’t have a bike or needs a better mountain bike. Can you help?
    Yes, BICYCLE WORKSHOP is our primary sponsor and has many options at many price points. NICA discounts are available for participating student-athletes and coaches.

  • My child does not want to race, can they still participate?
    Absolutely. The team focuses on fitness and adventure first while providing the necessary skills to anyone who wants to compete in NJICL races. Going to races is highly encouraged since it brings together hundreds of kids with similar interests while enjoying a fun atmosphere at the race venue.

  • For more team details, click see below.

Contact cyclones

We need coaches

Without volunteer coaches, our kids can’t participate in this awesome sport. If you or anyone you know rides mountain bikes and likes paying it forward, please have them contact us about being a coach.

Become a coach

More team details:

Parent Involvement 

  • Parent involvement is critical to the success of our team.

  • Variety of roles including Parent Coaches, Team Director, Food Coordination 

  • Costs

    • NJ NICA Dues $300

    • Cyclones Team Dues $150

    • Equipment and Attire

  • Equipment Needed:

    • Proper fitting Mountain Bike

    • Helmet

    • Team Jersey

    • Bike Shorts

    • Bike Gloves

    • Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

  • Financial Assistance Available?

    • NJ NICA league offers need-based dues scholarships and loaner bikes for student-athletes

  • Schedule

    • Races - Five Races held from April - June (typically every other Sunday excluding holidays)

    • Training / Practices - Beginning in December and running through the NICA season.  1-2 team practices per week based on parent coach availability and weather/trail conditions.  Winter training will be supplemented with indoor gym training sessions

  • Type of Trails

    • We train on a variety of trails tailored to the mix of student-athletes participating

    • Races are held on cross country (XC) mountain bike trails primarily comprised of single-track with some wider areas to facilitate safe passing

  • Length of Races

    • Race length is specific to each Grade Level - beginning at 3 miles for younger student-athletes and increasing up to 15 miles for our most advanced High School athletes

  • Time commitment 

    • Practice sessions typically last 1.5 hours

    • Races are a full-day commitment

  • Student-Athlete Experience - Skill / Ability Level

    • No prior mountain bike experience is needed and all skill levels are welcome to join

  • Age / Grades Eligible

    • All student-athletes in grades 5-12 are eligible

  • Competition Groupings

    • Race categories are based on Grade & Gender 

Our Amazing Sponsors

…YOUR BUSINESS NAME GOES HERE