A co-ed youth mountain biking team for athletes in grades 5-12.
No tryouts, everybody rides!
Who we are
Conway Bearcats
We build strong minds, bodies, character, and community through cycling. Our team welcomes all students in grades 5-12, of any skill or ability level. There are no tryouts and there is no bench - everyone rides!
Our volunteer coaches work to teach the techniques necessary to handle a bike over a variety of trail conditions. At practice the team learns together, then rides together, building camaraderie as well as endurance and confidence.
After a summer of practice and skills development, we attend optional races for those that wish to test their skills against other teams from across the state. Join us!
Expectations
Rider commitment
We expect our team riders to:
- Regularly participate in practices if able
- Respect your teammates and coaches
- Always wear a helmet when riding
- Show up to practice with water, a functioning bike, and a positive attitude
- Ride within your abilities
- Listen when being giving instruction
- Complete 10 hours of trail work with the team
- HAVE FUN!
Parent commitment
We expect our team parents to:
- Use TeamSnap to keep up to date with team events
- Get your student to and from practice on time (you can coordinate carpools with other parents)
- Volunteer at races or practices
- Support our team values and mission
- Enjoy the Ride!
OUR SEASON
Our team participates in the Arkansas Plains League which is a part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Our 2024 season starts with practices in late June and runs through November. It includes team activities and destination rides, the optional league races and adventure events, and more.
We practice in Conway Tuesday and Thursday nights at a variety of locations. Attendance is encouraged, but students are not penalized for missing practice.
NICA’s GRiT (Girls Riding Together) initiative exists to
address the lack of representation of women and girls
in mountain biking.
Through GRiT, we create the safe spaces and
opportunities necessary for women and girls to engage,
build confidence, belong, and thrive as riders and humans. We want to give girls and women equitable access to the transformative power of mountain biking, so that there is ultimately gender parity in the sport.
Arkansas NICA hosts several GRiT-only events throughout the season. There are also GRiT-only perks designed to encourage new members into the program. Learn more about GRiT here.
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Join us!
Athletes
Are you interested in being a part of our team? We welcome any athlete in grades 5-12 from the Conway area. No experience needed! Click below to let us know you’re interested!
Volunteers & Coaches
Our team needs volunteers and coaches! Come ride along with the team and be a role model for our athletes. No mountain biking experience necessary; NICA provides coach education and training for you!
Meet the team
Conway Bearcats team is run by many awesome volunteers.
The Bearcats have many other coaches and volunteers that help support the team.
Contact us
Want to join the team? Submit our INTEREST FORM. We’ll get back to you soon with next steps!
Still have questions? Email us at conwaybearcatsmtb@gmail.com
QUICK LINKS & RESOURCES
THE BASICS
There are a few sites you’ll visit again and again! We’ve collected them here for easy access:
FOR COACHES
NICA’s coach education program helps our volunteers feel confident and competent as the help facilitate and lead awesome youth mountain bike programs. Here are some links to navigate your coach journey: