Welcome to NICA Discovery!
We are so excited for your child to participate in NICA Discovery. NICA Discovery consists of 3 levels, each with a full curriculum of lessons. For this session we’re starting at level 1, “New Friends”
Level 1: New Friends is aimed at children who are new to biking but have some limited experience with neighborhood or urban riding. These are children who can already balance and pedal a bike, but may have never ventured “off road.” Games and activities work on learning to better ride and operate a bike preparation for later buildable skills, and increasing stamina.
Location
All of our six sessions will take place at Kletzsch Park in Glendale. The specific location will vary a bit from day to day depending on what we’re working on. We’ll let you know the exact location by email and text before each session begins. All locations are near the pavilion.
Schedule
Sessions (practices) will take place from 5:30-7:00pm on Mondays and Thursdays. The first session will be on Monday July 13th and the last will be Thursday July 30th.
Required Documentation
- Parents must print, review this CODE OF CONDUCT with their child, sign and bring it to the first session for their child to participate.
- Every rider is also required to have a waiver and medical release form signed on file with NICA. A link to the waiver may be found HERE. Parents are asked to show confirmation that the online waiver has been signed before their child participates, if you can please take a screenshot of the confirmation screen.
Required Equipment
- Helmet – Less than 5 years old that fits your child’s head well without moving around while they ride.
- Footwear – Closed-toe (non-Croc like) shoes that fastened by laces, straps or buckles
- Bike – Bike with knobby tires, gears, and two hand brakes. Bike tires should be no smaller than 20 inches.
- Snug fitting small backpack – Kids need to be able to carry water and snacks with them at all times.
- Snacks/Hydration – Kids should always bring a snack and hydration with them to Discovery.
- Examples could include a granola bar, fruit snacks, or something that can easily be stored in a pocket or pack.
- Hydration should consist of non caffeinated sports drinks or just good ole water!
Recommended Equipment
- Gloves – full-finger gloves to protect hands from abrasions in the case of a fall
- Eye protection – generic sports glasses to protect from dust and debris (and bugs) kicked up while riding
- Windbreaker / light rain jacket – weather conditions change throughout the season, your child should be prepared to ride in the conditions that are present on the day. Sessions will be altered or canceled if the weather conditions are unsafe.
- Athletic /Cycling shorts – Loose fitting athletic shorts or pants. Cycling specific shorts are not required but some kids may be more comfortable.
What to Expect
Each session is broken down into 3 parts;
- Opener activities and objective/expectation setting
- Skills activities and Games
- Wrap up and Reflection
There will be a break mid-session for snacking/hydrating and general check in.
Each session builds on skills learned in the previous session. To get the MOST out of NICA Discovery make sure your child can attend every session!
For New Friends, the sessions consist of riding and playing in a park-like setting and are not trail dependent. Students will ride within that open space rather than out on trails, staying close to restroom facilities and support.
Kids should come ready to learn, play, ride and explore!
Questions?
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. If you are already registered, we’ll be sharing additional contact information via email as well.
