Not at all! If a kid is interested our coaches can teach them the skills and confidence they need to ride the trails.
Absolutely not. While many of our riders enjoy racing, competition is only one part of what we do. Our focus is helping student-athletes build confidence, resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love of cycling and the outdoors. Riders who never race are every bit as much a part of our team as those who stand on the podium.Content
No. Team members do not have to race. You will still be considered a full team member if you choose not to race. You will ride and practice with the team just like someone racing. We will still push you to be your best and achieve a race-ready level of skills and fitness. If you do not race we do ask you attend events to cheer on your fellow team members. Toggle Content
NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) is a nationwide youth development organization that uses mountain biking to build strong riders and stronger people. Through our affiliation with the Kentucky Interscholastic Cycling League (KICL), Scott County student-athletes have access to training, events, races, leadership opportunities, and a broader cycling community throughout Kentucky and across the country.
Our season runs from July through October, with some pre-season “try-it-out” events occurring in April, May, and June. Our home practice venue is Skull Buster Trails at Lytle’s Fork Recreation Area. Generally we have two practices per week. On select Saturday mornings, special practices may occur to focus on endurance training and advanced skill progression at different trails. These special practices occur at trail systems within a 30–90-minute drive from Scott County.
The type of bike you need depends on how experienced you are and how competitive you want to be. The two most important things are that the bike is in proper working order and fits. Any bike will do if you are checking out the team to decide if you want to be a team member. If you become a regular team member and attend the practices, you will quickly see that “box store” bikes will not take the abuse from trails and number of miles. Coaches are more than happy to advise you, so please ask! If you are a team member, several bike manufacturers offer significant discounts through our NICA affiliation through local bike shops. In addition, used bikes are often available through teammates who have outgrown their previous bikes.
You must have a properly fitting helmet – No exceptions!
Beginner riders usually start on “flats” or regular pedals. As kids become more advanced, they may desire to move to a “clipped-in” pedal. Clipped-in pedals work with a special kind of shoe to allow the rider to push down on the pedals and pull up.
Riders who race must wear a team jersey during the race. Most kids also ride with gloves and some ride with eye protection.
At all practices, riders should have a spare tube, tire tools, and a bike pump or CO2 cartridge on their person or bike.
Costs vary. There is a season fee paid to our national association (NICA) and one to the local league (KICL). These fees cover programming, insurance, and supports our state league and its programs. If an athlete chooses to race, then there are either
à la carte fees per race or a race season pass fee. Please inquire with our coaches for more information.
Community partners are the heart of our team! Please contact us to discuss specific ways in which you can help our team! Click here to download our most recent Community Partner Sponsorship Information
Yes. The Scott County Shredders operate as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are powered by volunteers, supported by donors and community partners, and guided by a volunteer board of directors committed to our mission of developing strong riders and stronger people.
