Registration for our 2027 season begins April 1 and ends by July 1. Practices will begin in early July, and our season runs until the end of October. Once you’ve registered in PitZone, review your emails from our team directors for other important dates for the 2026 season!

Pre-Season Events (May/June)

2027, Date TBD: GRiT “Give it a Go” Event at Blackhawk Ski Club, East Chalet.

2027, Date TBD: New Madison West High School and middle school family info session.

Practices (July-end of October)

West Madison NICA mountain biking is considered a fall high school sport and runs during the summer and fall, July-late October.

  • Early season practices start in early July and are held at local schools and parks (exact locations will be emailed before practices begin) for three weeks, until all riders have practiced the skills needed to safely ride trails. Riders must attend 3-6 skills practices before they will be allowed to ride trails with the team.
  • During the school year, The Madison West High School team and middle school groups practice Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Details are shared via email and TeamSnap.
  • We are fortunate to have two great mountain bike trail systems located off of bicycle commuter paths, so most riders are able to ride with the team to practice.

Summer and Fall Events & Festival Weekends

See the 2026 Wisconsin League schedule here.

About Race Festival Weekends

Each race festival weekend includes a pre-ride, typically on Saturday, with racing typically on Sunday, and tons of fun activities throughout the weekend. Many families camp at the race venue.

We coordinate a team pre-ride, so that coaches can ride with the athletes, discuss challenging areas, and develop a race plan (where they can pass, where the slow sections vs. the fast sections are).

For races, athletes are grouped according to age, and each age group has “waves” of riders, to avoid crowding at the starting line. The morning starts with the high school races: Varsity, JV3, JV2, Freshmen, and High School Open. The middle school races come next, and the awards ceremony concludes the day. It’s fun to stay for a while after your race to watch other teammates ride and to celebrate with friends!

As a family-oriented team, we encourage you to participate in race festival weekends in the way that works best for your family.

Adventure Rides

Adventure rides can include scavenger hunts on bikes, exploring new trails, or even overnight camping trips to destinations further afield. The goals are to have FUN, support riders in developing confidence and new skills, and provide opportunities to experience trails in new ways. Coaches will provide details via email during the season.