Battle at Big Bear Lake
Race Venue
Parking and PitZone Drop Off Information
- Please park in designated areas
- All vehicles must abide by the instructions of parking volunteers and/or league staff. Any violators risk imposition of penalties against their respective team
- Vehicles must use the designated loading/unloading zone and immediately move to designated parking areas after unloading at the Pit Zone area.
- Vehicles must follow one-way directional traffic in/out of Pit Zone drop off area (see venue map)
Race Registration
Online registration closes Wednesday before each race at 11:30pm
- Students must be league registered and “race-ready” in order to participate
- Registration is done on the NICA Pit Zone website
- Students will receive a race plate for the race series to be used for all races, so please take care of them. Race plates have chips on the back and require care to avoid damage. There is a $10.00 fee to replace race plates if lost, or forgotten. Replacement plates are at registration.DO NOT LOSE YOUR RACE PLATE!
Race Fees
| MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL | LATE FEE AT RACE* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| League/NICA Registration (annual) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Race Entry Fee (per race) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Volunteering at our Events
Race day would not be possible without the incredible work of our volunteers. It takes a “village” to put on quality youth mountain bike races. Many parents and cycling enthusiasts find that getting involved with our events is a fun and rewarding experience.
Saturday and Sunday positions are available
We know some positions can look complex and possibly overwhelming for first-time volunteers. Rest assured ALL of our volunteer positions are fun and require no previous experience, and our Core Race Staff are with you every step of the way. You will feel confident and well prepared for your task.
Here is the link to signup for volunteer spots.
For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@westvirginiamtb.org
Pick one (or two) that sound interesting to you, and look forward to the fun!
Race Course
Standard Race Course (3.2 miles)
- Parking
- Pit Zone
- Feed Zone
- Camping
- Marshall Point
Varsity Race Course (6 miles)
Pit Zone Information and NICA Rules
- Pit Zone is open for loading/unloading
- Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pmThere will be no riding on course prior to the pre-ride opening
- Sunday: 7:00am - 8:00am and after the awards ceremony
- Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pm
- NO BIKE RIDING ALLOWED IN THE PIT ZONE
- Garbage expectations - pack in/pack out
- Fire/Grilling expectations
- No Gas Generators in the PitZone
- No inappropriate language allowed
- Teams must remove all garbage from Pit Zone and camping areas whether or not a dumpster is on site
- No Smoking, Alcohol, or open flames in Pit Zone
- Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times
- Conflicts and/or disputes should not be dealt with in the team Pit Zone area
- Any violation of the above rules may result in a team penalty and/or expulsion from the Pit Zone and infield area
Weekend Schedule
Saturday
| 8:30 AM | Pit Zone Access Opens |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Registration Opens |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
| 10:00 AM | Coaches Meeting |
| 10:00 AM | Spicy Adventure Ride - Meet at Adventure Tent |
| 10:30 AM | Adventure Course Opens |
| 11:00 AM | GRiT Ride - meet at the NICA GRiT Tent at 10:30 |
| 12:00 PM | Coaches Only pre-ride |
| 12:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 1:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 2:15 PM | "Mayhem On The Mountain" Adventure Tent |
| 12:30 PM | GRiT Craft/Activity |
| 1:00 PM | Pit Zone Access Closes |
| 1:00 PM | MOBS (Moms on Bikes) Ride/Clinic (but you don't have to be a mom) Meet at the GRiT Tent |
| 1:15 PM | Pre-Ride Opens GREEN A: 1:15-1:40 - Varsity and JV1 ONLY GREEN B: 1:40-2:15 - Varsity, JV1, JV2, JV3 YELLOW: 2:16-3:30 RED: 3:31-4:30 |
| 4:00 PM | Last call for Team Coach-led Adventure Rides |
| 4:30 PM | Registration Closes |
| 4:30 PM | NICA Pre-Ride Closes (last riders out at 4:30) |
Sunday
| 7:00 AM | Volunteer Shifts Begin |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Registration Opens |
| 8:00 AM | *Pre-Ride Open to all riders |
| 8:15 AM | Marshall Meeting |
| 8:30 AM | Head Coaches Meeting |
| 9:00 AM | Pre-Ride Closed |
| 9:15 AM | Staging - Wave 1 MS Boys |
| 9:30 AM | Racing Begins |
| 10:15 AM | Staging - Wave 2 MS, Freshman & Sophmore Girls |
| 11:15 AM | Marshall Meeting |
| 11:30 AM | Registration Closes |
| 12:15 PM | Staging - Wave 3 HS Boys & Varsity Girls |
| 2:00 PM | Racing Concludes |
| 2:15 PM | Pit Zone Break Down Begins |
| 3:30 PM | Awards Ceremony |
Pre-Ride
Coaches Meeting
Race Waves
- STAGING will begin 15 minutes before each wave.
- If you miss your call up, you will be placed in with the rest of the group.
- Note: Final lap count decision per category will be finalized and confirmed at the start of each race in addition to any lap cut-off times.
Race Duration Guidelines
- <30 mins for Middle School
- 30-50 mins for JV3/JV2 boys and girls & and JV1 girls
- 45-90 mins for JV1 boys and Varsity girls
- 45-90 mins for Varsity boys
- Race officials reserve the right to determine these time limits at any time.
- Time limits may be imposed for reasons that include, among others: safety, heat, cold, rain, and muddy conditions.
- Course closures may be announced at any time.
- Due to weather or course closures, these duration guidelines may be changed at League Discretion.
Wave 1: Middle School Boys
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Grade Boys A (3000’s) | 9:30 AM | 2 | 9:54 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 8th Grade Boys B (3000’s) | 9:31 AM | 2 | 9:54 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 7th Grade Boys A (2000’s) | 9:33 AM | 2 | 9:57 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 7th Grade Boys B (2000’s) | 9:34 AM | 2 | 9:57 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 6th Grade Boys (1000’s) | 9:36 AM | 2 | 9:59 AM | 25-45 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 2: Girls
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JV1 Girls (100’s) | 10:30 AM | 3 | 11:16 AM | 60-100 minutes | BLUE |
| JV2 Girls (400’s) | 10:32 AM | 3 | 11:18 AM | 45-90 minutes | RED |
| JV3 Girls (700’s) | 10:34 AM | 3 | 11:20 AM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
| 8th Grade Girls (6000’s) | 10:36 AM | 2 | 10:59 AM | 25-45 minutes | PURPLE |
| 7th Grade Girls (5000’s) | 10:38 AM | 2 | 11:01 AM | 25-45 minutes | YELLOW |
| 6th Grade Girls (4000’s) | 10:40 AM | 2 | 11:03 AM | 25-45 minutes | GREEN |
Wave 3: High School Boys & Varsity Girls
| CATEGORY (NUMBER SERIES) | START TIME | LAPS | EARNED LAP CUT-OFF TIME | ESTIMATED DURATION | RACE PLATE COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varsity Boys (50-99) | 12:30 PM | 2(Varsity Course) | 1:16 PM | 90-120 minutes | BLACK |
| Varsity Girls (1-49) | 12:32 PM | 2(Varsity Course) | 1:18 PM | 90-120 minutes | BLACK |
| JV1 Boys (300’s) | 12:34 PM | 3 | 1:20 PM | 60-100 minutes | BLUE |
| JV2 Boys (500’s) | 12:36 PM | 3 | 1:22 PM | 45-90 minutes | RED |
| JV3 Boys (900’s)A | 12:38 PM | 3 | 1:25 PM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
| JV3 Boys (900’s) B | 12:39 PM | 3 | 1:25 PM | 45-90 minutes | WHITE |
Additional Race Information
Chip Timing Info
Category Petitions
- No race day petitions will be accepted
- Contact your Team Director or Head Coach to be invited
- Independent riders contact sarah@westvirginiamtb.org
Refund/Weather Policy
All participants are required to read, understand and abide by all league policies, rules and protocols while attending any league event.
Adventure
Not sure if you are interested in racing? There are plenty of things to do at Big Bear along with racing and cheering on your friends!
In the middle of the action at the Pit Zone:
- NICA registered athletes and coaches can check out the course whether or not they are racing during pre-rides Saturday afternoon. Don’t forget your race plates!
- Female NICA athletes (and their favorite NICA-aged people with a waiver) can join the GRiT ride on the course Saturday morning. If you don’t already have a race plate, you can sign the waiver and pick one up at the Registration Tent.
- NICA registered athletes and coaches with stronger riding skills can meet at the Adventure Tent at 10am on Saturday for a Spicy Adventure Ride. This ride will be about 11 miles on some of the trickier trails Big Bear has to offer! We ask that riders come with at least one coach from their team.
- Stop by the Adventure Tent with your friends any time from 10:30-4 on Saturday to check out what “Adventures” we have cooked up for the weekend (hint: slow race on tiny bike, skills course, corn hole, Ga Ga ball, etc … )
- Join games held periodically throughout the afternoon on Saturday. Bring your bikes as we have on-the-bike and off-the bike games planned. Bring your friends and make new ones!!
- NICA registered athletes and coaches (and NICA-age friends with a waiver) can ride the Adventure Course. Come to the Adventure Tent any time between 10:30am-4pm on Saturday with coaches to lead your group. Your coaches are busy? Join a mixed team group ride at 10:30am. Meet at the Adventure Tent.
- On Sunday, cheer on your friends who are racing! We will have a Candy Cheering Station set up on the course. Can you find it?
Non-NICA Activities Available at the Camplands
- Feel free to explore Big Bear Camplands!!
- Mini Golf - open 10-5 Saturday and Sunday 1/2 mile down the road after turning left at the camp store when driving from the entrance to the Camplands), $5 if over 48 inches tall, free if you are shorter than 48 inches
- Basketball Courts (basketballs available with a $5 deposit at the Mini Golf Course), Horseshoe Pits, Tennis Courts, Volleyball
- Playgrounds - several throughout Big Bear
- Swimming - there is a beach at Baby Bear Lake
- Fishing at the big lake - no license required
- Camp Store - Forgot some camping essentials? Need a sticker? And who doesn't want ice cream?!
- Hike or Bike - There are many other trails throughout the camplands. Ask for a map at the Front Gate. Beaver Creek Trail is a fun one to hike.
Nearby attractions: Youghiogheny and Deep Creek Lakes and the WISP Ski Resort, only 30 minutes east of Big Bear Lake. Also great white water rafting only 10 minutes away in Friendsville MD - Precision Rafting Expeditions.
Camping & Lodging
Primitive Camping
Onsite primitive camping is available along the airstrip and in the wooded sites at Big Bear on a first come first serve basis. Camping passes which are good for the entirety of your stay from Friday, September 11 through your departure on Sunday, September 13 are $30.
Please use this link to pay for your $30 camping pass prior to your arrival. Upon purchase of your pass, you will receive an email with a link to a camping pass which should be displayed in your windshield during your stay.
Stay Nearby
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hazelton/Bruceton Mills
- Call 304-441-0004 and mention the NICA room block.
- We have a discounted rate of $85/night available until September 5.
Food Service
Smashers Sweets-N-Eats
Glen Elk Boys
Authentic Italian food
Bike Service
PathFinder of WV235 High St Morgantown, Wv
West Virginia’s Adventure Outfitter
We are so grateful to have support from our community, and Pathfinder has been one of our biggest supporters since the very beginning! Take time to stop in for last minute supplies, or just to say hey!
Emergency Access Plan
Emergency Access Plans (EAPs) are an integral piece of the overall system we use to proactively identify and manage the risks inherent to the sport of mountain biking, while supporting the goals of developing student-athletes as riders and having fun. EAPs help us think through the challenges and appropriateness of an event venue, as well as help us plan ahead and prepare for managing incidents that occur during an event.
Contact Us
Please note that most staff arrive onsite Thursday or Friday of each race weekend and may not have sufficient cell/data coverage to respond to calls/emails. Please plan accordingly.
General League Questions
Rule Related Questions
Registration Questions
Stay up-to-date
Information in this race flyer is subject to change. Please check back just prior to the race weekend to make sure you have the most current information available.
SEE YOU AT THE RACES!!!
Past Events
2026 Race Schedule
