Director Jud's Blog

An Unforgettable Experience at the 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships

As the Camp Director and Owner of Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Summer Camp, I had the incredible opportunity to attend and sponsor a booth at the 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships. And let me tell you, this was an event that I will not soon forget!

Held from November 9-11, 2024, in Elkton, Maryland, the 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships brought together NICA programs and leagues from across the eastern seaboard for an epic celebration of youth mountain biking. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the palpable energy and excitement from the riders, coaches, families, and spectators. This was no ordinary weekend—it was a gathering of passionate, supportive, and determined athletes ready to push their limits and celebrate their shared love for the sport.

A Gathering of Riders from Across the East Coast

The 2024 NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships was an invitation-only event that brought together the best riders from the East Coast. Teams from Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia all came together to compete, connect, and grow as athletes.

The weekend wasn’t just about competition, though—it was a celebration of everything that makes youth mountain biking so special. The NICA community is built on inclusion, positivity, and a shared love for the outdoors. Riders, coaches, and families gathered to celebrate the spirit of the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.

An Inclusive and Thrilling Atmosphere

One of the highlights of the weekend was the festival itself. It was an incredible experience to witness the diversity of participants—riders of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking. The festival provided a safe space where riders could push themselves, bond with their peers, and celebrate their achievements, all while enjoying the beautiful trails surrounding the venue.

The festival wasn’t just for racers, either. Anyone who loves mountain biking could get involved, whether through participating in the Adventure Rides, attending the GRiT (Girls Riding Together) activities, or exploring the Teen Trail Corps (TTC) area. The weekend was filled with opportunities for everyone to get involved and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of whether they were racing or just there to support the sport.

Exciting Race Competitions and Adventure Rides

For the competitive riders, the race events were the focal point of the weekend. Invitations to race were granted based on outstanding performances in previous races, and it was incredible to watch these athletes test their skills against some of the best riders in the region. The level of talent on display was inspiring, and it was clear that NICA has fostered an environment where young athletes can grow and succeed in their chosen sport.

Beyond the races, there were also opportunities for fun and adventure. The Adventure Rides were a highlight, offering a chance for NICA athletes and other interested 6th-12th graders to experience the trails in a less competitive environment. Riders of all levels were welcomed to join these guided rides, which were filled with games, fun activities, and plenty of laughs. The Adventure Rides allowed everyone to soak in the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy biking at their own pace.

Celebrating GRiT and Empowering Female Riders

The GRiT (Girls Riding Together) program was another standout part of the weekend. This initiative, which encourages female riders to connect, support each other, and get out on the trails, offered a space for female athletes to ride together, participate in clinics, and enjoy a weekend filled with positivity and camaraderie. It was inspiring to see so many young women on bikes, exploring the trails, learning new skills, and supporting one another. The GRiT program truly exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity that NICA stands for, and it was an honor to witness it in action.

Celebrating the Work of Teen Trail Corps

As a proud supporter of NICA, I also had the opportunity to visit the Teen Trail Corps (TTC) area, where student-athletes from across the region came together to give back to the trails they love. These young riders have been working hard to maintain and improve trail systems, and it was inspiring to see the dedication and passion they bring to this important work. NICA recognized the top two male and female TTC participants from each high school grade level, and it was amazing to see the pride on the faces of these hardworking students as they were celebrated for their contributions to the community.

A Weekend of Positivity, Inclusion, and Support

For me, this event was a true celebration of everything that makes NICA and youth mountain biking so special. Throughout the weekend, I met so many incredible people, from passionate athletes to dedicated coaches and supportive parents. I had the pleasure of chatting with families from all over the East Coast, and it was clear that the NICA community is built on positivity and inclusion. I met a family from Florida who was new to the sport and excited to experience their first event this far north. I also met another family from Asheville, North Carolina, who hadn’t ventured outside the mountains of western NC since the devastating hurricane. It was heartwarming to see how much they appreciated the positive and welcoming atmosphere of the event.

One of my personal highlights was attending the Meet and Greet with Trek Factory Racing Pro Maddie Munro at the Trek tent. Maddie was incredibly kind, and I was able to get an autograph for my niece, Lucy Millar, who races mountain bikes in Missoula, Montana. It was moments like these that made the weekend feel truly special—connecting with others who share the same passion for the sport and celebrating the achievements of all the riders.

As a camp director, it’s clear to me that youth mountain biking is more than just a sport—it’s a community. It’s about coaches supporting their athletes, parents supporting the team, teammates cheering each other on, and even teams from different areas coming together to support one another. This sense of community, positivity, and inclusion was the true theme of the weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of such an incredible movement.

I’m already looking forward to the next NICA event—and I can assure you, I will be back! The NICA Eastern Regional Festival & Championships was an unforgettable experience, and I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of it.

Until next time, happy trails!

— Jud Millar, Camp Director, Stone Mountain Adventures Teen Summer Camp