Girls
Riding
Together

Equality is not synonymous with equity.
Equality is treating everyone the same.
Equity is giving everyone the respective tools
needed to be equally successful.

Currently, girls represent 20% of NICA’s overall national student-athlete participation. The GRiT Program is NICA’s effort to recruit and retain more girls and female coaches in NICA programs. Although NICA has been successful in providing equal opportunities to all once participating in our programs, we can only be truly equal when we address many females need different things to feel welcome and invited into NICA programs. How do we do that?

Recruitment

Girls tend to thrive in NICA programs once they join. Where NICA has to improve is in our recruiting and inviting girls into our programs. NICA must focus on equity – giving girls and females the experiences and opportunities to ensure they feel welcome and invited to participate in NICA programs – if it is to increase our overall female participation.

Experiences

Without GRiT, we are missing a significant opportunity to offer girls and women the amazing experiences and empowerment that mountain biking provides. To empower all our participants to seek inclusivity and equality

Retention

To address the participation challenge, the GRiT Program recognizes that girls and women often join sports and activities for different reasons than boys and men, especially in a male-dominated sport like mountain biking. GRiT focuses on both recruitment and retention to ensure female riders keep riding after their first year.

Create a Welcoming Environment

To make everyone feel welcome. To make mountain biking equally accessible to all.

2024 GRiT Fun Rides

Let’s Ride Bikes

In the mountains. Or maybe the desert or the coast. With good company and snacks. Because all good rides end with snacks!

Join us for our GRiT (Girls Riding Together) Fun Rides! These no-stress, beginner rides are designed for middle and high school girls - and all are welcome! Female and female-identifying student-athletes and adults get first dibs, but those who support them are welcome to come support.

Check with your local team to see when their next GRiT Fun Ride is.