Venue & Accommodations
- Race locations are chosen by NICA NYS, and some may be farther than others.
- If the race isn’t near Syracuse, the team will suggest a hotel for Saturday-Sunday. Staying there is optional—some families camp or choose their own hotels. We post our accommodations here. We also post the race locations on the same page. Same day travel for a race is always an option if staying overnight doesn’t work for your family.
- For home races (near Syracuse), we sometimes have a team cookout on Saturday night.
- Let us know if you can help with the tent and trailer setup—we always appreciate extra hands!
- NICA will ask for volunteers to help run Sunday’s race. Those positions range from parking help, to course marshalls and other help. You can see those positions, and sign up, on the race day flyers here.
Pre-Ride (Course Preview)
- Saturday Pre-Ride: Opens around 12-2 p.m. for a few hours (optional but helpful).
This gives the riders a chance to preview and section parts of the course that might be challenging for a better race on Sunday. - GRiT Ride – 1 p.m.
- Sunday Pre-Ride: Starts at 7 a.m., the only time to ride the course on race day.
Race Day Food & Team Setup
- The team has a trailer, tents, crockpots, and a grill.
- Bring your personal chairs for the tent.
- Sign up the week before to contribute food for race day.
This spreadsheet will be shared in the race email and TeamSnap the week before. - We provide some water, but bring extra water, bottles and jugs.
- We have a limited supply of LMNT and other gels and powders. Please bring your personal favorites.
Race Day Schedule
- Check the race flyer for start times those are located here. They will be updated closer to each race date. This will also include the number of laps your child will do in their race.
- Arrival: Be at the venue at least 1.5 hours before your race.
- Before the Race:
- Hydrate all morning.
- Eat 1.5–2 hours before the race.
- Warm-up starts 45 minutes before race time. The team coaches will lead this for your child’s group.
- Line-up happens 10-15 minutes before race time.
- After the Race: Refuel at the team tent.
- Leave yourself plenty of time to park, and arrive at the team tent before eating and warming up.
Awards & Clean-Up
- Podium Awards (Top 5 in each category): Happens after all races are complete and NICA has cleaned up the race course, around 3-4 p.m. NICA is always looking for volunteers to help clean up the course, and run each race.
- If your rider isn’t in the top 5, you can leave when you’re ready.
- Please help clean up and pack the team tent if you’re still there.
What to Bring
- Water bottles & extra water
- Race & pre-ride jerseys, bibs/shorts (A set for the day before and your race day jersey for Sunday)
- Extra layers (for early-season races). You will want blankets, coats, gloves, and hats.
- Rain gear (jackets, boots, trash bags for muddy items)– Expect mud – and sometimes a lot of it.
- Change of clothes & towels
- Race shoes (bring extras if muddy)
