PRESS

  • The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth development organization that uses the sport of mountain biking to inspire healthy lifestyles, build strong communities, and engage youth in trail stewardship.

    Over and over, PICL demonstrates its vision to be much more than bike racing—finding ways to unlock more experiences in more places, and in doing so, opening new locations to riding.

    Founded in 2016, PICL is an official league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and serves middle and high school students across the state. PICL leadership committed from day one to trail stewardship as a pillar of the organization’s philosophy, recognizing that stewardship is community service that benefits both those around us and those who do the work equally.

    PICL’s growth and impact have been supported through key partnerships, including with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), which has helped expand capacity, hire staff, and increase access to outdoor recreation; and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, which has fueled development in western Pennsylvania, supported urban youth cycling programs, and created new outreach positions.

    • Penn College

    • Gettysburg

    • Hershey

  • Articles & Other Media

  • To provide every youth in Pennsylvania the opportunity to build strong body, mind, and character through the lifelong sport of cycling.

    • Inclusivity – No tryouts, no bench, and no one left behind.

    • Equity – Opportunities for all, regardless of background, ability, or experience.

    • Respect – For self, teammates, coaches, trails, and community.

    • Community – Building connections that strengthen and support one another.

    • Fun – Because joy is the heart of the sport.

    • Founded: 2016

    • Affiliation: National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)

    • Participants: Over 1,300 student-athletes and 800+ licensed coaches in 2024

    • Teams: 75+ across urban, suburban, and rural Pennsylvania

    • Season: August – October (events) with year-round team activities

    • Volunteer Hours: 40,000+ hours of trail stewardship since inception

    • Events: 10+ races, skills clinics, Girls Riding Together (GRiT) programming, Teen Trail Corps (TTC) opportunities, Adventure rides, Local Dirt events

    • Competition – State and Regional, non-drop races designed for all skill levels.

    • Local Dirt - Close to home, weeknight scrimmages with a few local teams.

    • GRiT (Girls Riding Together) – Female-led rides, events, and activities to encourage girls and women in cycling.

    • Adventure – Non-competitive, skill-based outdoor challenges.

    • TTC (Teen Trail Corps) – Youth-led trail projects and service initiatives, building and maintaining trails across the state.

    • Junior Advisory Representatives - collaborative, engaged, and diverse group of student-athletes who take on a leadership role in the PICL community

    • Coach Development – Training, certification, and support for volunteer coaches.

    • 2015 – PICL leadership joins NICA, inspired by its “more than bike racing” philosophy.

    • 2016 – PICL launches as one of NICA’s largest first-year leagues.

    • 2017 – First league in NICA to track trail stewardship activities; launches Gateway Trails program.

    • 2018 – Hosts NICA’s first Adventure Event and first Local Dirt pilot.

    • 2019 – Surpasses 10,000 hours of trail service.

    • 2020 – DCNR partnership helps PICL thrive during COVID.

    • 2021 – Creates “Rally” event format; expands Local Dirts statewide.

    • 2022 – Launches urban teams in Philadelphia; surpasses 25,000 hours of trail service.

    • 2023 – Hosts first NICA Eastern Regional; reaches 30,000+ cumulative hours of trail stewardship.

    • 2024 – Expands to three conferences; exceeds 40,000 cumulative hours of trail service; launches western PA development through Richard King Mellon Foundation partnership.

  • Liz Begosh
    Marketing & Communications
    📧 liz@pamtb.org
    🌐 www.pamtb.org

    • PICL Primary Logo (full color, black, white)

    • GRiT Logo

    • Event Branding

    • High-resolution photography (races, trail work, community events)

    📥 Download Brand Assets: (link to ZIP folder or Google Drive)

  • The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL) is a non-profit youth development organization and a league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). PICL’s mission is to provide every youth in Pennsylvania the opportunity to build strong body, mind, and character through the lifelong sport of cycling. Since its founding in 2016, PICL has grown to serve more than 1,300 student-athletes and 800+ licensed coaches on over 75 teams statewide. Through racing, Adventure programming, Teen Trail Corps (TTC), and Girls Riding Together (GRiT), PICL fosters a community where inclusivity, respect, community, and fun are paramount. Learn more at www.pamtb.org.

    • All media must credit “Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League” or “PICL.”

    • Commercial use without prior approval is prohibited.

    • Media should align with PICL’s mission and values.

Still have questions? Email us at info@pamtb.org!