Yes — right here in MHK. Sunset Composite is a Kansas NICA interscholastic mountain bike team building grit, confidence, and community, one trail at a time. All skill levels welcome.
NICA: Empowering youth to become the best version of themselves: both on and off the bike.
Sunset Composite is a youth mountain bike team competing in the Kansas NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) league for students in grades 5–12 at any school (or home-schooled) in the broader Manhattan, KS area. We are about more than racing. Sunset Composite, the Kansas NICA league, and the national NICA organization work to build strong minds, strong bodies, strong character and strong communities by getting more kids on bikes.
In NICA there is no bench to sit on, everyone rides. This is a no-cut, no-drop team where everyone is welcome to participate. Riders and coaches follow strict but straightforward codes of conduct based around safety, responsibility, and respect. No mountain biking or competitive cycling experience is needed.
We teach mountain biking skills starting from the basics using a standardized NICA curriculum. Practices are organized to accommodate riders of different ages, speeds, skill levels and abilities. We work to build everyone's fitness and riding skills over the course of the spring NICA season. We hope that riders will be actively engaged throughout the season but you do not need to attend every practice or every race. Most athletes compete in many or all of the 5 weekend races, but racing is entirely optional. NICA follows a philosophy of 'challenge by choice' where athletes can be as competitive or as recreational as they wish.
We pride ourselves on a healthy, enthusiastic, and supportive team culture where student athletes develop not just riding skills and fitness but also camaraderie, self-reliance and leadership skills.
The Kansas NICA league is a Spring league. Practices typically begin in February and go through the end of the school year. We typically practice Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 to 7:30.
If you are interested in joining the team, helping coach, or sponsoring the team, please fill out the form below.
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll reach out.
Rides, races, and info nights.
Our team simply wouldn't roll without the generous businesses and families who support us. Their contributions keep fees low, put helmets on heads, and get more kids on bikes. We're proud to ride for them.
Partner with a growing team of local student-athletes and get your brand in front of our families and community. We'd love to tell you about our sponsorship levels.
Become a Sponsor →Official league and national resources for families and riders.
Buy team apparel, stickers, mugs, and more for the whole family.
Visit the store → TEAM RESOURCEEverything families need to know — policies, expectations, and how our season works.
Read the handbook → STATE LEAGUERace schedule, registration, rules, and everything happening in the Kansas league.
Visit kansasmtb.org → NATIONALThe National Interscholastic Cycling Association — mission, resources, and the movement nationwide.
Visit nationalmtb.org →
