Independence Youth Cycling is excited to invite new riders and families to our 2026 PICL/NICA Mountain Bike Try It Rides. These rides are the best way to learn about our teams, meet coaches and families, and get a feel for what youth mountain biking is all about.
Whether your rider is brand new to the sport or already loves riding, our Try It Rides are designed to be welcoming, fun, and low pressure.
2026 IYC Try It Ride Dates
Sunday, April 19
Noon–2:00 PM
Blue Bell Park
842 W Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Wednesday, April 22 (Rain Date: April 23)
6:00–7:45 PM
Penn Treaty Park
1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Wednesday, April 29 (Rain Date: April 30)
6:00–7:45 PM
Ed Kelly Amphitheater, Pennypack Park
Parking: 3214 Rhawn St, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Tuesday, May 5 (Rain Date: May 7)
6:00–7:45 PM
Lorimer Park
183 Moredon Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Parking lot on the south/west side of Moredon Rd
Register for a Try It Ride
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPTO-daOtudiEpqORzT5_r6GKrXcyjrcAVoS7k0hx4WhDE9g/viewform
Families are encouraged to register in advance. Come to one or come to more than one.
What Is a Try It Ride?
A Try It Ride is a beginner-friendly opportunity for youth riders and families to come out, meet the team, ask questions, and experience the spirit of IYC firsthand. These sessions are built to be approachable and informative, with a focus on helping new families understand how the program works and what makes youth mountain biking such a great experience.
This is a great first step for kids who are curious about mountain biking, team riding, or just looking for a new outdoor challenge.
Who Are These Rides For?
IYC PICL teams are open to students in grades 6 through 12. Riders do not need racing experience to get started. In fact, Try It Rides are specifically intended to welcome new riders and help families explore whether the team experience is a good fit.
We also welcome adults who may be interested in getting involved as coaches, ride supporters, or volunteers.
The Bigger Picture
Independence Youth Cycling supports multiple youth mountain bike teams across the Philadelphia region, including Philly Pennypack, Philly Wiss, SoMont East, SoMont West, SoMont Abington, and SoMont Cheltenham. These teams are part of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL) under NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.
While racing is part of the picture, IYC is about much more than competition. Our teams help young people build:
- confidence
- fitness
- friendships
- resilience
- bike handling skills
- connection to trails and the outdoors
For many riders, joining a team becomes a major confidence-builder and a gateway to lifelong riding.
Why Join an IYC PICL/NICA Team?
Our teams are built around adventure, belonging, progression, and fun. Riders get the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills, spend time outdoors, and be part of a positive team culture.
Through the IYC experience, kids and teens grow not just as riders, but as people. They learn how to support one another, work through challenges, and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves.
Join Us
If your child is curious about mountain biking, wants to try something new, or is looking for an exciting and supportive team environment, we encourage you to come out to a Try It Ride.
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPTO-daOtudiEpqORzT5_r6GKrXcyjrcAVoS7k0hx4WhDE9g/viewform
Come meet the teams, ride with us, and learn what Independence Youth Cycling is all about.
