From Curbs to NICA: Why We’re All In for the Next Generation

I always had a fascination with bikes. Like most 10 or 12-year-old boys, if it had two wheels, I was interested. Back then, my "training" consisted of hunting for the best curbs, stair sets, dirt jumps, and ledges in the neighborhood. I rode a lot, just looking for that next little thrill. But honestly? Finding people to actually go ride mountain bikes with is tough when your parents aren’t really into it. It can feel like a solo mission.

That all changed for me when I moved to California going into middle school. I stumbled upon our local SoCal NICA league (now the SoCal Youth Cycling League) through a teacher and coach at my school, Mr. May. I still remember that feeling—absolutely falling in love with the sport the first time my wheels hit actual dirt. 

I can tell you about my first ride like it was yesterday. We rode in Crystal Cove, and hit what I now consider the easiest trails in the park, Fence Line and Missing Link. The feelings of riding down rocks, slipping my wheels out in a turn, hitting the deck, chasing someone faster up a climb, they all hooked me instantly. It was fun to be out there with friends, but it was also hard, and for the first time it was something that was truly challenging, and I wanted to do it.

More Than Just Racing

NICA works with amazing coaches like Mr. May to get kids on bikes, enjoying nature, moving their bodies, and building the skills needed to be successful not just in riding, but in life. Speaking from experience, NICA gives kids an outlet to compete, sure. But what really stuck with me was how it taught us to build each other up. We all know riding is challenging—that’s exactly why we are all drawn to it. Whether you are trying to clear a tricky downhill section for the first time, or a climb that you desperately want the KOM on, the struggle is real. Riding with other kids and mentors provides that perfect opportunity to overcome these challenges in ways that kids nowadays really need. 

A Lifelong Impact

For me, joining that league was the best thing that ever happened. NICA opened the doors to mountain bikes and the community—a community that I’m now very much a part of. It didn't just give me something to do after school; it led to me having a hobby and a passion  for cycling that I love to this day.

Looking around now, I think more kids need this than ever. They need that connection to the outdoors, that physical challenge, and that sense of belonging to a team or community. 

I was fortunate enough to have parents that saw this drive and supported it. From driving hours to races, to the very expensive bikes, repairs (parents, there will be a lot of repairs…), and more, they saw and supported me through it all. However, bikes are expensive, and it’s something that we wish was easier for more people to try and enjoy. 

How We Are Giving Back

That brings me to the perfect reason for Pro Bike Supply to give back. Many of you may not know, but we have supported our local youth (NMUSD Composite MTB Team) and collegiate (UCI Cycling) cycling programs for over 12 years! We believe in this mission because we’ve lived it.

We are committing to getting more people enjoying the sport we all love, and helping the next generation be better riders, thinkers, and people. So, if you’ve been eyeing some new gear, just know that you’ll be directly fueling the future of our sport.

We appreciate you guys allowing us to continue doing what we do, and supporting us growing our amazing passion. 

By Matty Greer