HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Competitive mountain bike teams are coming to the Tennessee Valley.

This year, Alabama became one of 16 states in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

Now, the Huntsville NICA Committee is working to establish teams in this area.

Buckhorn High School in Madison County has already committed to having a team. Middle school students will also be able to participate. A meeting for those parents and children is set for Monday, October 20th at 6:30 p.m. in Room 307 of the high school.

On Friday, October 17th, organizers will hold an informational meeting at Sparkman High School. It’s scheduled for 4 p.m. in the school’s library. Efforts to include more schools in the process are underway.

The teams are for students ages 11-19. Anyone who would like to participate, but does not have a program at his or her school, is invited to be a part of the Middle/High School Huntsville Rockets Mountain Biking Team.

The Rockets Mountain Biking Team will hold a meeting on Thursday, October 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Blevins Bicycle Company. The address is 8402 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville.

Blevins Bicycle Company, along with Bicycle Cove, Trailhead, Inc. and Bicycles, Etc, will serve as collection points for donations to the program. Organizers are hoping for strong community support to help get the program off the ground. Monetary donations, helmets and other gear – all are appreciated.

Coaches will work with the students to improve their technique. Any boy or girl who enjoys mountain biking is encouraged to attend a meeting. There will be no tryouts. Coaches will work with all the young athletes to improve technique and endurance.

The mountain bike season starts December 1st. There will be four races in the season. A Decatur composite team is also in the works, although a name has not yet been determined.

Patty Costello is the contact for the local programs. She may be reached at pattycostellomtb@gmail.com