Welcome to the NJICL’s 2025 Racing Season!
We are so stoked to be jumping into our ninth season of providing an amazing race experience to our community of hard-working and talented student athletes. As always, our goal of providing a professional, safe, and FUN racing experience is foremost in our minds as we set the schedule for each season. We’ve changed up the schedule a bit this year, with our season finale being at Stephens State Park, and we can’t wait to see everyone at the races!
Every year in the NJ League, approximately 8 out of 10 of our registered students participate in at least one race, and at any given race about 6 out of 10 registrants participate. Nationwide, nearly 9 out of 10 NICA students experience racing bikes for the first time in our program! Although NICA is so much more than racing, we are super happy to offer this experience to the next generation of cyclists as the culmination of a wonderful season of riding together!
Race Series Information:
Here is a link to category placements for this season, applied in accordance with the NJ Addendum to the NICA Handbook
Race Registration Deadlines, by midnight on the Monday prior to the race:
- March 24 for Chester
- April 7 for Galloway
- April 28 for Lewis Morris
- May 12 for Camp Edge
- June 2 for Stephens
All petitions for category placement exception (please review the NICA Handbook and see your head coach for details) must be submitted 10 days before the race date:
- March 21 for Chester
- April 4 for Galloway
- April 25 for Lewis Morris
- May 9 for Camp Edge
- May 30 for Stephens
Our reschedule date for Race 1 and 2 is Sunday, April 27, 2025. Our reschedule date for Races 3 through 5 is Saturday, June 14, 2025. registration will open for them in the event they are added to the schedule.
Petition form link – please fill out after discussing with your Head Coach/Team Director and parents prior to submitting the form. The Head Coach should then email us supporting comments.
Alternatively, students and coaches may complete this Google Form and return via email.
Race 1: Chester Challenge
48 North Road, Chester, NJ
Sunday, March 30th, 2025
The Land on which Highlands Ridge Park stands is part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Lenape people. We pay respect to Lenape peoples past, present, and future and their continuing presence in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.
The 113-acre Highlands Ridge Park (formerly Bell Labs’ Telcordia Tract) was a long-term test facility for AT&T and is locally known for the “Telephone Pole Farm” located on site. The property was originally rented by Bell in 1928 to utilize Seward’s Hill, one of Morris Counties’ highest points, at 950 feet above sea level. The property was purchased by Obadiah Seward in 1740.
Home to the very first NJ NICA race back in 2017, Highlands Ridge Park has amazing vistas and a wonderful mix of fun single and double track trails. The race lap is 2.5 miles long with 220 feet of climbing, and it’s definitely a venue that will reward physical fitness.
Please Click below to View Volunteer Opportunities for This Race on SignUp.com:
Chester Race Notes:
- Online Pre-Registration: Online registration for this race closes Monday, March 24 at 11:59pm. Registration will be available on race weekend; however only pre-registered riders will be included in the call-up list. Anyone who registers onsite during the race weekend will start at the back of their field.
- Petitions for Category Placement: Those petitioning for exceptions to their category placement must do so by midnight on Friday, March 21st.
- Your Race Plate: Your 2025 race plate will be given to your head coach at the event. These plates are very durable and have a transponder on the back; you will use it for the entire 2025 season. We strongly recommend that you remove the plate before putting your bike on your car/rack to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $20.
- Grilling is not allowed at this venue. However, we will have fan favorite Benito’s Food Truck to fill your belly with food all day Sunday!
- There is absolutely no riding on North Road! A yellow level penalty will be assessed with no further warnings. Thank you for ensuring compliance with this most important safety policy!
Race 2: Galloway Grinder
100 South Old Port Road, Galloway, NJ 08205
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
The Land on which the Galloway Nature Preserve stands is part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Lenape people. We pay respect to Lenape peoples past, present, and future and their continuing presence in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.
*New venue alert!!!* The Galloway Nature Preserve, located at 100 Old Port Road in Galloway Township, is a 112-acre site donated to the township by Galloway-based construction firm Ole Hansen & Sons. Formerly a sand mine, the preserve has been transformed into a wonderful public recreation space. It features trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking and xc skiing. A sledding hill and disc golf course are under construction as of winter 2025.
Please Click below to View Volunteer Opportunities for This Race on SignUp.com:
Galloway Race Notes:
- Online Pre-Registration: Online registration for this race closes Monday, April 7 at 11:59pm. Registration will be available on race weekend, however only pre-registered riders will be included in the call-up list. Anyone who registers onsite during the race weekend will start at the back of their field.
- Petitions for Category Placement: Those petitioning for exceptions to their category placement must do so by midnight on Friday, April 4th.
- Your Race Plate: Don’t forget your race plate. These plates are very durable and have a transponder on the back; you will use it for the entire 2025 season. We suggest that you remove the plate before putting your bike on your car/rack to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $20.
- There is absolutely no riding on North Road! A yellow level penalty will be assessed with no further warnings. Thank you for ensuring compliance with this most important safety policy!
Race 3: Lewis Morris Mania
270 Mendham Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960
Sunday, May 4, 2025
The Land on which Lewis Morris Park stands is part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Munsee Lenape people. We pay respect to Munsee Lenape peoples past, present, and future and their continuing presence in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.
Named in honor of New Jersey’s first Governor, the 350 acre Lewis Morris Park was opened by the Morris County Park Commission in 1958. Affectionately known as “LewMo” to locals, it is a popular mountain biking destination and no stranger to mountain bike racing, having been the home of Marty’s Lewis Morris Challenge for many years.
An original NJICL venue, it’s a fun technical loop just over 3 miles long that will challenge riders’ bike handling and climbing skills.
Please Click below to View Volunteer Opportunities for This Race on SignUp.com:
Lewis Morris Race Notes:
- Online Pre-Registration: Online registration for this race closes Monday, April 28 at 11:59pm. Registration will be available on race weekend, however only pre-registered riders will be included in the call-up list. Anyone who registers onsite during the race weekend will start at the back of their field.
- Petitions for Category Placement: Those petitioning for exceptions to their category placement must do so by midnight on Friday, April 25th.
- Your Race Plate: Don’t forget your race plate! We suggest that you remove the plate before putting your bike on your car/rack to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $20.
- Grilling is allowed only at park BBQ grills. Please be sure to follow safe grilling practices and have a fire extinguisher on hand. We will also have Benito’s Food Truck on hand to fill your stomach with food all day!
- There is absolutely no riding on Doe Meadow or Sunrise Lake Road! A yellow level penalty will be assessed with no further warnings. Thank you for ensuring compliance with this most important safety policy!
Race 4: Camp Edge Classic
26 Camp Edge Road, Alloway, NJ 08001
Sunday, May 18th, 2025
The Land on which Camp Edge stands is part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Lenape people. We pay respect to Lenape peoples past, present, and future and their continuing presence in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.
Camp Edge is a Ranch Hope, Inc. ministry. Ranch Hope, whose motto is “An Expectation of Success” was founded in 1962 by the Rev. and Mrs. David L. Bailey. Ranch Hope serves a diverse mission set focused on youth and families. Originally a millwork established in 1850, Camp Edge was founded in 1930 by the Boy Scouts of America. The property was named after Walter E. Edge, who was governor of the state from 1917-1919 and 1944-1947, a US Senator from 1919-1929 and US Ambassador to France from 1929-1933. The state acquired the property in 1997, and Ranch Hope took on management duties in 1998.
The course is approximately 60% twisty singletrack, with short punchy climbs and a really amazing infield. Spectators will enjoy the ample opportunities to see racers throughout the course. Camping is available on site for Saturday evening. We are so happy to partner with Ranch Hope and Camp Edge to offer the NJICL community a truly unique race weekend!
Please Click below to View Volunteer Opportunities for This Race on SignUp.com:
Camp Edge Race Notes:
- Online Pre-Registration: Online registration for this race closes Monday, May 12 at 11:59pm. Registration will be available on race weekend, however only pre-registered riders will be included in the call-up list. Anyone who registers onsite during the race weekend will start at the back of their field.
- Petitions for Category Placement: Those petitioning for exceptions to their category placement must do so by midnight on Friday, May 9th.
- Your Race Plate: Don’t forget your race plate! We suggest that you remove the plate before putting your bike on your car/rack to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $20.
Race 5: Stephens Blue Rock Rumble
5 Kinney Road, Hackettstown, NJ
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Land on which Stephens State Park stands is part of the ancient homeland and traditional territory of the Munsee Lenape people. We pay respect to Munsee Lenape peoples past, present, and future and their continuing presence in the homeland and throughout the Lenape diaspora.
The land for Stephens State Park was given to the State of New Jersey for park purposes in 1937 by Marsena P. and Augustus W. Stephens. The park includes the remnants of one of the 23 locks, as well as a section of the towpath of the Morris Canal, built in 1831 to transport anthracite coal from Pennsylvania to New York City.
We’re excited to be holding our season finale at Stephens State Park! Over the past few years, NJ NICA has partnered with JORBA and the NJ State Parks to complete the new Blue Rock trail, which has allowed us to add this wonderful venue to our lineup. We’re grateful to both organizations for their support.
This venue features a fun and fast 2.5 mile course with lots of flowy singletrack and punchy climbs and an infield as big as all outdoors! Bring your legs and your lungs for lots of pedaling fun!
Rustic camping is also available at this venue. Please make sure to fill out our camping form to register.
Please Click below to View Volunteer Opportunities for This Race on SignUp.com:
Stephens Race Notes:
- Online Pre-Registration: Online registration for this race closes Monday, May 29 at 11:59pm. Registration will be available on race weekend, however only pre-registered riders will be included in the call-up list. Anyone who registers onsite during the race weekend will start at the back of their field.
- Petitions for Category Placement: Those petitioning for exceptions to their category placement must do so by midnight on Friday, May 26th.
- Your Race Plate: Don’t forget your race plate! We suggest that you remove the plate before putting your bike on your car/rack to prevent loss. Replacement number plates will be available at the registration tent for $20.
