Destination Ozarks | 3
Racing into the Heart of Arkansas : THE NICA BIKE RACE IN HARRISON
The hills around Harrison have long been known for their natural beauty and outdoor adventure . But over the past few years , they have also become a hub for an exhilarating new sport : youth mountain biking . Thanks to the Arkansas Interscholastic Cycling Association , young riders from all over the state gather to compete , build character , and experience the thrill of racing on two wheels . One of the most exciting recent developments has been the establishment of the Harrison Composite Buffalo Riders , a local team that ’ s making waves in the competitive world of youth mountain biking .
The NICA movement is dedicated to youth development through mountain biking , with a mission to build strong minds , bodies , and character . AR NICA , the Arkansas branch of the organization , kicked off in 2016 , quickly gaining traction as a state-wide initiative that aims to increase access to mountain biking for student-athletes of all skill levels . With core values like fun , inclusivity , equity , respect , and community , NICA is more than just a racing league — it ’ s a transformative experience for kids and their families alike .
In the Harrison area , the local chapter of NICA is the Harrison Composite Buffalo Riders , a team now in its second season . The team includes 24 enthusiastic kids ranging from fifth graders to high school seniors , all united by a shared love of mountain biking . The team ’ s head coach , Kris Anderson , is deeply passionate about the sport ’ s impact on youth development .
“ We focus on encouragement and inclusion to make better human beings ,” Coach Anderson says . “ We call it youth development on two wheels .” For many of these young riders , it ’ s not just about competition — it ’ s about personal growth , teamwork , and the joy of being outdoors .
The Buffalo Riders team is supported by a network of volunteer coaches and generous local sponsors . These businesses help fund everything from uniforms and loaner bikes to travel expenses , ensuring that any
Susannah Boren 1st place JV3
Ty Bieschke 2nd place JV2 and Ethan Wren 3rd place JV2
child who wants to participate can do so without financial barriers . Natural State Towing & Repair serves as the title sponsor , while Dutchboy Restoration takes the gold sponsor role . Their contributions help bring mountain biking to kids who may not have had access otherwise , and in doing so , they ’ re supporting the next generation of athletes in Harrison .
The 2023 season of AR NICA has been nothing short of exciting . Harrison was lucky enough to host two major events this year at North Arkansas College : a practice race and clinic on August 12 , followed by an official time trial on August 26-27 . These events brought together hundreds of student-athletes , coaches , and families from across the state , making Harrison a focal point for youth mountain biking .
One standout moment came when Buffalo Riders ’ very own Susanna Boren clinched first place in the JV-3 event , a grueling 13.5-mile race . Her teammate ,
Ty Bieschke , also shone brightly , taking second place in the
Boys JV-2 race , which covered a distance of 10 miles . Another rising star , Evan
Wren , secured third place in the same category , showcasing the depth of talent on the Buffalo Riders team .
But competition isn ’ t for everyone , and NICA recognizes that . Some of the Buffalo Riders prefer not to compete in the official races , instead choosing to ride in the open category purely for the enjoyment of mountain biking . This flexibility ensures that every kid , regardless of their level of interest in racing , can find joy and purpose in the sport .
NICA ’ s presence in Harrison is more than just a boost for local youth — it ’ s a positive force for the entire community . According to Terry Coddington , AR NICA ’ s league director , the sport brings families together and strengthens the bonds between community members .
“ We have discovered that when you get more kids on bikes , you get more families on bikes , and that changes communities ,” Coddington says . “ Mountain biking is a life sport that anyone can do , and we would like to invite the community to come out and see how awesome these young athletes are and the impact we are making on their lives .”
Each NICA race weekend brings in an estimated 900 racers and over 2,000 spectators to Harrison , filling hotels , restaurants , and local shops . The economic impact is undeniable , but the social benefits run even deeper . As more families get involved in mountain biking , there ’ s a noticeable shift toward healthier , more active lifestyles that last well beyond the race season .
The Arkansas NICA series continues throughout the fall , with races taking place in Barling , Mountain Home , Hot Springs , and Fayetteville . Each event is a celebration of the sport , bringing together studentathletes , coaches , and families to cheer each other on and make lasting memories .
For the Buffalo Riders , the future is bright . With a strong foundation of community support and a passionate group of riders and coaches , the team is poised to grow in both size and success . And as more kids discover the joys of mountain biking , there ’ s no doubt that the sport will continue to thrive in Harrison .
Whether you ’ re an avid mountain biker or a curious onlooker , there ’ s something undeniably special about NICA events . They ’ re not just about the race — they ’ re about building character , forming friendships , and creating a culture of outdoor adventure . So , the next time you hear about a NICA race in town , grab your family , head to the trails , and see for yourself the incredible spirit of youth mountain biking in Harrison .
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