COME RIDE WITH US!

Join Laurel Highlands Youth Cycling as an Athlete, Coach or Volunteer!

For more information, reach us at info@lhmtb.org or submit an interest form.

#morekidsonbikes

Vision

A vibrant Westmoreland County where every young person has the opportunity to discover the joy of cycling, build lasting friendships, and grow into confident, resilient individuals through shared outdoor experiences.

Mission

To get more kids on bikes in Westmoreland County by providing inclusive, fun, and enriching cycling programs that foster fitness, friendship, and personal growth. Through racing, adventure, mentorship, and trail stewardship, we empower youth with the skills and confidence to thrive—on the bike and in life.

Our Programs & Teams

Laurel Highlands Youth Cycling (LHYC) provides a pathway for every rider, from beginners to competitive racers. Whether you’re looking to ride for your school or explore advanced cycling disciplines, we have a place for you.

Interscholastic Mountain Biking

LHYC operates within the framework of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), a national non-profit that develops mountain bike programs for student-athletes in grades 6–12.

  • The Pennsylvania League: Our teams compete in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL), which is the state-level chapter of NICA. This league hosts adventure events and a high-quality race series across the state in the fall.

  • The "No Bench" Philosophy: NICA is unique because there are no tryouts and no sidelines—every student-athlete participates in every practice and event.

  • Racing vs. Adventure: Athletes can choose the NICA Racing track for competitive growth or the NICA Adventure track, which focuses on skill-building, trail exploration, and fun without the pressure of competition.

Our Teams

We support a variety of team structures so that every student has a place to belong:

  • Laurel Highlands Composite Team: Our regional team open to all students in the area who do not have a dedicated program at their specific school.

  • School-Based Teams: We actively support and incubate dedicated teams for local schools—such as the Ligonier Valley School District—allowing students to represent their home school colors.

Highland Sparks: Youth Development

Looking ahead to later in 2026, we are excited to launch a new Youth Development Program for 3rd–5th graders. This program will focus on foundational bike handling, safety, and confidence, serving as a "feeder" program to prepare younger children for the middle school transition.

The Highland Herd: Multi-Discipline Racing Club

Beyond the NICA season, LHYC is a registered USA Cycling (USAC) Club. This status allows our athletes to compete in sanctioned events year-round across diverse disciplines:

  • Cross-Country (Non-NICA): Competitive mountain bike racing outside of the scholastic league, allowing athletes to compete in regional and national USAC-sanctioned events.

  • Gravel: Long-distance riding and racing on unpaved roads, combining endurance with the beauty of our backroads.

  • Cyclocross: A high-intensity autumn discipline featuring short laps on mixed terrain with obstacles that sometimes require carrying the bike.

  • Gravity: Focused on high-speed downhill descents and technical bike-handling skills rather than uphill pedaling.

Specialized Initiatives

  • GRiT (Girls Riding Together): A dedicated effort to increase female participation through mentorship and events led by female coaches.

  • Teen Trail Corps: A leadership program where athletes give back through trail maintenance, environmental advocacy, and stewardship.

Ready to Ride?

What You’ll Need

We strive to make cycling accessible to everyone. You don’t need the most expensive gear to get started—just a willingness to learn!

  • A Bike: A mountain bike in good working order (we recommend knobby tires and multiple gears).

  • Safety Gear: A properly fitted helmet is mandatory for every ride.

  • The Essentials: Close-toed shoes, a water bottle or hydration pack, and a spare tube that fits your tires.

  • Don't have a bike? Ask us about our Loaner Bike Program! Thanks to our generous grants, we have a fleet of bikes available to help student-athletes get on the trails regardless of their financial situation.

Want to Learn More?

Whether you are a parent with questions, a student ready to join a team, or a local business looking to support youth development, we want to hear from you.

Join us in getting more kids on bikes across Westmoreland County!