Lakeland Lynx is a youth mountain bike team for 5th–12th grade riders in the Polk County area.

We ride cross-country trails, build skills, and grow together as part of the Florida Interscholastic Cycling League and the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

We are a composite team, which means studentathletes come from many different schools and homeschools.

We are a fun team that happens to race.

Some of our student-athletes are serious competitors. Many just want to ride with friends, learn, and be part of something solid.

All are just as welcomed and appreciated.

Who we are and why we ride

We build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling.

What we stand for

Our Mission

Every youth is empowered to be part of a thriving and engaged cycling community.

Our Vision

we try to live Our Values on every ride

  • Fun: We inspire friendship, joy, and a sense of adventure in the woods.

  • Inclusivity: Everyone should be able to participate and feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

  • Equity: We work to remove barriers to help more kids ride, race, and belong.

  • Respect: For teammates, coaches, competitors, and the outdoors.

  • Community
    We unite students, families, and our broader Lakeland community through cycling.

What we do as a team

Lakeland Lynx is a cross-country mountain bike team.

Cross-country riding is different from road riding, downhill, BMX, cyclocross, or track. It asks for a broad range of skills to ride singletrack trails: handling, balance, fitness, and focus.

On a typical season you will see us:

  • Practicing twice a week at Loyce E. Harpe Park (Carter Rd)

  • Learning bike handling, braking, climbing, descending, and cornering

  • Riding group loops that match different skill and fitness levels

  • Attending Florida NICA race weekends (for those who choose to race)

  • Joining NICA Adventure rides and events

  • Taking part in GRiT (Girls Riding Together) rides and activities

  • Serving through Teen Trail Corps trail work and community projects

Our Programs

  • Racing Events & Team Practice

    Team practice is the foundation of NICA programming and interscholastic racing is one of NICA’s core activities. NICA's inclusive racing format offers participants the opportunity to experience and learn discipline, success, failure, and graceful defeat. Racing in the team environment helps student-athletes learn empathy, humility, flexibility, and resiliency.

    See Our Schedule

  • Coach Education

    The NICA Coach License Program provides NICA Leaders' Summit training (in person coach training), curriculum development, membership support, and ongoing training to coaches and leagues. As part of NICA, coaches have access to coach discounts based on their license level. Contact your League Director to become a NICA Coach.

    Become A Coach

  • GRiT

    GRiT - Girls Riding Together - is NICA's focused effort to bring more girls and women into the cycling community to close the opportunity gap for current and future generations. NICA aims to increase female student athlete and coach participation by 10% in the next five years.Let's Get More Girls On Bikes!

    GRiT in Lakeland

  • Teen Trail Corps

    Teen Trail Corps is a program that provides NICA student-athletes the opportunity to serve and give their time towards bike related advocacy activities. It is designed to provide exposure and be a gateway for NICA student-athletes into the world of advocacy.

    More about the Trail Corps

  • Adventure

    NICA Adventure is a program that allows youth to experience the benefits of mountain biking, camaraderie, community, and the outdoors. Adventure reinforces our core values while building health and strength, learning new skills, and being part of a team of like-minded people through outdoor experiential education.

    Ready For An Adventure?

Our coaches

We have about 20 volunteer coaches who give time, energy, and heart to this team.

Every coach:

  • Is licensed through NICA

  • Has passed a background check

  • Has completed first aid and CPR training

  • Has completed training on sexual abuse prevention, concussions, and youth coaching

At practices and races, groups stay small so riders are seen, known, and supported.

We abide by NICA’s Code of Conduct, and here is the heart of it in everyday words.

Be safe

  • Wear a helmet whenever you are on a bike.

  • Bring water, food, and clothing fit for the weather.

  • Make sure your bike is in good shape.

  • Ride within your ability.

  • Stay on designated trails.

  • Never use performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Be responsible

  • Show up prepared and on time for practice and races.

  • Take care of your bike and your gear.

  • Own your choices and learn from mistakes.

  • Follow team rules and any school or league rules tied to the team.

Be respectful

  • Treat coaches, teammates, competitors, and other trail users with dignity and respect.

  • No bullying, harassment, or hateful language.

  • Be inclusive and welcoming to new riders and coaches.

  • Use good trail manners: call out passes, move aside for others, and leave no trash behind.

Our Code of Conduct

Safety is everyone’s responsibility: riders, coaches, parents, and supporters.

For full details, see the official NICA Handbook and our team policies (available upon request).