Your snapshot of the Lynx season

We keep the rhythm of the year simple so families can plan.

The 2026 season begins with preseason events in October. The official season runs from December through May. League races take place from late January through April, with an Season-ending Adventure Ride and Awards Ceremony at the end.

Preseason is a low-pressure way to meet the team, check out the trails, and ask questions.

For 2026, the plan includes:

  • Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am
    Welcome Back & Bring a Friend
    Games, food, and a fun trail ride.

  • Friday, October 17, 6:00 pm
    New Parent Info Session
    At the pavilion at Loyce E. Harpe Park (Carter Rd).

  • Saturday, October 18, time TBD
    All Parent Season Overview
    Season details, Q&A, and a group trail ride.

  • Sunday, October 26, 2:00 pm
    Trail Maintenance Day
    Work day with Ridge Riders on the trails we ride.

  • Sunday, November 2 (tentative)
    Fundraiser at the Lakeland Gone Riding race.

  • Saturday, November 8, 9:00 am
     “Try it Out” Ride
    Skills session and easy trail ride for interested riders.

Dates and times are subject to change, but this is the basic flow.

Preseason events

Race schedule – 2026

Racing is optional, but race weekends are a big part of the team experience for many riders and families.

The 2026 Florida NICA race series plan:

  • Jan 31–Feb 1
    Prologue Time Trial – Race 1
    Caloosahatchee Regional Park – Alva

  • Feb 21–22
    Race 2
    Santos – Ocala

  • Mar 14–15
    Race 3
    Dyer State Park – West Palm Beach

  • Mar 28–29
    Race 4
    Loyce E. Harpe Park & Se7en Wetlands – Lakeland

  • Apr 11–12
    “Rally in Tally” – Race 5
    JR Alford Greenway – Tallahassee

  • Apr 25
    Adventure Day
    San Felasco – Gainesville

Some riders race every event. Some try one or two. Some simply enjoy practices and local rides.

Regular practices

The team practices two times a week from December through May:

  • Tuesday evenings, 6:00–8:00 pm

  • Saturday mornings, 9:00–11:00 am

Most practices are at Loyce E. Harpe Park (Carter Rd) in South Lakeland.

We meet by the large pavilion near the entrance and start with skills and warm-up in the grassy area before heading into the woods.

Now and then we may practice at other trail systems like Alafia or Balm Boyette to give riders new terrain and experiences.

If a practice is canceled for weather or trail conditions, we do not schedule a make-up day. Safety and trail health come first.