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Home , Adventure racing, Monte Sano State Park, Mountain bike racing, Oak Mountain State Park, Triathlon

2014

2014 NICA setting the wheels in motion ... for a lifelong revolution The Alabama League Development Committee (ALDC) is working to be selected as the next NICA project league with a season launch scheduled for spring 2015. Under the leadership and guidance of Eddie Freyer, the ALDC has developed a solid plan for the creation of a successful statewide High School League.

Following the template established by NICA and the preceding leagues across the U.S., the ALDC is excited to be considered by NICA for project league status in order to build another successful high school mountain bike league. The following pages will detail our plan to create a sustainable league program for the student-athletes throughout the great state of Alabama. THE BIG LEAGUES

MANAGER Mr. Paul Westfileds The effort to bring this league to Alabama is driven by a small but passionate group of volunteers who are all dedicated to the success of competitive high school throughout the state. EDDIE FREYER

Eddie Freyer has taken the lead on this project, Lake Tahoe. Throughout his life he has had a pulling together a group of individuals with vary- passion for helping other people and working with ing expertise to help him develop this proposal kids of all ages to help them develop confidence and launch the league over the next couple of and discipline through sporting activities. years. His personal experiences through and out- Eddie has well over 20 years of successful busi- door taught him the value of partici- ness experience and has owned and managed pating in these activities and their ability to build two separate businesses. In addition he is a self-esteem, confidence, self-reliance, a healthy competitive cyclist, triathlete, racer and lifestyle, a connection to the outdoors, team work, runner with experience racing internationally as leadership and competitiveness. Many of these part of the Eco-Challenge adventure races. traits that Eddie recognizes came from his partici- pation in , are the core values that NICA has Eddie grew up involved with the Boy Scouts and identified for their program. spent his summers developing high-adventure programs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near The Alabama League Development Com- mittee (ALDC) feels strongly that this is much more than just bike races for kids. They understand the value of this program in providing an opportunity for kids from all walks of life to improve their chances for a healthy, active and successful life through the sport of .

Why Alabama? ALDC’s advisers are committed behind Tennessee and Georgia volved, the leadership and to not only making this league a as the next league in order to experience of Eddie Freyer, success but also to making sure share resources and ideas with overwhelming statewide that there are ways to reduce the the neighboring state leagues. support, the phenomenal barrier to entry for kids that may Also, by having Alabama join and the well-established cycling not have the means to have the the established state leagues community. means to participate participate to the north and east, the on their own accord. The ALDC southeastern U.S. is poised The ALDC is excited to submit is ready to move this forward to become the first area for this proposal for your approval and bring one of the most excit- potential regional so that we can move forward in ing new high school sporting op- competition across state lines. order to offer this great program portunities here to Alabama. to the student-athletes and com- With the tremendous munities throughout all of Ala- Why Alabama: cycling boom here in Alabama bama. and the growing support from As is detailed throughout this cities across the state for biking proposal, the ALDC feels Ala- activities, the timing is perfect bama is the ideal “next state” for the state to become the next to launch a league. In addi- NICA project league. There’s no tion to the positive cycling at- doubt an Alabama NICA league tributes this state offers, it also would be a huge success with makes sense for Alabama to fall the strong development team in-

LEAGUE DEFINITON Alabama is a geographically tics of their local terrain. A cy- ulous state in the nation with a diverse state bordered on the clist can travel from Monte Sano population of 4.8 million people south by the white sands of the in the north all the (not all are mountain bikers yet), Gulf of Mexico, to the north by way to the Chickasabogue trails although only 27th in regard to the foothills of the Appalachian at the beach in Mobile and ped- population density. The major Mountains and on the east and al atop everything from rocky, population centers throughout west by the rolling hills of Geor- technical, chunky trails to fast the state (Mobile, Montgomery, gia and the gentle delta plains of smooth and flowing single track. , Huntsville, Tus- the Mississippi River. caloosa, Anniston and Auburn) This diversity creates an op- each have significant cycling The diversity of geographic fea- portunity that the local cycling communities and local clubs or tures throughout the state pro- communities have nurtured, and IMBA chapters that have vide for a highly varied mountain Alabama has started to earn a developed mountain bike trails biking experience and the vari- reputation as a destination for within nearby state, county or ous clubs and/or IMBA chapters year-round, diverse, exciting, city parks. Currently each city have built their networks to high-quality mountain biking. identified above is in the pro- highlight the unique characteris- Alabama is the 23rd most pop- cess of either adding additional

ALABAMA Population: 4.8 million Major cities (populations) Birmingham: 212,000 Montgomery: 205,000 Mobile: 195,000 Huntsville: 184,000 mileage to or enhancing exist- underway and financed, and Other trail systems throughout ing trails with new features, bike should be completed by spring the state such as Tuscaloosa’s parks, race venues, etc. Follow- 2014. Lake Lurleen and Huntsville’s ing is just a partial list of some of Monte Sano are also working to the projects currently under de- Perhaps the largest and most build trails that will attract a large velopment throughout the state. prestigious mountain bike spe- number of local and regional cific project in the state is the de- mountain bikers as well as those Within a 15-mile radius of the velopment of Coldwater Moun- from across the U.S. who are state’s largest city, Birmingham, tain in Anniston, located on the starting to recognize Alabama a half-dozen established trail eastern border of the state. This as a year-round biking destina- networks offer more than 75 project is a partnership between tion. miles of single track. IMBA has the city of Anniston, IMBA and been involved in the establish- the Alabama Forever Wild Pro- Although not mountain bike spe- ment and future development gram. The nearly 4,000-acre cific, the most significant bike/ of trails at Tannehill and Oak tract is being developed with 75 pedestrian friendly, ongoing Mountain State Parks and both miles of single track trail, a race- project within the state is the are working toward an IMBA specific venue, skills park and implementation of the Red Rock Ride Center designation. The vehicle parking for more than Ridge and Valley trail system “Red Loop” trail at Oak Moun- 250 vehicles. Tom Sauret, the across metropolitan Birming- tain is an IMBA Epic trail and regional director for IMBA, feels ham. The project is underway over the past couple of years the that Coldwater will become 1 of to develop a regional greenway quantity, quality and diversity of only 3 silver level Ride Centers and street-based trail system to the mountain biking in Alabama in the U.S. within 18 months. connect communities through- has been highlighted in multiple And with the quality of trails, vi- out Jefferson County. The mas- bike magazines as well as more sion of local planners and sup- ter plan proposes over 200 traditional news outlets. One port from the city, the gold level miles of shared-use greenways writer for Bicycling went so far designation is perhaps only 4 and trails along six main corri- as to predict that Birmingham years away. dors, as well as over 600 miles is becoming “the Moab of the of street-based and southeast.”

In the Montgomery / Auburn region several simultaneous projects are developing addi- tional trails to already existing networks. CAMP (Central Ala- bama Mountain Pedalers) the local IMBA Chapter in Auburn has been working with a very supportive park superinten- dent at to increase the total miles of purpose built single track to 23 while at the same time building a new BMX track and dirt jump line. These projects are already pedestrian pathways that will connect the corridors with surrounding areas. Once completed this trail network will connect many economically and ethnically diverse communities with the new crown jewel of central Alabama, Red Mountain Park.

Local communities are already getting behind this project and exploring plans for bikeshare pro- grams, bike recycleries and other community based programs to get more people on bikes for the economic, health and lifestyle benefits turning a pedal provides. Once connected, Red Mountain Park and its network of , biking and multi-use trails will provide a place where student-athletes can train, and enjoy what mountain biking has to offer. For many of the communities served by this trail system and park, this will be a first-time opportunity. IMPROVEMENTS These projects would not be possible without the There is another equally important but less posi- vision and hard work from the dedicated volun- tive reason the state of Alabama needs this pro- teers of each regional IMBA chapter and other lo- gram. Leading the nation in childhood inactivity cal bike clubs, coupled with the support from local, and obesity is not a statistic that the state is proud county and state officials. of. As awareness of this problem is broadcast throughout the state, Alabamians are becoming Perhaps one of the biggest advantages in Alabama tired of being called “fat” and many are ready to is that as the cycling boom expands throughout do something about it. the state so does the support from local, county and state politicians who recognize the benefit New leadership positions at the state level are this provides. As the positive being created and commissions formed to look economic impact is being felt in cities like Anniston into this problem and determine programs that and Pelham and Auburn from the cyclists coming can help provide opportunities for kids to become for the local trails, more and more support is build- more active and improve their health/fitness. The ing for trails and riding venues. ALDC feels strongly that a mountain bike program that provides the opportunity for kids to be more Alabama has a strong and well-established cy- active is a key component to the overall plan to cling community with many racers crossing over deal with this issue. We have the opportunity with between mountain biking, road biking, cyclocross a NICA league to do more than just let kids race and . Statewide race series exist for all cy- their bikes. We have the opportunity to change cling disciplines, and race promoters from across their lives forever and instill in them a passion for state lines are coming to Alabama to hold races a lifelong sport that will keep them active, healthy due to the strong turnout that their events receive. and happy and will change for the better our posi- All race promoters we’ve spoken with welcomed tion as one of the worst states in the nation when adding a high school league to the existing race it comes to keeping our youth healthy. schedule. The overwhelming opinion is that this league will help to build a broader base of rac- ers statewide that will feed into the existing races across all disciplines. DETAILS

373Public High Schools in 249Public Middle Schools in 339Private Schools Alabama Alabama Throughout the State High School Students Middle School Students 200,000 146,000 The average student population for each high-school is 536 Each of the major universities in the state (Alabama, Auburn, UAB and UAH) have an established cycling team.

USAC Reports USAC Reports 33 426 racing clubs in the state licensed racers. There is no designation between road racing and specific clubs.

Currently there are no specific high school Throughout the teams racing in the state, but there are 5 es- state there are tablished high school clubs that are set up for recreational mountain biking. Currently approximately more than 15 schools that have contacted 40 bike shops the ALDC with an interest in establishing a club/team to participate in the upcoming NICA league. For several reasons the ALDC has concluded that the best season for racing here in Alabama will be during the spring. This decision was debated among the ALDC and after having conversations with several stakeholder groups (schools, other race promoters, stu- dents, etc.) and for the following reason all parties in- volved feel that the spring would be the ideal season for this league. During the fall in Alabama, high school and col- son that follows the dates/guidelines established lege football dominate the attention of schools, by the Alabama High School Athletic Association students and families. By holding races in the (AHSAA) for similar spring . The specific spring we will avoid any potential scheduling con- start/stop dates for in-season competition and pre- flicts with football activities. season practices will be determined on an annual basis, however using as the model, There is already a well-established cyclocross and teams will be allowed to have practices starting in mountain bike race series held from late summer the beginning of February, racing starting at the through the end of December. This race series end of February and the season concluding at the attracts many junior racers as well as many par- beginning of May. ents who would want to be involved with the NICA league. In addition, there may be potential venue The people of Alabama have an incredible amount scheduling conflicts with a NICA league being held of pride for the natural beauty of their state, for in the fall. their top-ranked sports teams, for their diversity of culture and for most everything else right up to Based on first-hand experience as well as conver- their world-renowned BBQ. This pride will no doubt sations with many families, the ALDC wanted to extend right into what will become their newest make sure this league did not overlap with the high athletic opportunity to embrace with the passion school cross country season since both sports that they pour into many other high-school sports. would appeal to the same students athletes. With It doesn’t matter what sport is being played, Al- cross country a fall sport, this was just another abamians are going to support their kids, their reason to hold the NICA season during the spring. schools and their local communities with a pas- sion and dedication unlike any other state in the Alabama is blessed with year-round riding, and nation. The ALDC looks forward to seeing this the winter months tend to be more ideally suited dedication to success at the Alabama High School for pre-season training and early season races. Mountain Bike League races in the spring of 2015 Summer in the Deep South can be at times dan- and beyond. gerously hot and humid and thus a spring season would avoid the worst of the summer heat for early season activities.

In general the ALDC feels that the advantages of a spring season far outweigh any disadvantag- es and for this reason we are proposing a sea- League Leadership Eddie is leading on two wheels. the effort to bring a NICA league to the Eddie has honed his leadership skills during his state of Alabama. younger years earning his Eagle Scout, through- out his late 20s by leading teams to compete in With a passion for international events, and during the sport of bike the last 10 years owning 2 separate businesses. In racing, along with a addition, he has organized events, camps, races lifetime of working and clinics all with an outdoor emphasis and team- to introduce youth building focus. This unique blend of skills, experi- to the positive ence and passion will suit Eddie in his position as power of healthy living and the outdoors, Eddie is league chair and league director here in Alabama. dedicated to working with the ALDC and the NICA Having experienced firsthand the positive impact team to launch a successful Alabama league. riding a bike can have during the challenging teen- age years, Eddie would love to share that oppor- Eddie grew up riding his bike in northern tunity with the teens of his adopted home state of and used an old BMX bike to deliver newspapers Alabama. Nothing would please him more than at the age of 12 so that he could earn money to buy to see a NICA league develop here so that high his first true mountain bike. With that purchase of school and middle school aged kids can have the a Bridgestone MB2, Eddie discovered the love of opportunity to develop a passion for the lifelong riding while covering many of the roads and trails sport of biking. throughout the East Bay hills of . With 20-plus years of professional experience in His next purchase was an old road bike that he sales, marketing, leadership and business owner- single handedly refurbished so that he could join ship, Eddie has made a decision that now is the his local Boy Scout troop on 50-75 mile road rides time for him to put his leadership experience and in order to earn the Cycling Merit Badge. Each business acumen to work toward a more reward- new experience on the bike forged a lifelong love ing and fulfilling career and build something that and passion for the freedom, confidence and fun he is truly passionate about. In doing so, he has that riding a bike provided. Hardly a day has gone assembled a team of dedicated volunteers that by in the past 30 years where being on the bike bring together a diverse pool of talent and a mu- hasn’t been a priority for him. Now, as a proud tual passion for helping to implement his vision father of a 6-year-old boy, he and his wife have and plan for a successful and sustainable high introduced their love for all things bike related to school mountain bike racing program throughout their son and share a vicarious joy in seeing him the state. develop the same affection for being out pedaling The Alabama League Development Committee (ALDC) The ALDC is comprised of folks with professional backgrounds covering all the key requirements for a successful league with the common bond of a love for biking and an understanding of the power and posi- tive impact this league would provide for the state they call home. Kim Cross Kim Cross is the nonprofit that takes at-risk kids on mountain-bike founder of Magic rides as a reward for good behavior. A member of City Cycle Chix the women’s team Steel City SHE, Kim competes (MC3), in cyclocross, triathlon and mountain bike races. an Alabama-based women’s cycling A writer by trade, she quit her corporate job to write group committed to a book and she freelances for Bicycling magazine, building courage, Bike, Paved and Southern Living. When she’s not confidence, and writing or training, she’s trying to keep up with her community, two 6-year-old son on the BMX track. wheels at a time.

Now in its fourth year, MC3 has attracted more than 700 members and inspired or mentored three other women’s cycling groups. A lifelong bike-lov- er, Kim rode to school at 12, gave up autos in the Netherlands in college, and pedaled her son to daycare as a young working mom.

An IMBA Level 2 mountain bike instructor, she coaches women’s, co-ed and kids clinics and is a ride leader and board member for Trips for Kids, a David Williams David and his wife Assistant Cub Master, and Unit Commissioner for of 14 years, Karin, The Black Warrior Boy Scout Council. In addition, live in Northport David works with the funding committee for the with their son and United Way of West Alabama. daughter ages 10 and 7. Both kids David has a BS in Corporate Finance and Invest- have been ac- ment Management from the University of Ala- tive in bama, and an MBA from Troy University. for the past three Being on the ground floor for introducing moun- years. He currently tain biking as an interscholastic sport in Alabama serves as the Race would be a rewarding and worthwhile challenge. Director for The Tuscaloosa Kids Triathlon, and He believes Alabama is more than ready and a The Alabama Sports Festival State Games Kids perfect candidate to join NICA. Triathlon.

A veteran of 17 , 3 ultras and 3 iron dis- tance triathlons, he’s still searching for the elusive perfect race. He sought a change of pace in 2012 and became a student. A black belt in 2014 is within reach.

He currently serves as a Cub Scout Den Leader, Therese Bynum Therese lives in She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge Birmingham and in high-level, professional event management to is the founder of the ALDC team. Team Magic, Inc. an event produc- In addition Therese has relationships with key tion company with stakeholders throughout the state and will be a 30 years of expe- key contributor to the success of the Alabama rience putting on league launch. triathlons, races and bike rac- es throughout Ala- bama and Tennessee.

Therese has raced for over 25 years very com- petitively and continues to top the master’s ranks when she finds time to race. In 2007, Therese was 6th in her age group at the USAT National Cham- pionship and represented the USA at the in by claiming 8th in her age group. Doug Brown Doug was born in 2013, was a huge success with trips being held Waukegan, Ill., but for multiple groups from across the Birmingham has been a resi- metro area. dent of Alabama since 1977. Building on this momentum, the plans for 2014 in- clude an expansion into a bike recycling center, He received his BS earn-a-bike programs for kids and advanced mul- from Auburn Uni- ti-day trips. Doug brings to the team experience, versity in Business key relationships and the firsthand knowledge of Administration how to fundraise for a start-up, non-profit, bike- and spent 30-plus related organization. years in the property and casualty insurance busi- ness from which he recently retired. As an avid biker, kayaker and gardener, Doug understands the power of being in the outdoors has on promot- ing a happy and healthy life.

After visiting the local chapter of Trips For Kids in Charlotte, N.C., and seeing the positive impact this program has on at-risk children, Doug came back to Birmingham and dedicated his time to launching a TFK chapter here. The inaugural year, Wael Amara Wael grew up in and his cycling passion to the healthy develop- various countries ment of youth. He sees tremendous opportunity in around the world mountain biking, especially in the Southeast, as a and finally settled way to positively mentor young men and women in Vancouver, B.C., by promoting fitness, healthy living, leadership, where he attended and community service. Wael resides in Birming- the University of ham, Ala., with his wife Amy, his son Alex (5 years), British Columbia and daughter Lilian (6 months). and received a BS in Cell Biology and Forestry.

Despite living in what is arguably the best moun- tain biking region in the world Wael did not truly dis- cover his appreciation for cycling until he moved, once again, to the southeastern U.S. where he found a love for road racing and endurance moun- tain biking.

Wael is a USA Cycling Level 2 coach and is dedi- cated to applying his exposure to many cultures Dusty Davis Dusty was a two- time Oregon State mountain bike and road champion and raced in the Nation- al Championships and in Europe.

He also competed in the 1992 Barce- lona Olympic trials and was honored to carry the Olympic torch as it traveled through Oregon.

For the past 28 years Dusty has worked with col- lege athletes. Many are from the inner city. He sees the importance of kids in sports and knows the benefit and quality of life it produces. Dusty and his wife, Mary Lou, have raced for three decades and raised their children to love the sport.

Adam Crews Adam Crews be- gan his cycling career as a casual weekend mountain bike enthusiast.

Adam started as most mountain bikers do -- riding trails on the week- ends with friends.

As the passion and experience grew, he stepped into racing. Most of the highlights to mountain bike racing have not always been about winning, but the friends and experiences from them. Adam has raced for 11 years, and is now looking forward to volunteering his time with youth, sharing his expe- riences, and having fun riding. Philip Darden Philip Darden is currently lives in Opelika, Ala. He runs his own free- lance graphic de- sign company, Phi- liciousness (www. philiciousness. com), and works as a photographer for Flip Flop Foto (www.flipflopfoto.com).

He is also the president of CAMP-SORBA, Central Alabama’s IMBA Chapter. He has been an avid cyclist for a number of years but only recently be- gan volunteering his time to . Ala- bama is on the edge of becoming a cycling state, he says, and together we can elevate Alabama to a level equal to those states known for bicycling like or Oregon.

Todd Higey A founding shareholder of He has devoted pro bono legal work to the Ala- RichardsonClement PC, Todd bama Cycling Association. Todd has three chil- is a trial attorney representing dren, and two of them are already riding and rac- businesses in Alabama, con- ing road and mountain bikes. centrating in unfair competi- tion matters, litigating

Trade Secrets Act cases, and defending employment dis- crimination lawsuits. He is a member of the Birmingham and Alabama Bar Associations, and has practiced law in Alabama for the last 15 years. He is a cur- rent member of USA Cycling, and has been a cy- clist for the past 27 years, having raced competi- tively as a teenager, and picking it up again later in life. Casey Fanin Casey first was in- troduced to moun- Casey has competed on the world stage and won tain biking in Boul- several world titles for Xterra off-road triathlons. der, Colo., in spring He was voted Mr. Xterra over multiple years. Re- 1988. Although the cently Casey was certified as a USAT coach and trail systems were is obtaining the USAT Youth/Junior Coaching cer- non-existent at the tification so that he can work to promote and grow time there were a the sport of triathlon with the youth of Alabama. few places to ride, but mostly gravel Staying active in the community, and supporting roads. the local cycling community has been a huge part of Casey’s life. He sees this sport as a way to pro- When he moved back to Alabama he found Oak vide a healthy lifestyle, creates lasting friendships Mountain State Park’s trails, which were mainly and memories and build confidence in all aspects used for hiking. He got out there on his bike and of life. Passing down his love of the sport of moun- was introduced to single track. As an early adop- tain biking on to the next generation, and helping ter of single track mountain biking in the South, them create their own friendships and memories Casey was one of the only riders out there. This will be extremely gratifying for Casey and the en- early mountain bike experience left a lasting im- tire sporting community he represents. Casey pression. Since that time, Casey has been a key looks forward to working with NICA and many lo- part of the mountain bike, road bike and multisport cal businesses to bring the sport of mountain bik- community throughout central Alabama. ing into our schools. Tracy McKay Tracy McKay’s experience base is grounded in coun- seling psychology with a 17- year focus on group/adven- ture-based psychology as it pertains to adolescent, fam- ily and corporate settings.

Tracy has also been racing and coaching multi-sport events for over 20 years spe- cializing in the physical and mental development of endurance athletes. He has incorporated his counseling background within this fitness medium to create Black Market Fitness & Multisport, which serves a broad range of athletes preparing for na- tional and international events.

Certifications to support his personal training and coaching range from Project Adventure, Outward Bound, WFR, NESC, ACE, SPINNING and USAT. Grace Ragland Grace’s life motto most recently co-founded an all-ladies cycling is: “Find A Way To group in Huntsville, Ala. The group, Rocket City Keep Your Eye On Cycle Belles (RCCB), is a women-only group for The Prize.” girls interested in anything bicycling related. The purpose of this group is to offer a safe and encour- Living with multi- aging environment for women in every phase of ple sclerosis since cycling. Grace is working on launching a nonprofit 1980 has not program, “Ride For Reading,” in Huntsville. The curbed her dream mission is to promote literacy and healthy living of living life to the by distributing books via bicycle to children in low- fullest. income areas.

Since she was a young girl she has always been Grace’s dream of helping grow the sport of moun- very active in anything outdoors. She graduated tain biking in all areas and ages is becoming a from the University of Alabama in Family Consum- reality. To be a part of NICA as well as being asso- er Science Education in 1984. After college, she ciated with getting Alabama its own league would began on a fitness journey that continues to this be a dream come true for her. date.

Through many years of running competitively as well as mountain biking, she decided to put all of her eggs in one basket and hung up the running shoes in exchange for a mountain bike and, she’s never slowed down since. With this journey she has been able to instruct years of group exercise, lead an boys junior mountain bike team, become a sponsored mountain biker, travel the country speaking nationally to patients living with MS and Sub-Committee Members In order to support the ALDC, a select group of ad- ditional volunteers have been identified to contribute their time/energy/expertise on the following sub-committees: Fundraising Committee:

Doug Brown will be heading up the effort for the ALDC on fundraising. He has a successful track re- cord in program development and fundraising for the Trips For Kids organization in Birmingham. Help- ing Doug with this effort will be: o Grace Ragland o Kim Cross Venue Committee:

Therese Bynum, with her vast knowledge of the local race venues and connections with various land managers, is leading this committee with the help of the following: o Mike Enervold, BUMP/Cahaba Cycles o Corbin Camp and Pete Foret, BUMP o Chris Bowers, About Time Events Program Development Committee:

Eddie Freyer will be leading this sub-committee in order to develop a robust schedule of events, fun- draisers, camps and clinics to support all aspects of the league. Providing additional support for this effort will be: o Bill Seitz o Judy Seitz o David Williams

Team Development Committee:

Casey Fanin, Tracy McKay and Wael Amara have the passion, expertise and desire to take on the important responsibility of developing teams, coaches and other volunteers required.

League Development Committee:

The league development committee consist of the entire ALDC as well as numerous other volunteer groups and individuals across the state that have stepped up and asked to be a part of this youth de- velopment program. LEAGUE FOLLOWING The response from across the state has been nothing short of amazing. With just our social media exposure and word of mouth, the league development effort has attained the following:

In addition we have been contacted by schools, students, parents, teachers and other individuals as well as groups from every major city in the state. They have all expressed their enthusiasm, support and interest in making this league a success. People have been volunteering to help coach, put on events, develop teams, sponsor the league and just about everything else that would be required to make this league a success here in Alabama. Recently we Facebook Likes: Twitter Followers: Email list Schools interested were asked to come talk at a local school about the program so that interested students could start forming a club in order to partici- pate in the future. We had over 50 students attend 740 200 our meeting and all were 23 email list with 200-plus 19 thrilled at the prospect of Facebook page Twitter following will names of individuals We’ve been contacted racing in 2015! launched Oct. 1, 2013, grow as the service is who have requested to by 19 schools across has 737 likes and used more frequently receive updates/news- the state asking what a steady stream of for live updates of letters/etc. it would take to get engagement. The page events, races, etc. involved. is being used to com- municate our message as well as soliciting information from across the state regarding ven- ues, potential sponsors, interested schools/rac- ers/coaches/etc. LEAGUE PARTNERSHIPS The ALDC fully appreciates the importance of developing strong partnerships in order for this league to be a successful and sustainable project. While it’s been challenging to formalize any partnerships until we are granted “official” status, the following is a list of some of the key organizations that have ex- pressed an interest in partnering with the ALDC. (This list should not be considered “all inclusive,” as we are being contacted on a regular basis by other organizations that are interested in partnering with the league. This list is a representative sample to illustrate the support and enthusiasm for this program.)

ASF: The Alabama Sports Festival Foundation (ASF), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was founded in 1982 at the request of the U.S. Olympic Committee. In addition to developing Olympic-style state games for Alabama’s youth -- showcasing the tradition and ceremony of the International Summer and Winter -- the ASF Foundation serves as a statewide mentor organization for teaching our youth the importance of academics, healthy lifestyles and good citizenship. Annually the ASF hosts the Alabama Games in various locations across the state. The Inaugural Alabama State Games competi- tion in 1983 was held in Auburn, Ala., and featured 600 athletes competing in four different sports. In 2012, ASF Foundation’s 30th Anniversary State Games showcased more than 6,000 athletes compet- ing in 25 different sports and over 100 sporting events, making it the state’s largest annual multi-sport athletic event.

The ALDC is currently in the final stages of formalizing the addition of mountain bike racing to the list of events beginning in June 2014. The ASF is excited to not only add this event to its schedule, but it is also interested in helping to promote the Alabama NICA league through its marketing channels to over 6,000 youth athletes competing in their programs. This partnership ideally suits the goals of both NICA and the ASF as we both work to provide non-traditional sporting activities throughout our state that promote healthy lifestyles, confidence, good citizenship, strong mind, strong body and strong character.

Trips For Kids Birmingham: The Birmingham Chapter of Trips For Kids is lining up as a key partner for this league in order to provide an opportunity for “at-risk” kids to participate in the sport of mountain biking. Trips For Kids Birming- ham is a local chapter of Trips For Kids International, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Marin County, Calif. The TFK mission is to use bicycles as a vehicle for lessons in confidence, building health, achievement, fitness and environmental awareness through development of practical skills andthe simple act of having fun.

Through the partnership with TFK, we hope to give kids from all walks of life the chance to experience the joy of riding a bike and the opportunity to participate as high school athletes in the sport of bike rac- ing. For many of the kids who take part in a TFK ride, this may be the only sport available to them and we want to make sure they are provided with an equal opportunity to participate. So In order to do, the local TFK chapter is looking to expand its operations and open a bike Recyclery Center where kids will be offered an opportunity to participate in an “Earn-A-Bike” program. This program will reward kids with credits toward bikes, trips, races, etc. in exchange for their work on refurbishing donated bikes, repairs, trail building/maintenance, etc. We feel strongly that this partnership will benefit many communities across the state and give all students and schools the opportunity to participate in the NICA league regardless of their socioeconomic background. About Time Events: About Time LLC is a professional events promotion and timing business with the technology and experi- ence to promote and time events. Be it a 50-person or a 50,000-person , we use state of the art timing equipment with a 99.999 percent catch-rate. We also can produce instant results, and perfect timing for fast paced sports, Jaguar Chip Timing is proudly used by About Time.

About Time has agreed to co-promote the Alabama NICA league at its statewide mountain bike series as well as helping with venue selection, venue development and potential race timing should we feel the need to outsource this service.

Team-Magic: Co-founder of Team-Magic, Therese Bynum is a key member of the ALDC. Team-Magic originated in Birmingham, Ala., but is now based out of both Nashville and Birmingham and has strong ties on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The company will have been producing multisport events for almost 30 years.

While triathlons and are the main focus and make up the majority of the events, Team-Magic also has worked and currently works with several running events, including the Mercedes Marathon, the Marathon Olympic Trials hosted by the Mercedes Marathon, the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Chicago. Team-Magic was appointed as race management for the 2007-2008 USA Triathlon Na- tional Collegiate Triathlon Championship. In 2008, Team-Magic served as race management for the Tuscaloosa Tri-Palooza which included the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Trials Qualifier for the Beijing Olympics. Most recently Team-Magic launched a cyclocross series in Alabama with great success and plans to continue with these races in 2014 and beyond.

Team-Magic regularly receives the honor of hosting championship events for USA Triathlon, including regional championships, national championships, world championship qualifiers and the Best of the USA Amateur Championship Qualifiers for the states of Alabama and Tennessee. Team-Magic has agreed to provide guidance and support for the development of the NICA league here in Alabama, as well as helping to co-promote events.

BUMP/CAMP/NEABA/COGS/SAMBA/WAMBA: Across the state there are local chapters of IMBA as well as independent clubs that have all expressed an interest in partnering with the league. The level of partnership has varied from group to group, but most have offered to help with race day logistics, venue preparation, promoting the league through their membership, development of racers and providing volunteers for coaching and other leadership needs.

Red Mountain Park: Red Mountain Park consists of 1,200 acres, stretching four-and-a-half miles between the cities of Homewood and Bessemer, along the ridges and hollows of the mountain from which it takes its name. Red Mountain was the primary source of the rich iron ore deposits that — along with vast coal fields and abundant supplies of limestone — prompted the founding of Birmingham in 1871 as the first industrial city of the “New South”.

Today, more than a generation removed from the closing of the last ore mine on its slope, Red Mountain is the site of one of the most ambitious, exciting and historically significant new park projects in America. Currently, the park contains 7 visitor destinations within an 11-mile trail system open for hiking and bik- ing. The team at RMP is excited about the prospect of hosting NICA events within the park. They have asked for assistance in designing a trail system and start/finish venue that would meet all NICA require- ments. While the completion of this project within the park may be several years away, RMP is the ideal training venue for many teams from the Birmingham metropolitan area. RMP is excited to host team practices, camps, clinics and in the future NICA races.

IMBA/Coldwater Mountain: Sandwiched halfway between the major metropolitan areas of Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta, Ga., is the small town and big trail dreams of Anniston, Ala., and its 4,000-acre property, Coldwater Mountain. More than 25 miles of trails have already been built under the direction of IMBA Trail Solutions, with up to 75 miles scheduled to be completed by 2017. To incorporate the best qualities of North America’s fin- est trail systems, Trail Solutions is not only putting its own to work, but is inviting pro trail builders from all over the country to leave their creative signatures on the mountain. As a result, the Coldwater trails will eventually be accessible by a short ride from downtown Anniston, which itself can be reached by Amtrak train.

The mountain offers everything a rider could wish for: Explore red-dirt trails in a backcountry setting, shuttle the gravity runs and style out the optional technical lines, or enjoy scenic, entry-level trails that will stoke a novice rider’s fire.

City leaders, local businesses and the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association are fully committed to the project. They understand Moab’s allure of being a mountain bike town and want to create something similar: where the riding is good and the encompassing bike culture is even better. Anniston is hoping Coldwater Mountain — the city’s progressive perspective on the economic and community benefits of trail systems — will drive mountain bike tourism to the area and motivate a younger generation to live and work in Anniston. As of spring 2013, the city has contributed more than half a million dollars to help fund the trail system.

When they local club and IMBA crew learned of the potential launch of a NICA league here in Alabama, they jumped right on board and offered to build a NICA specific-venue at this location. As it may take more than 1-year for them to develop the already planned race specific trailhead and NICA-friendly trails, this venue is slated to be added as a 5th race in the 2016 season. Having IMBA interested in partnering with our effort to bring NICA here has helped tremendously in gaining support from other clubs across the state.

Cahaba Cycles/Bike Link/Bicycle Cove/Etc.: So far we have been in touch with many of the bike shops throughout the state. All are incredibly excited about this project and have offered their support in partnering with the league to help financially as well as helping to promote the league and recruit riders/coaches/etc.

School Partnerships: As indicated above, the ALDC has already heard from many schools across the state. We have identi- fied many different individuals within various school districts who have agreed to partner with the ALDC to help get the schools involved. Weekly this list is growing and once the AL NICA project receives of- ficial project status, we will begin to implement our plan to work with these individuals to being building teams over the next 12 months. EVENT VENUES: The ALDC has identified approximately 12 poten- tial race venues across the state. We are submit- ting what we feel would be the 6 best options based on the following:

• Location • options • Infield Options • Lodging/Food • Total Elevation gain per loop • Safe passing options on the course • Land managers willingness to hold race events • History of events at the location

In addition to these 6 potential venue locations, we have identified potential sites for other events to include camps, clinics, cyclefests, team practices, etc. These additional sites have been shown on the overview of the state. In general, Alabama is blessed with great options for holding NICA races and other events. In addition, the mountain biking community has forged strong relationships with land managers throughout the state and there is tremen- dous support for bringing more bikers, trails and events such as these onto their properties. We don’t have any concerns in finding locations to hold each of the events that the league will organize throughout the year.

All of the locations identified within the proposal have been visited by Eddie Freyer and other members of the ALDC in order to verify the feasibility of us- ing these locations for NICA events. :

Quick Facts • 9,940-acre park located within close proximity to the state largest city, Birmingham • Centrally located in the state • Over 50 miles of trails • Camping, cabins and plenty of lodging and eating options within 5 miles of the park • Considered the crown jewel of mountain biking in Alabama with the Red Loop trail holding an IMBA Epic designation.

Course Specs • Options for a 4-, 5- or 6-mile race loop • 5-mile course features 331-foot elevation gain per loop • 25 percent of course is passable double track/ road • Safe infield for start/finish and PitZone areas Tannehill State Park:

Quick Facts • 1,500 acre park located on the western edge of metro Birmingham • 12 miles of existing mountain bike trails, with more nearing completion • Beginner to intermediate trails • Historical park with buildings, relics and cultur- al activities from the 19th century iron industry • Camping within the park and other lodging op- tions within 15 miles • Pavilion and conference building facilities available on-site • History of mountain bike and cyclocross events within the park Course Specs • Options for any course distance from 4.5-6 miles • Large, ideal infield for start/finish and PitZone • Total elevation gain on 6-mile loop is 571 feet with a large climb during the first mile • 30 percent of course is safe passing on gravel/ dirt roads Munny Sokol Park:

Quick Facts • Located in Tuscaloosa approximately 45 miles west of Birmingham • 325-acre park • 15 miles of trails Course Specs • Options to create a course length anywhere from 4.5 to 6 miles • Large infield for start/finish and PitZone • Total elevation gain for 4.87 mile loop is 387 feet • Very spectator friendly venue with options for the winding the course back to the infield are on multiple occasions • 25 percent safe passing on gravel/dirt/asphalt road while transitioning between single track sections

Quick Facts • Located in north Alabama just outside Hunts- ville • Park site atop a mountain that rises 1,600 feet above the surrounding valley • 14 miles of trails ranging from beginner friendly to some of the most technical riding in the state • Camping and cabins within the park • Large lodge availability for group accommoda- tions • Within 5 miles of downtown Huntsville with plenty of lodging/eating options

Course Specs • Course loop stays on top of the mountain on easy-intermediate trails • 5-mile course loop • 256-foot elevation gain per lap • 20 percent safe passing • Mid-size infield area for start/finish and PitZone Chewacla State Park:

Quick Facts • 696-acre park located in Auburn • 26-acre lake within the park • Camping and cabins within the park • 14 miles of trails • Dirt jumps, wall ride and BMX track

Course Specs • Options for anywhere from a 4.5-6 mile loop • Elevation gain of 256 feet per loop • 20 percent safe passing • Mid-size infield for start/finish and PitZone DeSoto State Park:

Quick Facts • 3,500 acre park northeast of Fort Payne • , , hiking, rappelling, and bik- ing available within the park • Camping, cabins, hotel and restaurant within the park • 25 miles of trails with 11 miles of mountain bike specific trails

Course Specs • 4.64-mile race loop • 463 feet elevation gain per loop • Small infield for start/finish and PitZone • 14 percent safe passing Alternates: Coldwater, Lake Howard, Red Mountain Park, Swayback, Lake Lurleen, Camp Hargis

There are many options to consider for any planned NICA event and these alternates can be exam- ined in more detail should the need arise to add a venue. Conclusion The ALDC is ready and well-positioned to launch the next successful NICA league here in Alabama. We have assembled a strong team of passionate and dedicated mountain bike loving folks who would like nothing more than to see this program become available for the youth of our state in 2015. The team comes with a diverse background of professional experience and sporting achievements that will play a key part in the success of this league. With the vision that this team has for the success of the league as well as the template that NICA has developed, we are confident in our ability to launch a successful and sustainable league.

Alabama is a state that is gaining national prominence for its high-quality and diverse mountain bik- ing. Many cities across the state are recognizing the potential economic benefits that this provides and have embraced the development of biking trails, ride centers, bike-share programs, etc. The launch of a NICA league ties in directly with this wave of positive cycling energy. The ALDC feels confident that this effort would receive overwhelming support from all stakeholders involved and based on early response this has been the case. Not only does this bode well for the success of the league, but as more trail systems are being developed and new riders introduced to the sport, there will be more potential rac- ers, volunteers, coaches, etc., throughout the state to support the league. It’s not unrealistic to expect that in the not too distant future Alabama will be looked upon as a model of how a state can embrace the sport of mountain biking for the economic, health and lifestyle benefits it can offer its citizens. We, the ALDC, want to be a part of that future with the Alabama NICA league building an entire generation of lifelong cyclists.

Alabama also has a need for this program unlike many other states in the country. We suffer from an epidemic of obesity and childhood inactivity. Government and civic leaders across the state are acutely aware of this program and a concerted effort is underway to improve the health of our population by focusing on the youth. Throughout the state we see programs being implemented that educate, en- courage and provide activities that promote healthy living and improved fitness through a more active lifestyle. Adding a NICA league will have a significant positive impact in the ability to support this effort of improving the image, health and well-being of all Alabamians.

Certainly last but not least is the overwhelming support that this league will have across the state. From just what we’ve experienced thus far in the early stages of delivering our message, we know that there is a desire and a enthusiasm to get behind this program from kids at schools all the way up tp the Governor’s Commissions on and Sports. With the support of individuals, corporations, government commission, strategic partners and the ALDC team, the Alabama NICA league will take off and soar in 2015 and beyond!