Become a Ride Leader

Our program only works because of volunteers. Ride leaders are the backbone of Devo β€” they make safe, structured, fun rides possible every week.

Why Volunteer?

You don't have to be a competitive cyclist to be a ride leader. You need to:

  • Love riding bikes
  • Be reliable and safety-conscious
  • Enjoy mentoring young athletes

In return, you get to ride amazing trails, watch kids grow, and be a core part of a team community. Most ride leaders say it's the best part of their week.

🚡

Ride More, Give Back

Get certified, lead rides on great trails, and make a real difference for young athletes.

NICA Certification Levels

NICA offers three certification levels, all earned through online coursework and on-bike training.

Level 1

Volunteer Ride Leader

Entry-level certification. Level 1 volunteers assist lead coaches as directed β€” ride-along support, helping riders, and contributing to a safe group experience.

  • Annual background check required (via Sterling Volunteers)
  • Annual NICA registration fee required
  • Does not authorize independent ride leadership

This is the starting point for most parent volunteers.

Level 2

Certified Ride Leader

Level 2 coaches can lead rides and teach skills independently. This is the certification that directly enables rides to happen β€” every ride group must have at least one Level 2 leader.

  • Requires 20 hours of documented field work
  • First Aid required: Basic First Aid (4+ hrs) if within 1 hr of definitive care; Wilderness First Aid (16 hrs) if more than 1 hr from care
  • Annual background check (via Sterling Volunteers)
  • Annual NICA registration fee required

Most active ride leaders on our team are Level 2 certified.

Level 3

Advanced Coach

The highest NICA certification level. Level 3 coaches are eligible to serve as head coach and mentor other coaches in their development.

  • Requires 80 hours of documented field work
  • Annual background check (via Sterling Volunteers)
  • Annual NICA registration fee required

Full requirements at nationalmtb.org/coach-education-requirements β†—

Rider-to-Leader Ratio

NICA requires a minimum 6:1 rider-to-ride-leader ratio for all on-trail activities. In practice, a typical Devo ride runs with 8 riders and 2 coaches β€” one lead at the front, one sweep at the back.

This means we need more certified ride leaders as the team grows. If we don't have enough Level 2+ leaders for a ride, riders can't participate β€” safety first, always.

When you get certified, you directly enable more kids to ride. That's the math.

6:1

NICA minimum rider-to-leader ratio on trail

Typical ride: 8 riders, 2 coaches
(leader + sweep)

How to Get Certified

1

Express Interest

Fill out the interest form below, or email skyridgejrdevo@gmail.com

2

Get Access to NICA PitZone

After expressing interest, a member of the coaching staff will grant you access to pitzone.nationalmtb.org. From there, work through Level 1, 2, or 3 requirements depending on your preference.

3

Complete NICA Coach Education

Online coursework, field hours, and First Aid requirements vary by level β€” see nationalmtb.org/coach-education-requirements

Utah High School Cycling League also hosts first aid, CPR, and on-the-bike (OTB) training events β€” see their Eventbrite page for upcoming dates.

4

Pass Annual Background Check

Required for all coaches working with youth (via Sterling Volunteers)

5

Start Riding!

Join the team and lead rides. Note: the annual background check carries a fee β€” $42 the first year, $15 for years 2–6, then the cycle repeats. Coach 2026 NICA fees are $35/year (Base $30 + Tech $5).

Ready to Get Involved?

Fill out the form below and a coach will reach out with next steps.