Our Mission
Empowering communities to develop and grow K-12 youth mountain biking programs
The Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers communities to develop and grow K-12 youth mountain biking programs across the state.
We instill confidence by promoting the values of an active lifestyle, healthy competition, and outdoor stewardship and adventure while building life-long friendships in an inclusive environment.
Youth focused programming
Coaching curriculum and guidance
State-wide network of support
The Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association (MiSCA) is empowering youth and families by creating a community of cyclists who otherwise may not have found the sport. MiSCA now serves more than 1,100 students, supported by 500+ volunteer coaches throughout the state with new clubs/teams forming all the time. In the fall, MiSCA holds a professionally-run 6-event youth-only mountain bike race series. We provide coach training and support through a certification program which requires skills clinics, first aid/CPR training, background checks, and more to ensure safe and consistent education is provided to our youth. Additionally, MiSCA has programming focused on getting more girls active in the sport by creating girls-only events where girls feel welcomed and ensuring girls are included equally in all aspects of the organization. Cycling is truly a lifelong sport and we strive to create a fun environment where everyone can experience the joys of the outdoors.
Scholastic cycling is modeled after the successful collegiate cycling system. In this system the focus is on the individual as part of a larger team and while very competitive the atmosphere is much more relaxed than the usual Michigan mountain bike races. This more relaxed atmosphere is a result of participants that are relatively new to racing as well as the fact that participants do not compete in the normal mountain bike categories but rather compete for their school in more generic skill-based categories.
We offer cycling as a legitimate sport to many students who would not otherwise know it existed as a ‘real sport.’ In other words, we bring new people into the sport of cycling. We also give students disenchanted with the other school sports teams a chance to excel.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY
The Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association is committed to creating an inclusive environment in every facet of our operations. We value diversity, collaboration, and respect for all people and ideas that contribute to a healthy cycling community. We strive to promote equity through constructive dialogue, organizational reflection, and inclusive program offerings.
Cycling is truly a lifelong sport and we strive to create a fun environment where everyone can experience the joys of the outdoors, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation.
MiSCA will ensure open access to all those who wish to participate in any aspect of our programming and that they are treated fairly. MiSCA regards discrimination, harassment or victimization as serious misconduct and any employee, volunteer, or member who unlawfully discriminates against, harasses, or victimizes any other person will be liable to appropriate disciplinary action.
CATEGORY PLACEMENT FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENT-ATHLETES
MiSCA prohibits discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived sex and gender. Gender includes a person’s actual or perceived sex as well as his or her gender identity and expression.
A student wishing to compete in a category consistent with their gender identity may so notify the Race Director. The student’s school will be requested to determine the student’s eligibility to participate in the category consistent with their gender identity.
If the student’s school declines to determine such eligibility, then the Race Director shall confirm the gender identity asserted by the student through documentation from the parent, guardian, guidance counselor, or a doctor, psychologist, or another medical professional.
If a student has been deemed eligible to compete in a category consistent with their gender identity, that eligibility is granted for the duration of the student’s participation in MiSCA.