This Town Hall focused on the upcoming Santos race event, where Jackie and Joe provided detailed information about the race schedule, venue and new rules. They discussed the mass start format, pre-ride procedures, and emphasized the importance of proper equipment checks and communication during the race. The Florida Horse Park venue was highlighted for its camping opportunities and strict rules regarding horse trails and safety. Jackie and Joe also covered the rules for passing and pre-rides, emphasizing the need for clear communication and proper conduct. They announced various activities for the weekend, including a rad relay race, sunset ride, and movie night. The conversation ended with reminders about volunteer opportunities & the need to complete economic surveys.Summary:Florida Horse Park Event Planning:Jackie announced that this year's event will be held at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, featuring camping for the first time. She outlined various activities including a mass start race, food trucks, and a sunset ride requiring lights. Jackie emphasized the importance of completing and submitting waivers to head coaches before registration, and explained the distribution of pit zone passes for team equipment drop-off. Race Weekend Schedule Overview:Jackie outlined the schedule for the upcoming race weekend, detailing arrival times, pre-rides, and race events. She emphasized that all race information is available in the race flyer on the website. Joe discussed the mass start format, explaining that the first five from the time trial will lead the first row, with subsequent rows following the same pattern.Race Safety & Logistics PlanningJoe and Jackie discussed race logistics and safety measures. They asked parents and coaches to avoid caffeine & ensure student-athletes have their number plates. They outlined the pre-ride schedule, including a 1/2-hour session at 2pm for 5th & 6th graders with a fast lap at 4.30 PM for advanced riders. Jackie emphasized these times are reserved for new riders and fast riders to practice at their own pace.Coach-Rider Ratio & Race RulesRatios must be maintained between coaches and student-athletes during rides, emphasizing that coaches must be within eyesight of their riders when not leading the group. She explained that the pre-ride time and passing time are common sources of conflicts in mass start races, and highlighted the need for coaches and student-athletes to review the handbook, which outlines rules & consequences for infractions.Race Safety & Passing ProtocolsJackie discussed two key issues: coaches not being present during pre-rides, which will result in a 5-minute race penalty, and the importance of proper passing procedures in mass-start races. She emphasized that riders must communicate their intention to pass & wait for acknowledgment from the rider in front, highlighting that this is particularly important for newer riders. Jackie also stressed the need for riders to acknowledge passing requests & move over when possible, while allowing for brief delays in tight situations. Programing Plans & DeadlinesJackie announced plans for two rad relay races this weekend at 12 and 1 o'clock, with the adventure area and coaches' ride scheduled. She invited everyone to attend the sunset ride, check-in at the Adventure Tent, and watch a movie at 6:30. The Ocala Gallops will host the GRiT Tent for a clean bike is a fast bike workshop, while Teen Trail Corps hours won't be available at this event. Jackie reminded everyone to submit TTC & adventure hours by next Wednesday for recognition at awards, and encouraged volunteers to sign up through the website for the upcoming event.Fundraising:Jackie announced the current standings for TREK Fundraising team awards, with Treasure Coast Raptors in first place, followed by Gainesville and Tarpon. She highlighted top athletes, including William and Katie L. from Treasure Coast, and Bryson from Gainesville.

Florida NICA is gearing up for an exciting Season 7 with a movie-themed focus: “Blockbuster: Lights, Camera, Pedal.” Event weekends will take place at CRP, Santos, Dyer, Lakeland, Tallahassee, and San Felasco this year.

New this season:

• 5th graders are officially included

• Separate course previews for 5th and 6th graders

• New middle school race categories based on ability

Adventure activities will be part of each event, including hands-on challenges like a tube change competition and a cardboard slide, with potential additions such as an enduro-style section at future races.

Families and student-athletes are encouraged to review event flyers, the Coaches Guide, and the NICA Quick Guide, all available on the Florida NICA website.

Several new initiatives are launching this season:

• Teen Trail Corps: Student-athletes can earn service hours and recognition for trail work.

• Updated staging procedures with row-based call-ups.

• Roving course marshals on bikes to support safety.

• Updates to race bibs, plus gear swaps at the first and last events.

• Coaches are asked to review and clean up pit zone registrations.

Joe, Florida NICA’s new Event & Race Director, will join Jackie for coach office hours next Wednesday to answer questions and review expectations.

The CRP race weekend will follow this structure:

• Friday: Event setup

• Saturday: Check-in and pre-ride activities

  • Coaches meeting at 12:05 PM

  • Social-pace pre-ride led by coaches

  • GRIT Ride for girls at 1:30 PM

  • Course open for preview rides from 2:30–4:00 PM

• Sunday: Race day with awards wrapping up by 2:00 PM

Reminders:

• No caffeinated products allowed at the venue

• Race plates and bibs must be collected at the end of each day

Safety and respect remain top priorities:

• Stay within approved venue areas; off-limits zones (including marked jump lines) are strictly prohibited.

• No open flames, smoking, or caffeinated products.

• Coaches are encouraged to use dry-erase boards to help riders understand schedules and expectations.

• Sportsmanship and a supportive environment are expected from all participants.

Key race-day protocols include:

• Staging is for athletes only; parents should view from designated spectator areas.

• Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.

• Equipment checks and wave assignments must be followed.

• Feed zones: Only coaches or approved adults may assist. Running alongside riders is not allowed.

• Coaches should review the NICA Handbook and practice safe feed handoffs with athletes.

Additional race policies include:

• Trailside repairs are permitted following NICA guidelines.

• Riders will not be DNF’d for missing time cutoffs but will be placed based on finish.

• Clear procedures exist for protests, awards, and finish-line conduct.

• Yellow, orange, and red cards will be used for rule violations, with most incidents being accidental or self-reported.

• A positive, learning-focused race culture is emphasized.

Florida NICA continues to celebrate volunteers and support league sustainability:

• Weekly volunteer raffles at each event

• Team of the Universe award recognizing teams using multiple metrics—not just size

• The Trek raffle, which raised $35,360 last season, will return with details shared via email

• Families are encouraged to complete the Economic Impact Survey after each event to help advocate for trail access and reduced venue fees

Season Initiatives & Race UpdatesCRP Event LogisticsRace Event Safety GuidelinesRace Logistics & Athlete SafetyRace Rules & ProceduresVolunteer Recognition & Fundraising