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Parents of high school athletes spend the majority of the time as a spectators, cheering from the stands. The National Interscholastic Cycling Association is looking to change that.

Though races don't begin until fall semester, 300 students across 30 teams have already signed up to ride in Utah.

In Davis County, many of the coaches have chosen to participate so they can spend more time with their children. Dave Yngsdal, one of the coaches of the combined Weber/Roy/Fremont team, will be guiding his son, Christian, along with 12 others who have signed up so far.

"You're out there riding the trail with your kids and their teammates and that's the kind of experience that a lot of sports don't allow," Yngsdal said. "You can have a kid in football and enjoy football, but you don't get to put on the pads and go out there and tackle with him."

NICA was founded in 2009 with a sole purpose — to develop strong bodies, strong minds and strong character through cycling. Yngsdal ultimately chose to devote his time to the organization because of its core beliefs.

"It's physically challenging, which builds character and perseverance," Yngsdal said. "It also builds camaraderie through a team score in what is usually considered an individual sport. It rolls together a lot of really good things that will help build them into stronger people for the rest of their lives."

The NICA polled kids who participated in the league and found that 98 percent said they would continue cycling throughout their lifetime.

Kemille Garvin, the coach of the Davis Composite team, started cycling competitively through the insistence of some of her riding partners. She feels that it has been an important part of her life and hopes to pass it on to the younger generation.

"It's been therapy for me," Garvin said. "With racing, I've been able to push myself to levels I never dreamed of."

Garvin's three sons have raced BMX bikes for the past few years, while her oldest, Jarren, has begun racing road bikes like his mom. He'll be one of the first members of the Davis Composite team.

Garvin said she wished there had been an organization like this around when she was in high school.

"Mountain biking keeps the kids' minds active, it keeps them active — it keeps them out of trouble," Garvin said. "Especially high school kids who are trying to find themselves. If you can give them an avenue of somewhere good and strong, it's so much better than having them get lost in the rest of the world." —

NICA comes to Utah

NICA was founded in California in 2009 and now covers six states in the West and Midwest.

The new Utah chapter is hosting a fundraising event June 2 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. "Cyclefest" will feature a cocktail hour and dinner with a program by two-time Olympian Todd Wells.

Those interested in signing up can visit NICA's website at http://www.utahmtb.org/teams/