Dozens from across the Natural State compete in biking competition

CONWAY, Ark. — The Arkansas NICA mountain bike competition has made its way to Conway for the first time this weekend.

It’s an organization that allows bikers in the 6th through 12th grade compete against each other.

Seth Theriot was proud to be representing Arkansas, as he raced with his team called Conway Bearcats.

“I’m really proud to be doing this with everybody else and I think it’s really cool that I get to meet new people each year,” Theriot said.

The Buffalo Riders were representing Harrison Arkansas. Their coach Roni Combs said she’s happy the competition was held in Conway this year.

“We are having the best time out here today this is our second season so were still kind of new to it, but we have been made welcomed by everybody here,” Combs said.

She says the organization takes care of all who join, and each year sponsors pitch in to donate bikes and scholarships to those who need it.

Terry Coddington is the lead Organizer and director for Arkansas NICA and says it all started with just him and one group. Now there is over a thousand different teams apart of the organization.

“We just think of it as youth development on two wheels, so our goal is to get any youth in the entire state of Arkansas on a bike that wants to be on a bike,” Coddington said.

He says he’s watched the youth in the organization grow and meet challenges beyond their limits.

So, for those wondering what’s next.

“Were coming back to Conway Arkansas September 28th and 29th that weekend,” Coddington said.

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