Race 1: Galloway Grinder
March 29, 2026
Galloway Nature Preserve, Galloway, NJ
A former sand-mine property turned trail network with fast, approachable terrain and open passing opportunities.
2026 Race Information
Use this page as a quick overview of the 2026 NJ NICA race season. The race tiles below are meant to help Veloraptors families see the season at a glance, while the official NJ NICA details button below the calendar is the right place for full race-specific information, maps, registration details, and updates.
New to race weekends or want a refresher? Start with Preparing for Race Day with the Veloraptors.
Racing is optional
Veloraptors coaches support riders with different goals. Some children love race day right away, while others need time, smaller goals, and a lower-pressure first experience.
- Racing is not required. Riders can be full members of the team without pinning on a number plate.
- If a child is nervous but wants to try, coaches can help set simple goals like completing one lap, finishing the race, or learning how race day feels without worrying about winning.
- Some riders start with a goal of simply finishing one race, then come back the next season and see if they can ride a little stronger or faster with more confidence.
- If a rider does not want to race, they are still welcome to come to a race, cheer on teammates, and see what the environment is like.
2026 Race Calendar
Race 2: Camp Edge Classic
April 12, 2026
Camp Edge, Alloway, NJ
Roughly 60% twisty singletrack with short punchy climbs and a dynamic infield that keeps riders and spectators engaged.
Race 3: Lewis Morris Mania
May 3, 2026
Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ
A technical loop just over 3 miles that tests cornering precision, climbing strength, and steady pacing under pressure.
Race 4: Stephens Blue Rock Rumble
May 17, 2026
Stephens State Park, Hackettstown, NJ
A fast 2.5-mile course with flowy singletrack and repeated punchy climbs, built for high-cadence effort and smart line choice.
Race 5: Rowan Rambler (State Championships)
June 7, 2026
Rowan College of South Jersey (Gloucester Campus), Sewell, NJ
South Jersey-style twisty singletrack with roots and logs that reward confident handling and smooth momentum through technical sections.
Reschedule Dates
- Races 1-2 reschedule date: April 19, 2026.
- Races 3-5 reschedule date: June 14, 2026.
- Weather and safety calls follow official NJ MTB policy.
- Families should monitor team communication channels on race weekends.
For full race notes, maps, registration details, and league updates, see the official NJ MTB season page.
See Official NJ NICA Race DetailsWhat race weekends usually involve
Before the weekend
- Confirm your rider's registration, category plan, and any coach instructions before the Monday deadline.
- Review gear, weather, travel timing, and any team-specific arrival instructions before race day.
At the venue
- Expect staging, coach check-ins, course preview guidance, and category-specific timing to be coordinated through team communication.
- Families should plan for a longer day than the race itself, especially if riders are warming up, pre-riding, or supporting teammates after their event.
If plans change
- Weather delays, course adjustments, and safety changes follow official league policy and on-site race direction.
- Veloraptors families should keep an eye on team communication channels for any race-morning changes before leaving home.
Communication and volunteer support
- Parent volunteer help may include registration, staging, pit support, team setup, or general race-weekend logistics.
- New families are welcome to help at races, even if they are still learning how weekends work.
- Families should assume communication will intensify in the final days before a race as coaches finalize timing, assignments, and rider expectations.
- New families do not need to know everything on day one, but they should expect race weekends to run more smoothly when they read coach messages closely and ask questions early.
For season-rhythm and family-planning context, review the team schedule and the parent resources page.