About the Femmes.
We're the first all-girls team in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association in Texas. We believe every girl deserves the chance to ride in a space that's built for her.
Founded in San Antonio in 2024
Girls in grades 5 through 12
Racing in the Texas NICA league
Racing is always optional
A space of their own.
Our team was founded on a simple idea: girls should have a dedicated space to build skills, confidence and friendships on the bike. On traditional co-ed teams, girls are often added to mostly-boys rosters. Here, the whole team is built around them.
Whether she wants to chase the podium at NICA races or ride for fun, fitness and friendship, she belongs here.
We celebrate sisterhood, resilience and athleticism. Together, we're more than a team. We're a community.
Why “Femmes”?
“Femmes” is French for “women.” It's the word European cycling uses for races and categories dedicated to women racers, and our riders wear it proudly.
Part of something bigger
Texas NICA
We race in the Texas Interscholastic Cycling League, part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. NICA is a nonprofit youth development organization built on fun, inclusivity, equity, respect and community.
Visit Texas NICAAlamo City Cycling Collective
The Femmes are a program of the Alamo City Cycling Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts to the team are tax-deductible.
Support the teamQuestions, answered.
Don't see yours? Email acf@alamocityfemmes.org.
What is NICA?
Youth development through bikes
NICA (pronounced NYE-cah) uses mountain bikes as a tool to build strong minds, bodies, character and community.
NICA believes bikes are powerful tools to build strength, resilience and character within a supportive community.
Through local teams, trained coaches, and world-class events, NICA helps young people thrive both on and off the bike — building confidence, leadership, friendships, and making the world a better place.
There are no selections and no sidelines—everyone rides and trains together in an inclusive ‘challenge by choice’ supportive team environment.
Who can join?
Girls in 5th through 12th grade in the San Antonio area. No experience is necessary: if she can ride a bike, our coaches will help her build mountain bike skills at practice.
Does she have to race?
No. Girls join for many reasons, and racing is always optional. On race weekends she can pre-ride the course or join a GRiT segment, a time when the course is open only to girls, without riding in the competition.
What does a season look like?
Registration opens September 1, practices begin November 1, and Texas NICA races start in February. We practice Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Where do you practice?
Usually at McAllister Park, Leon Creek Greenbelt or LBJ Park. To prepare for the variety of race courses, we sometimes ride elsewhere around San Antonio, and now and then we take a “field trip” practice farther away. We share changes as early as we can, though weather sometimes means last-minute moves.
What equipment does she need?
A bike and a helmet. At minimum, an alloy mountain bike with front suspension. Several bike brands offer NICA athletes discounts, the Texas league has a loaner bike program, and we're building our own loaner fleet.
How much does it cost?
Registration is $360, paid directly to NICA, which is comparable to other team sports.
Can the fee be waived?
Yes. Several organizations offer scholarships to athletes; email us and we'll point you to them. Our sponsors also help us keep costs as low as possible.
How do I become a coach or volunteer?
Fill out our coach and volunteer interest form. It helps us match your skills to what our team, or NICA, needs most, and we'll follow up with next steps.
Get in touch.
Questions about joining, coaching, sponsoring or GRiT rides? Email us or send a note, and we'll get back to you.
acf@alamocityfemmes.org