NKY Roots Campbell Rides Into Second Place in State Mountain Bike League

Campbell County Mountain Bikers Help Kentucky Finish Second at NICA Central Regionals

NKY Roots Campbell Composite athletes earn top finishes against competitors from 12 states as Kentucky's youth mountain biking program completes a successful 2026 season.

Carden Bozeman (Red Jersey) competes in the varsity race at NICA Central Regionals: Photo by Alyssa Fortenberry

Campbell County's youth mountain biking athletes helped Kentucky earn a second-place overall finish at the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Central Regional Championships, held Nov. 7–8 at Centennial Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The event brought together student-athletes from 12 state leagues, including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

Two athletes from NKY Roots Campbell Composite delivered standout performances for Kentucky. Addie Bozeman took first place in the JV1 Girls category, while Carden Bozeman finished fourth in Boys Varsity.

Their performances helped contribute to Kentucky's second-place overall finish, an impressive achievement against youth mountain biking programs from across the central United States.

The regional results followed a successful season for NKY Roots Campbell Composite, which entered the Kentucky state championship ranked third in the Kentucky Interscholastic Cycling League. 

At the state level, both Bozeman athletes also earned individual season championships. Carden Bozeman claimed the Varsity Boys title, while Adelise Bozeman won the JV1 Girls title.

The Kentucky league completed its sixth season in 2026 with 374 student-athletes representing 22 teams statewide, reflecting the continued growth of organized youth mountain biking.

Campbell County Fiscal Court Digital Media Specialist Trask McFarland is among NKY Roots' volunteer coaches. His two daughters, Balou and Aven, also compete with the team, providing a firsthand connection to a sport that brings young athletes, families and volunteers together from across Kentucky.

Balou McFarland (Left) & Adelise Bozeman (Center) Podium from a 2026 KICL race.

Beyond competition, youth mountain biking highlights the opportunities associated with outdoor recreation and trail development. Communities with dedicated trail systems can provide recreational opportunities for residents while attracting athletes and families for regional events.

The success of NKY Roots Campbell Composite and Kentucky's performance at the Central Regionals demonstrate the growing strength of youth mountain biking in the region and the role Campbell County athletes are playing in that growth.