U.P. kids get opportunity to learn mountain biking

MARQUETTE — Kids in the Marquette area will get a chance to hit the trails this weekend thanks to a nationwide celebration supported by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

The annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day will take place this Saturday on the south trails of the Noquemanon Trail Network. The 906 Adventure Team and the Range Area Mountain Bike Association have partnered with the network to help connect kids with nature through mountain biking.

“Getting a connection to the outdoors and them understanding the significance that it can play in their lives will put them in a position later in life to work on behalf of the trails as they move into politics or anything else. Maybe they’ll become land managers,” said Todd Poquette, director of the 906 Adventure Team.

In addition to skill-building obstacles, games, and group rides, the event will include a bit of entertainment provided by experienced riders.

“A couple of the guys locally here – some really good downhill riders – they put on a demo for the kids and show them how to really downhill, and the kids just really love that part of it,” Poquette added.

All local riders are welcomed to the event, which runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the South Trail Trailhead on County Road 553 in Marquette. Youth riders must be accompanied by an adult, should bring their own bike, and all riders must wear helmets. In case of rain, the day’s events will be postponed until Sunday.