30 Apr Pedaling with a Purpose Spring Rides Postponed

After much thought and consideration, and with student safety foremost in her mind, TOMTC Youth Programs Director Cindy Okerlund last week made the difficult decision to postpone upcoming Pedaling with a Purpose rides.

Originally slated to begin May 1, the annual rides take place on the North Western State Trail, which is still officially closed by the DNR. Although DNR work crews are currently clearing the paved section between Spring Lake Park and Alanson, Okerlund said she doesn’t have confidence that the trail’s overhanging tree canopy will be 100 percent safe for students, given such extreme ice storm damage.

“We have to be absolutely certain the trail is safe for the kids,” she said. “This decision came down to the wire for our schools. Many of the schools have agreed to reschedule our spring rides this coming September-October for their fifth graders – who are currently the fourth grade kids who are missing out this spring.”

Okerlund said Mother Nature needs more time to digest the mess. “Not only does the tree canopy have to be safe, there also has to be three feet of clear space on either side of the trail, so students don’t run into fallen trees and large brush piles if they veer off the path,” Cindy explained. “It’s just going to take some time for the trail to get back in good enough shape for our students to have a safe, fun time.”

Pedaling with a Purpose is Okerlund’s brainchild. Designed to get kids outside, it combines science, geography, history, and most importantly, health. Students spend the day reading maps, taking nature walks, discovering local history, and learning the life cycle of fish, as well as basic bicycle mechanics, safety and trail etiquette.

The eight-mile spring bike rides start at Spring Lake Park and go to Oden State Fish Hatchery. The rides are preceded by student bicycling skills assessments which take place in January, February, March and April in the schools’ gymnasiums.

Over 100 volunteers help Okerlund conduct each aspect of this popular program. This year’s program is on track to serve 315 students in 15 Emmet County fourth grade classes.