New High School Mountain Bike Team Forms

Getting kids on bicycles is becoming a popular theme in Northern Michigan.

Between Cindy Okerlund’s popular Kids Pedaling with a Purpose program and other school-based bicycling programs popping up regionally, it seems children are rediscovering biking like never before.

In Emmet and Charlevoix counties high school-age mountain bikers are jumping into a new program, initiated and sponsored by Latitude 45 Bicycles and Fitness.

Now in its second season, the Varsity Mountain Bike Team isn’t affiliated with a particular school, and is instead open to high school students in both counties.

Led by Latitude 45 Sales Manager Britt King, the team has about a dozen members and focuses on developing overall good cycling habits – not just mountain biking. “We aim to develop well-rounded riders, so we’ve also done road rides, a day at the bike park, and some urban freerides,” Britt said. “In two weeks the team will also take part in their second volunteer event – we’ll be out at Tanton clearing brush for Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association.”

While it is a team sport, actually racing mountain bikes isn’t a requirement for these young athletes. “Some members don’t race at all,” Britt said. “But, we did have multiple riders participate in Ore 2 Shore, Marquette Trails Fest, The Marquette Fall Enduro, Thunder Bay Thriller, and Michigan Mountain Mayhem”

To learn more about this program, contact Britt King. (Photos by Britt King)