Singletrack Flyers 2026 2026

Description

The Singletrack Flyers is a "ready to ride" youth mountain biking initiative focused on teaching young riders how to ride safely, advance their skills on a mountain bike, the importance of trail stewardship, and most importantly how to have FUN on our local trails. Encouraging children to take up mountain biking benefits their bodies and minds now and into the future, establishing healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Our all-volunteer organization brings together parents and community members to offer exciting programs for kids of all ages so that they, too, can experience the excitement of riding through the Keweenaw's forests. We believe that in order to build and maintain sustainable singletrack trails in the Keweenaw Peninsula, we have to develop the next generation of mountain bikers right here at home. These passionate young riders will grow up to be advocates for trail development throughout their lives, creating a positive feedback loop that will benefit everyone in our community.

Once per week (Monday evening) between June 8 and July 27, 2026 we'll meet for guided group rides, split into similarly-skilled groups led by adult coaches. Many of of our leaders are certified cycling instructors and are prepared to lead our groups through instructive lessons no matter the age that they're working with. Skills training is perfectly balanced with for-fun riding so that nobody gets bored or overwhelmed. We'll try to keep kids moving as much as possible, both to burn off some youthful energy and keep the bugs at bay. Groups are assigned ahead of time based on skill level and each team is color-coded to make finding your coach as easy as possible.

The first 6 sessions through July 13 will be at the MTU Tech Trails trailhead. The final 2 sessions (July 20 and 27) will be at the Swedetown Trails.

We are a ready to ride program and offer two levels. Our striders program is a parent-child level geared toward younger riders on strider bikes (without pedals), where riders focus on balance and foundational riding skills. Our pedaling program is for riders that can comfortably start, stop, and ride a two wheel bike. Please note, training wheels are not permitted in any of our levels.

Example Groups and Skills:​

Striders - parent-child program focused on balance and basic skill development. Early Riders – We'll work on body position, braking, terrain awareness, and simplified cornering. Little Rippers – Kids will continue to focus on the basics and will add in gear changes and other factors. Rippers – These riders will advance their braking and cornering techniques, shifting/cadence, and climbing/descending.

Note : Kids under 13-years-old can ride for free at Michigan Tech, youth 13+ and adults must purchase a trail pass for MTU. Daily trail passes can usually be purchased at the trailhead (look for a donation-type box). Michigan Tech seasonal/yearly trail passes can be purchased at the Nordic Club office (in the wax building) or at the ticket office at the SDC.